E — Wisdom Literature

Exhortation to Seek Wisdom (4Q185)

1Large fragments of a Wisdom poem in which a teacher encourages his 'people', his 'sons', the 'Simple', to search for Wisdom have been preserved in Cave 4 (4Q185). The script is believed to be late Hasmonaean, i.e. from the first half of the first century BCE. As is often the case in Wisdom literature, events of the patriarchal and Mosaic past are used for didactic purposes. For the editio princeps, see J. M. Allegro and A. A. Anderson, DJD, V, 85-7. Cf. J. Strugnell, RQ 7 (1970), 269-73. I ... And you, sons of men, woe to you! For he (man) sprouts from his ground like grass, and his grace blossoms like a flower. His [gl]ory blows away and his grass dries up, and the wind carries away its flower ... so that it is found no more ... They shall seek him but shall not find him, and there is no hope (for him); and his days are like a shadow over the ea[rth]. Now pray hearken to me, my people; heed me, O you Simple; become wise through the might of God. Remember His miracles which He did in Egypt, and His marvels in the land of Ham. Let your heart shake because of His fear, II and do His will ... ... your souls according to His good graces, and search for yourself a way towards life, a highway [towards ... ] a remnant for your sons after you. And why have you given up your soul to vanity, ... judgement? Hearken to me, O my sons, and do not rebel against the words

2of YHWH. Do not walk ... [but in the way He established] for Jacob, and in the path which He decreed for Isaac. Is one day not better ... ... His fear, and not to be afflicted (?) by dread and the fowler's net. ... to be set apart from His angels, for there is no darkness, nor gloom ... And you, what do you understand ... before Him evil shall go towards every people. Happy is the man to whom it (Wisdom) has been given thus, ... the evil, nor let the wicked boast, saying: It has not been given me, nor ... [For God gave it] to Israel, and with a good measure He measures it; and He will redeem all His people, and He will put to death those who hate His Wisdom.

3Seek her and find her, grasp her and possess her! With her is length of days and fatness of bone, the joy of the heart and ... Happy is the man who works it ... who does not seek it ... of deceit, nor holds to it with flatteries. As it has belonged to his fathers, so will he inherit it, and hold fast to it with all the strength of his might, and all his immeasurable ... and he shall cause his offspring to inherit it.

4I know how to labour for good ... III ...

5[God inspects] all the chambers of the womb and He tries all its inward parts. [God shapes] the tongue and knows its words. God makes the hand [and understands their deeds (?)] ...

A Parable of Warning (4Q302)

1This text comprises eighteen badly damaged papyrus fragments palaeographically dated to the end of the second century BCE. The topic of the first fragment seems to be the giant 'good' tree which produces thorns. For the editio princeps, see B. Nitzan, DJD, XX, 135-41. Fr. 2 ii II Sages, reflect on this. If a man has a good tree [which grows] as far as heaven [and its branches reach (?)] to the ex[tremitie]s of the lands, yet it [pr]oduces thorny fruits (?) ... former rain and latter rain ... and in thirst ... ... Fr. 3 ii ... God will avenge Himself on you for your transgression ... your designs and He does not stand up against you to rebuke you, and to dispute with you. God's seat is in heaven and His dominion is over the lands and seas ...

Sapiential Didactic Work A (4Q412)

1This badly mutilated wisdom composition is represented by four fragments. They contain only one translatable sentence. For the editio princeps, see A. Steudel, DJD, XX, 164-7. Fr. 1 [P]ut a lock on your lips and protecting doors to your tongue ...

A Sapiential Work (i) (4Q413)

1Two fragments have preserved the first four lines of a column from a Wisdom composition. The script is Herodian, dating to the turn of the era. The word 'God' is written with palaeo-Hebrew letters in lines 2 and 4. For the editio princeps, see E. Qimron, DJD, XX, i69-71. ... I will teach you [knowledge(?)] and wisdom, And understand the ways of man and the works of the sons of ma[n]. [According to] God's [loving-kindness] towards man, He has enlarged his inheritance in the knowledge of His truth, and according to His rejection of every ev[il man,] no-one who [walks after] his ears and his eyes shall live. And now [His] loving-kindness ... the ancient, they will consider the years of all the generations as God has revealed ...

A Sapiential Work (ii) (4Q415-18, 423, 1Q26)

1A substantial Wisdom composition, probably dating to the second century BCE, has survived in six fragmentary manuscripts, one from Cave 1 (1Q26) and five partly overlapping scrolls from Cave 4 (4Q415, 416, 417, 418a and b and 423). Apart from the last-mentioned manuscript, dated to the first half of the first century CE, all are said to be early Herodian (30—1 BCE). The work is unquestionably sectarian and displays a terminology akin to the Community Rule, the Damascus Document and the Thanksgiving Hymns. T. Elgvin has attempted to reconstruct the original work and he sums up its contents as follows: argument with a neighbour; relationship of the elect to God and man; God as provider for all his creatures; business ethics; a modest life; deposit to be returned in full; the hope of the just man; divine mysteries to be studied and the praise of God's name; attitude to parents, wife, children; the elect and the sage's escape from God's anger; God as permanent judge of wickedness; God as creator of the heavenly beings and luminaries; God as future judge; mankind's submission to God; the fate of the just and the wicked; religious life; first-born sons of God in praise of him; the use of insight; God's eternal plant: the saints; God's providence; the distribution of the portions of the elect; the farmer and the garden of Eden; Warning: God is to try man. Cf. T. Elgvin, 'The Reconstruction of Sapiential Work A', RQ16 (1995), 559- 80. For the editio princeps, see J. Strugnell and D. J. Harrington, DJD, XXXIV, 1-503 (4Q415-418c and 1Q26), and T. Elgvin, ibid., 505-33 (4Q423).

24Q416, fr. 1 (=4Q418, fr. 2) From heaven He judges the work of wickedness and all the sons of truth will be accepted ... ... [until] his end and all those who have wallowed in it shall be frightened and scream. For heaven ... The waters and abysses shall be frightened, and all the spirits of flesh shall be laid bare. And the sons of heaven ... its [jud]gement. And all injustice will yet come to an end and the age of trut[h] will be completed ... ... in all the everlasting ages. For He is the God of truth, and from the beginning of years ... to establish righteousness between good and ev[il]. ... [For] his is a fleshly [in]clination and his foundation ... 4Q416, fr. 2 ii (4Q417 2 ii, 4Q418 8, 21, 22, 4Q418a [for] He opens His mercies ... ... and to give nourishment to all the living. If he keeps his hand tight, the spirit of all flesh is gathered in. Do not take ... ... and the debtor ... let him quickly repay (his debt). As for you, settle with him, for you must keep an eye on your money purse.

3At[tend] your creditor on behalf of your friend and you have gi[ven] all your life for (?) him. Give quickly what is his and take [your] purse. Let your spirit not diminish because of your words; do not exchange your holy spirit for any wealth, for no price equals it ... For no man thrusts you away. With favour seek His face and speak according to His tongue and you will then find your pleasure ... do not ... Do not abandon your precepts and take care of yourself with your mysteries. If he assigns you some work to do, do not rest or give sleep to your eyes until you have done [his] command[ments] ... [and] do not add ... And if it is to be humbled, do not ... Lift up your eyes and see that man's zeal is great for deceitful is the heart more than every ... And also by His gentle wisdom you will hold fast to His service ... you will consult with him. And you will be his first-born son and (he will) have compassion on you like a man on his only son; ... for you are his servant and his chosen one Do not trust ... and do not keep awake because of ... and become for him like a slave ... Do not strike him who is without your strength lest you stumble and your shame increase greatly. [Do not s]ell yourself for wealth it is better for you to be a slave in spirit. And serve your master freely

4And do not sell your glory for a price. Do not give money in pledge for your inheritance lest it impoverish your body. Do not satiate yourself with bread while there is no clothing. Do not drink wine while there is no food. Do not seek luxury when you lack bread. Do not glorify yourself in your need if you are poor lest you degrade your life. Also do not treat with contempt the vessel of your bosom (wife) 4Q417, fr. 2 i (=4Q416 fr. 2 i) ... each time so that he shall not fill you and according to his spirit speak against him ... without rebuke. Forgive the worthy and ... And you shall not swallow up his spirit, for you have spoken in whisper ... And he has recited quickly his rebuke ... Do not overlook your sin ... for he is as righteous as you are. For he is a prince among pr[inces] ... he will do. For how unique is he in all activity with[out] ... Do not reckon an unjust man as a help, nor one filled with hatred ... [apart from] the wickedness of his deeds at his visitation. Know how to walk with him ... Let [instr]uction not depart from your heart and God will be for you, yourself. Widen ... in your poverty, for who is more insignificant than a poor man. Do not be jolly while in mourning

5lest you labour all your life. Look at the approaching mystery and grasp the sources (or: begetters) of salvation, and know who is to inherit glory or injustice. Will they not ... and for their mourning everlasting joy. ... Be an advocate for your business ... all your sins. Pronounce your judgement like a righteous ruler. Do not ta[ke] ... and do not overlook your sin. Be like a poor man in your dispute; His judgement ... take. Then God will see and His anger will cease, and He will forgive your sins ... [Fo]r before His anger no one can stand, And who is righteous in His judgement? And without pardon, how can the poor [stand firm before Him]? And as for you, if you are in need of food, your need and your plenty ... you will make abundant. Be led to the sustenance of His delight, and take from Him your inheritance and do not add agai[n] ... [By the word] of his mouth everything is and whatever He feeds you with, eat it. ... of your life. vacat If in your need you borrow money from people do not ... day and night and there shall be no rest for your soul [until] you have repaid [your] creditor [his money]. Do not lie to him so that you will not bear guilt for it. Furthermore, because of the reproach ... You will not trust his neighbour. In your need he will close his hand.

6Your strength ... If you receive a stroke ... Do not hide from him who strikes you So that he will not reveal your shame ... 4Q416 2 iii (4Q417 2 ii 26, 4Q418 9-10) ... and remember that you are poor ... What you lack, you will not find ... [If someone has left] a deposit with you, do not put your hand on it lest it be burnt and your body be devoured by its flame. A[s you have received] it, so return it and you will rejoice if you have no responsibility for it. Accept no goods from someone whom you do not know lest he increase your poverty. But if he has thrust it on you, let it be a deposit until death, but do not let your spirit be destroyed by it. Then you will lie with the truth and your memory will flowe[r for ev]er when you die, and your posterity will inherit joy. You are poor, do not desire anything save your inheritance, and do not be devoured by it lest you change your boundary. But if He brings you back to glory, walk in it, and in the approaching mystery search its beginnings. Then you will know His inheritance and you will walk in righteousness For God will shine His face on all your ways. Honour Him who glorifies you and praise His name always. For your head is above the summit of the mountains and He has given you a seat among the nobles

7and has made you to rule over an inheritance of glory. Seek always His pleasure.

8You are a poor man. Do not say: Since I am poor, I will not seek knowledge. Shoulder every discipline and with every ... refine your heart, and your thoughts with a multitude of understanding. Search the approaching mystery and consider all the ways of truth, and behold all the roots of injustice. Then you will know what is bitter for a man and what is sweet for a human being. Honour your father in your poverty and your mother in your steps. For his father is like God to a man and his mother like a ruler to a human being. For they are the crucible from which you were born and as He placed them over you as rulers and a frame for the spirit (?), so serve them, and as He has revealed to you the approaching mystery, honour them for your honour's sake and in ... the splendour of their face for your life's sake and for the length of your days. And if you are as poor as ... without precept. You have taken a wife in your poverty, take the offspring ... from the approaching mystery when you are joined together. Walk with the helpmate of your flesh ... 4Q416 iv (4Q418 10 5-10)

9... his father and his mother and he will cling [to his wife and they will become one flesh] He made him rule over her and she ... He did not make her father rule over her and He separated her from her mother . and towards you [will be her longing and she will be] one flesh for you. He will separate your daughter for another and your sons ... And you will become one with the wife of your bosom, for she is the flesh of your na[kedness] and whoever rules over her apart from you has changed the boundary of his life. He has made you to rule over her spirit so that she may walk according to your pleasure. Let her not increase vows and free-will offerings ... Bring back (her?) spirit to your good pleasure, and annul by the utterance of your mouth every binding oath of hers by which to vow a vow. And by your will, stop her ... of your lips ... forgive her for your sake. Let her not multiply ... 4Q417 1 i (4Q418, fr. 43-45 i) ... [And] you, O man of understanding, ... Look on ... and grasp the wonderful mysteries of the God of awe. ... Look at the approaching mysteries And the ancient deeds ... ... what was and what will be ... ... in each deed and de[ed] ...

10[day and] night he meditates on the approaching mystery and studies (it) always. Then you will know truth and injustice, wisdom [and folly ... ] ... in all their ways together with their visitation for all the eternal ages and everlasting visitation. Then you will know the difference between [go]od and evil relating to their deeds. For the God of knowledge is the foundation of truth, and through the approaching mystery He set apart its foundation, the work of [His hands] ... ... and in pure understanding were revealed ... the secrets of his thought with his perfect conduct in all his deeds. Always seek these eagerly, and understand all their results. And then you will know everlasting glory and His marvellous mysteries, and the might of His deeds. And you will understand the beginning of your reward at the memorial of the time that has come. Engraved is the decree and all the visitation is determined. For God's ordinance is engraved over all the in[iquities] of the sons of Seth. And a book of memorial is written before Him for those who keep His word. And this is the vision issuing from the meditation on the book of memorial. And He gave it as a heritage to mankind and to the people of the spirit. For his (man's) shape is modelled on the holy ones, but meditation belongs no more to the fleshly spirit, for it cannot distinguish between g[ood] and evil according to the judgement of its spirit. And you, son of understanding, look ... at the approaching mystery and know the heritage of all the living.

11And his conduct and his visitation ... ... whether large or small ... do not be touched by wickedness ... [For whoever is touched] by it will not be innocent. According to his inheritance in it He will be wick[ed] ... Son of the intelligent, Consider your mysteries And the foundation of ... 4Q418, fr. 55 ... watchfulness will be in our heart ... and confidence in all our ways. vacat ... knowledge, and they have not searched for understandi[ng, and] ... have not chosen. vacat Is [he] not the God of knowledge, ... on the truth, establishing all [their ways of un]derstanding? He has assigned to all those who inherit truth ... watchfulness ... Have not peace and quiet... ? [Have] you not known ... ? For the holy angels ... in heaven [and] ... truth. And they will pursue all the roots of understanding, And watch over ... [And ac]cording to their knowledge they will be honoured, one more than another, and in conformity with his intelligence will his honour increase. ... Are they (the angels?) inert like man?

12Are they quiet like a son of man? Are they not... eternity, Inheriting an everlasting possession? Have you not seen ... ? 4Q418, fr. 69 (4Q417 5 1-5) II... And now, O you foolish hearts, What good is to (someone) who is not... [What] is silence for someone who does not exist, and what is judgement if it has no foundation? Why do the dead groan over their ... ... you have been shaped and your return is to eternal destruction. For it shall wake up... your sin Darkness will roar against your dispute. And all those who will exist for ever, those who search truth will be aroused for your judgement [and then] all the foolish hearts will be destroyed, and the sons of injustice will be found no more, [and a]ll the supporters of wickedness will be put to shame. The foundations of the firmament scream at your judgement and all the ... will thunder. And you, elect of truth and pursuers of [righteousness and] jud[gement] ... guardians of all knowledge, how will you say: We labour for understanding and keep awake to pursue knowledge ... and be not weary in all the years of eternity. Will he not delight in truth for ever and knowledge... The s[ons of] heaven whose inheritance is eternal life,

13Will they indeed say: We have laboured in the works of truth and we exhausted ourselves in all the ages. Will they not walk in eternal light [and inherit g]lory and great splendour. And you, O son of [understanding] ... 4Q418, fr. 81 (4Q423 8 1) Your lips are the opening of a spring to bless the holy, and in the eternal spring you have praised... The [Hol]y... has separated you from every spirit (bound to) flesh. As for you, separate from all that He hates, and keep away from all the abomination of the soul. For He has made all, and caused them to inherit each his heritage. He is your portion and your heritage among the sons of man, [and] He has made you ruler [in] his [her]itage. And in this you glorify Him, in consecrating yourself to Him. When He made of you the holy of holies for the whole world And in all these He cast your lot. And He has much increased your glory and has made you the first-born for Himself among... ... and I give you My goodness. As for you, is not My goodness for you? In His faithfulness He has walked always. ... your deeds. And as for you, search His judgements from all your accusers with all ... love Him, and with eternal loving-kindness, and with mercy towards all who keep His word. And his zeal...

14And as for you, He has opened understanding to you and has made you the ruler over His treasury and appointed [you] a receptacle of truth ... ... them with you, and to revoke anger from the men of goodwill by your hand. And to visit... with you, and before you take your heritage from His hand, glorify(?) His holy ones; and bef[ore] ... ... He has opened the [spr]ing of all the holy ones, and everyone called holy by His name ... ... with all the ages, his beauty and splendour to become an ever[lasting] plant. ... will walk all those who inherit the earth. For in heav[en] ... And you, O man of understanding, if He has made you rule over handcraft and know[ledge] ... secret (?) to all mortal men. And from there you will seek your prey and ... understand much. And by all your instructors increase in learning. ... bring from your poverty to all those who seek pleasure. Then you will establish... ... you will be filled and you will be satisfied with plenty of good. By the skill of your hands... For God has assigned a heritage to all the [living] and all those wise in heart have become intelligent... Fr. 103 ii ... For all of them will seek their times and each man according to [his] pleasure...

15like a spring of living water which contains a secret. ... Do not mix with your merchandise that which... Why should it be a mixture like a mule, and you should be like one dres[sed in mixed materials], in wool and in linen, and you should labour with an ox and an ass (yoked) together. Your produce also would be like that of one who sows mixed seeds. Let the seed and the crop and the produce of the [vineyard] be holy ... 4Q423,frs. 1, 2 ... and every fruit that is grown and every tree that is pleasant and desirable providing understanding. Is this not a pl[easant and desirable] garden providing much understanding? He made you (Adam) rule over it to cultivate and guard it. vacat ... [the soil] will sprout for you thorn and thistle and it will not give you its strength ... because of your unfaithfulness. vacat ... she (Eve) gave birth and all the sentiments of her who has concei[ved] ... ... all your secrets... and all your affairs. For it will sprout [for you] everything... ... [knowing] evil, knowing good ... 4Q423 fr.5 5

16... and beware lest you... the judgement of Korah. And as He has unstopped your ear... ... and the prince of your people... He has divided the inheritance of all the rulers and the formation of every [dee]d is in His hand. He [knows] the reward of [their works and] j[udges] them all in truth. He visits the sons and the fathers, [the sojourners] (proselytes) with all the natives. He will speak... [If you are a f]armer, pay attention to the seasons of the summer and gather in your produce in its time, and the period of... ... the good with the evil Observe your produce and your work, In your labour consider... the good with the bad, the intelligent man with the fool

A Sapiential Work (iii): Ways of Righteousness (4Q420-21)

1Two badly fragmented copies of a Wisdom composition portray the behaviour of the righteous man in universal terms. However, since the vocabulary of 4Q421 1 i echoes the terminology of the Community Rule, the whole work may be classified as sectarian. For the editio princeps, see T. Elgvin, DJD, XX, 173-202. 4Q420, fr. 1 (4Q421, fr. 1 ii) II to practise righteousness in the ways of God (4Q421 ii). ... he shall not reply before he has heard, nor shall he speak before he has gained understanding. He shall patiently respond and... shall issue a word. He shall seek truth (and) judgement and by searching righteousness he shall find its outcome. A humble and modest man shall not turn back until... A faithful man shall not depart from the ways of righteousness and he shall set his heart on ... and the bones (of) his hands on ... He shall be redeemed through righteousness; through understanding... his fields. His territory... to [practise ri]ghteousness ...

24Q421, fr. 1a i ... [He shall bring all] his wisdom, knowledge, understanding and good things [into the Community of God] ... (cf. 1QS 1, 11-12) to regulate all (placement of) one before another... the first lot will fall. And thus they shall set out... (cf. 1QS 11, 21-23).

A Sapiential Work Instruction-like Composition (4Q424)

1The main aim of this poetic composition is to instruct the just man how to ensure the progress of wisdom by not entrusting its propagation to the unworthy. Palaeographically it is dated to the second half of the first century BCE. For the editio princeps, see S. Tanzer, DJD, XXXVI, 333-46. Fr. 1 ... and he will choose to build it, and will spread plaster on its wall. He too ... will become loose because of the rain. Do not learn a precept in the company of hypocrites nor come to the furnace with a totterer, for he will melt away like lead, and will not stand up to the fire... and do not entrust a sleepy man with something delicate, for he will not treat your work gently... Do not send... learning (?), for he will not smooth down your paths. Do not [send... ] a grumbler to procure money for your need, nor put your trust in a man with twisted lips, [for] he will surely twist your judgement by his lips. His desire will not follow the truth, ... by the fruit of his lips. Do not put a stingy man in charge of mone[y],

2... mete out your food according to your desire... ... those who bring abundance... but at the time of gathering he will be found ungodly. The short-tempered... the simple, for he will surely swallow them up ... Fr. 3 ... and he will not do his deed by weighing it. A man who judges before inquiry, and one who believes before ... , do not put him in charge of those who pursue knowledge, for he will not understand their manner so as to justify the just and declare the wicked [wicked]; he too will be for contempt. Do not send a blind man to bring a vision to the upright; li[kewise] do not send a man who is hard of hearing to inquire into judgement, for he will not smooth out a quarrel between people. Like one who scatters into the wind... ... who does not test, so is he who speaks to an ear which does not listen, and talks to a man deep asleep through a spirit... Do not send a 'fat-hearted' (dense) man to acquire thoughts, for the wisdom of his heart is hidden, and he will not be in charge o[f his heart], and will not find wisdom for his hands. An intelligent man gains un[derstanding], a knowing man will bring forth wisdom... an upright man delights in justice, a man of truth rej[oices in] ... a mighty man is zealous for... He is an adversary to all changers of boundaries, ... righteousness for the poor of...

3He disputes with all who move the boundaries. A merciful man [gives] alms to the poor. He is concerned for all those without property; The sons of righteousness...

The Two Ways (4Q473)

1Inspired by Deuteronomy xi, 26-28, this fragmentary text, palaeographically dated to the end of the first century BCE, is akin to the Instruction on the Two Spirits in the Community Rule (1QS 111, 13- IV, 25). For the editio princeps, see T. Elgvin, DJD, XXII, 289-99.

2... and He has placed [before you] t[wo] ways one which is goo[d and one which is evil. If you choose the good way], He will bless you. But if you walk in the [evil] way, [He will curse you] ... and in your [te]nts, and He will destroy you with ... and mildew, snow, ice and hai[l] ... with all.

Bless, My Soul (Barki nafshia-e, 4Q434-438)

1Cave 4 has yielded five manuscripts (4Q434-438) of a poetic composition designated by the opening words of the first section as Barki nafshi or 'Bless, my soul'. A sixth manuscript (4Q439) is said to be akin to it. The pieces translated are not unlike some of the Thanksgiving Hymns, but include no sectarian features. For the editio princeps, see M. Weinfeld and D. Seely, DID, XXIX, 255-334. 4Q434, fr. I Bless, my soul, the Lord for all His marvels for ever, and may His name be blessed. For He has delivered the soul of the poor, and has not despised the humble, and has not forgotten the misery of the deprived. He has opened His eyes towards the distressed, and has heard the cry of the fatherless, and has turned His ears towards their crying. He has been gracious to the humble by His great kindness, and has opened their eyes to see His ways, and [thei]r e[ar]s to hear His teaching. He has circumcised the foreskin of their heart, and has delivered them because of His kindness, and has directed their feet towards the way. He has not forsaken them amid the multitude of their

2misery, neither has He handed them over to the violent, nor has He judged them together with the wicked. [He has] not [directed] His anger against them, neither did he annihilate them in His wrath. While all His furious wrath was not growing weary, He has not judged them in the fire of His ardour, but He has judged them in the greatness of His mercy. The judgements of His eyes were to try them, and He has brought His many mercies among the nations, [and from the hand of] men He has delivered them. He has not judged them (amid) the mass of nations, and in the midst of peoples He has not judged [them]. But He hid them in [His] ... He has turned darkness into light before them, and crooked places into level ground, He has revealed to them abundance of peace and truth. He has made their spirit by measure, and has established their words by weight, and has caused them to sing(?) like flutes. He has given them a [perfect] heart, and they have walked in the w[ay of His heart], He has also caused them to draw near to the w[ay of his heart]. For they have pledged their spirit. He sent and covered them and commanded that no plague [should affect them]. His angel fixed his camp around them; He guarded them lest [the enemy?] destroy them. Fr. 1 ii II... in [their] misery [and] afflicti[on]s [and] He de[liver]ed them [from] all affliction. ... and Thou hast done for them against the sons of man and Thou hast

3delivered them for Thy sake. ... and they expiated for their iniquities and the iniquities of their fathers, and they atoned in wa[ter] ... ... by Thy judgements and to the way which Thou didst teach again... Fr. 2 ... to comfort the poor woman for her mourning... ... the nations to [des]truction and He will raze the peoples. And the wicked... Renew the works of the heaven and of the earth, And they will exult and [the whole earth] will be filled with His glory He will atone [for] their [guilt] and great goodness will comfort them. ... eating its fruit and goodness. Like a man comforted by his mother, so will He comfort them in Jerusal[em. Like a bridegroom] with the bride, so will He dwel[l] with her [for e]ver. [Fo]r His throne is for ever and ever and His glory ... and all the nations. ... the arm[y of heav]en will be in it and their delightful [l]and... I will bless the ... ... Blessed be the name of the Most Hi[gh] ... Fr. 7b ... their portions from there from the des[ert to] the gate of hope. And He made a covenant with them for peace with the birds [of hea]ven and the beasts of the field. He made manure of their enemies, He ground Edom and Moab into dust... 4Q436 (combined with 4Q435i) I understanding to strengthen the contrite heart and the spirit (which is) in it for ever; to comfort the weak in the time of their distress and the

4hands of the fallen so that they may rise; to make instruments of knowledge; to give knowledge to the wise and the upright to increase understanding; so that they may understand Thy deeds which Thou hast done in the years of old, in the years of all generations. Eternal understanding which... before me, and Thou keepest Thy law before me and Thou hast entrusted Thy covenant to me. And Thou dost strengthen the heart... to walk in Thy ways. Thou hast visited my heart and Thou hast sharpened my kidneys (affections) that they may not forget Thy precepts.... Thou hast... Thy law. Thou hast opened my kidneys and hast strengthened me to pursue Thy ways... Thou hast made my mouth into a sharp sword and opened my tongue for words of holiness. And Thou hast set discipline [on them] that they may not meditate on man's actions, on the whisper of his lips. Thou hast strengthened my feet... and with Thy hand Thou hast strengthened my right hand. And Thou hast sent me on the straigh[t path]. ... Thou hast chased away from me. And Thou hast placed a pure heart in its stead; Thou hast chased away the evil inclination [from my] ... II And Thou hast placed [the spirit of holine]ss into my heart and hast taken away from me the eyes of fornication. And Thou hast looked ... Thy [wa]ys; Thou hast removed from me the stiff neck and replaced it with humility. Thou hast taken away [from me] the rage of anger and hast placed in me the spirit of patience [4Q435, fr. 1]. A haughty heart and lofty eyes Thou hast... from me ... to me. Thou hast blotted out the spirit of lies [4Q435 i] ... hast given me ... 4Q437 (combined with 4Q434-5) Fr. 2 i I... from the congregation of the seekers after... They have concealed [a net] to catch me and they pursued [my] sou[l]. ... their [swor]d penetrated their heart and their bows were broken.

5[For all thi]s I will bless Thy name during my life, for Thou hast delivered me from the trap of the nations ... [peo]ples. Thy mercies are a shield around me and Thou hast guarded my soul among the nations... Thou hast [not] made my friends ashamed of me. I have not forgotten Thy precepts. In the affliction of [my] soul [Thou hast not forsaken me, and] Thou hast not hidden Thy face from my supplications. Thou hast seen all my moanings and my iniquitie[s] ... When my spirit was fainting, Thou hast listened to my voice. [Thou hast hildden [me] in Thy quiver [and] ... me. Thou hast made of me a pointed arrow; Thou hast concealed me in the hiding place of Thy palm. [... and from the mud] Thou hast delivered me lest I sink in it, and from the stream of the gentiles lest it sweep me away and from... and I sank in its depth. And from hell Thou hast brought up my soul. Thou hast placed life [before me] and Thou hast seated the congregation of the men of marvels before me. And among the children of righteousness Thou hast comforted me. And according to the line of judgement Thou hast cheered up my soul, And according to the weight of justice Thou hast vivified my spirit. I bless the Lord with al[l my power and I praise] His [g]oodness with the joy of my heart. I have remembered Thee, O Lord, and my heart is firm b[efo]re Thee. I have hoped in Thy salvation, O Lord... I have remembered. And my heart has rejoiced and my horn will rise towards Thee. My soul thirsts. [My] soul [c]leaves to Thee. On thy deeds will I meditate. I have remembered Thee on my [couc]h during the watches of the night.

A Leader’s Lament (4Q439)

1A Leader's Lament (4Q439) Two small fragments have survived of a poetic lament by a person in authority. The text is too small to allow us to determine whether these are the words or pseudepigraphic words of a head of the sectarian community. For the editio princeps, see M. Weinfeld and D. Seely, DJD, XXIX, 335-41. Fr. 1 i I... [to] assemble the right[eous] of my people and to establish the way of life ... [to brin]g into the covenant the men of my company... my inheritance. Therefore my eyes are a spring of water... discipline and those who will stand up after them, who ... And behold my whole city has changed into thorns... [Be]hold all my judges have become fooli[sh] ... my righteous ones simple-minded, wh[o] ... traitors...

Fight against Evil Spirits (4Q444)

1The main purpose of the person reciting this prayer, of which six small fragments have survived, is to curse the spirits of wickedness. The genre is the same as 4Q510-11. For the editio princeps, see E. Chazon, DJD, XXIX, 367-78. Fr. 1-4 i I As for me, on account of my fear of God He has opened my mouth, And through His holy spirit... truth for all [thes]e. They have become spirits of dispute in my body, Precept[s of] ... [from] the frame of the flesh. And God has placed in [my] h[eart] the spirit of knowledge and understanding, truth and righteousness... And fortify yourself by the precepts of God, And to fight against the spirit of wickedness and not... His judgements. Cursed be ...

Songs of the Sage (4Q510-11)

1Scraps of two manuscripts from Cave 4 (4Q510-11) represent a mixture of sapiential psalms and poems of exorcism. Their editor, M. Baillet (DJD, VII, 215-62), assigns the script to the end of the first century BCE, or the turning of the era. The first fragment preserves an interesting list of names of demons. 4Q510 ... praises. Ben[edictions for the K]ing of glory. Words of thanksgiving in psalms of... to the God of knowledge, the Splendour of power, the God of gods, Lord of all the holy. [His] domini[on] is over all the powerful mighty ones and by the power of his might all shall be terrified and shall scatter and be put to flight by the splendour of the dwel[ling] of his kingly glory. And I, the Master, proclaim the majesty of his beauty to frighten and ter[rify] all the spirits of the destroying angels and the spirits of the bastards, the demons, Lilith, the howlers (?) and [the yelpers ...] they who strike suddenly to lead astray the spirit of understanding and to appal their heart and their... in the age of the domination of wickedness and the appointed times for the humiliation of the sons of ligh[t], in the guilt of the ages of those smitten by iniquity, not for eternal destruction but for the humiliation of sin. Exalt, O just, the God of marvels. My psalms are for the upright... May all whose way is perfect exalt him.

24Q511, fr. 1 ... [on the ea]rth and in all the spirits of his dominion always. Let the seas b[le]ss him in their turn and all the creatures living in them. May they proclaim the ... of beauty all of them. Let them rejoice before the God of justice with shouts of salvation, for there shall be no destroyer in their territories, and no spirit of wickedness shall walk in there. For the glory of the God of knowledge has shone forth in his words, and none of the sons of iniquity shall endure. Fr. 2 I For the Master. [First] Song. Praise the name of his holiness; all who know [justice], exalt him... He put an end to the chief of the dominations without... eternal [joy] and everlasting life, to cause light to shine ... his [l]ot is the best of Jacob and the inheritance of G[o]d ... of Israel ... they who guard the way of God and the pat[h] of his [hol]iness for the saints of his people. By the discerning knowledge [of Go]d, he placed Israel in twelve camps ... the lot of God with the ange[ls] of the luminaries of his glory. In his name the praises... he has established for the feast of the year and for a common government that they may walk [in] the lot of [God] according to [his] glory [and] serve him in the lot of the people of his throne. For the God of... Fr. 8 [For the Master]. Second [S]ong to frighten those who terrify him... Fr. 18 II I have hated all the works of impurity. For God has caused the knowledge of understanding to shine in my heart. Just chastisers

3(deal) with my perversity, and faithful judges with all my sinful guilt. For God is my judge and by the hand of a stranger [He] shall not ... Frs. 28-9 ... [they shall] rejoice in God with jubilation. And I [will thank Th]ee for, because of Thy glory, Thou hast [s]et knowledge on my foundations of dust to pr[aise Thee].... out of a shape [of clay] was I moulded and from darkness was I kneaded... and iniquity is in the limbs of my flesh ... Fr. 30 Thou hast sealed... the [e]arth ... and they are deep. [The heavens and the heavens of the] heavens, and the abysses and the dar[k places of the earth] ... Thou, O my God, hast sealed them all and there is none to open (them) ... Does one measure by the hollow of a human hand the waters of the great (ocean)? Are [the heavens estimated by the span (of fingers)? In one third (of a measure)] can any contain the dust of the earth, and weigh the mountains in a balance, or the hills in scal[es]? Man did not make these. How can he measure the spirit of [God]? Fr. 35 ... God in all flesh, and an avenging judgement to destroy wickedness, and for the raging anger of God towards those seven times refined. God shall sancti[fy] (some) of the holy as an everlasting sanctuary for himself, and purity shall endure among the cleansed. They shall be priests, his righteous people, his host, servants, the angels of his glory. They shall praise him with marvellous prodigies. I, I spread the fear of God in the ages of my generations to exalt the name ... [to terrify] by his might al[l] the spirits of the 'bastards', subduing them by [his] fear...

4Frs. 63-4 II ... I will bless Thy name and in my appointed periods I will recount Thy marvels and I will engrave them as precepts of Thy glory's praises. At the beginning of every thought of a knowing heart and (with) the offering of that which flows from the righteous lips when ready for all true worship and with all... Fr. 63 III As for me, my tongue shall extol Thy righteousness, for Thou hast released it. Thou hast placed on my lips a fount of praise and in my heart the secret of the commencement of all human actions and the completion of the deeds of the perfect of way and the judgements regarding all the service done by them, justifying the just by Thy truth and condemning the wicked for their guilt. To announce peace to all the men of the Covenant and to utter a dreadful cry of woe for all those who breach it ... IV May they bless all Thy works always and blessed be Thy name for ever and ever. Amen, amen.

Beatitudes (4Q525)

1The title given to this piece of wisdom poetry, consisting of fifty mostly small fragments palaeographically dated to the second half of the first century BCE, derives from the repeated use of 'Blessed' ('ashre), modelled on Ps. i, 1, and recalling the Beatitudes of the New Testament (Matth. v, 3-11). The main structural difference between Matthew and 4Q525 lies in that the former each time lists the reward of the virtue for which people are blessed, whereas the Cave 4 text provides ordinary, mostly antithetic, parallelisms instead. For the editio princeps, see E. Puech, DJD, XXV, 115-78. Fr. 2 II [Blessed is] ... with a pure heart and does not slander with his tongue. Blessed are those who hold to her (Wisdom's) precepts and do not hold to the ways of iniquity. Blessed are those who rejoice in her, and do not burst forth in ways of folly. Blessed are those who seek her with pure hands, and do not pursue her with a treacherous heart. Blessed is the man who has attained Wisdom, and walks in the Law of the Most High. He directs his heart towards her ways, and restrains himself by her corrections, and always takes delight in her chastisements. He does not forsake her when he sees distress, nor abandon her in time of strain. He will not forget her [on the day of] fear,

2and will not despise [her] when his soul is afflicted. For always he will meditate on her, and in his distress he will consider [her?] ... [He will place her] before his eyes, so as not to walk in the ways of [folly]. ... Fr. 5 ... [Do not] forsake your [inheri]tance [to the nations] nor your portion to strangers... For the wise... will instruct with sweetness. Those who [f]ear God observe her (Wisdom's) ways and walk in [all] her precepts and do not reject her corrections. The intelligent will bring out... [and all] those who walk in perfection will turn aside injustice, but they will not reject her admonitions and will carry [her] ... The sensible will recognize her ways [and meditate on (?)] her depths. ... will look. Those who love God will withdraw to it (Wisdom) ... Fr. 14 ii II... your feet will [walk] in an open place and you will advance on the high grou[nd of] your [e]nemy. [You will love God with all your heart and with all] your soul, and He will deliver you from all evil. Terror will not come upon you... He will make you inherit. He will fill your days with good and you will w[alk] in great peace ... you will inherit glory.

3And you will end up in the eternal resting place... And all who know you will walk together following your teaching; ... will mourn together and will remember you in your ways. For you were g[ood] ... And now, listen to me, O man of understanding, And let your mind be attentive to the utter[ances of my lips]. Allow knowledge to enter your heart (literally: belly) ... Express [your] utterances with just humility [and] give [not] ... [Do not] turn against the words of your friend so that he will not... to you. Answer as is proper to him who listens to you. Beware... [Do not] pour out your thought before you have heard their words... greatly. First listen to their utterance and afterwards answer ... [With long-]suffering express them and answer correctly among princes. ... with your lips and a stumbling block of the tongue. Beware greatly... lest you are caught by your lips As well as ensnared by [your] tongue ... ... unseemly words... from me and were twisted...

4F. Bible Interpretation 'The Targum of Job', Israel Antiquities Authority Introductory Note Five types of biblical commentary have been recovered from the Qumran caves. The first and least developed form of exegesis is contained in the so-called 'Reworked Pentateuch' texts, consisting of a quasi- traditional text of the Bible, occasionally rearranged and supplemented. To this category belong 4Q158, 364-7, 422, 382, etc. The Temple Scroll (11Q19-20) may also be assigned to this group, as well as the fairly, though not strictly, literal Aramaic translations or Targums of the Hebrew Scriptures (4Q156-7; 11Q10), to which should

5be added some small fragments of the Greek Bible from Caves 4 and 7. The second type, represented by the Genesis Apocryphon, sets out to render the Bible story more intelligible and attractive by giving it more substance, by reconciling conflicting statements, and by reinterpreting in the light of contemporary standards and beliefs any passages which might seem to give offence. In a somewhat similar manner, a Commentary on Genesis from Cave 4 (4Q252) attempts to adjust the chronology of the Flood to the specific sectarian calendar of the Qumran Community. The third type of commentary departs from the biblical text and, relying on one or several passages, creates a new story. Among others, the Admonition associated with the Flood (4Q370, 185), the Words of Moses (1Q22), the New Jerusalem texts (4Q554-5, 5Q15, etc.) and the Prayer of Nabonidus (4Q242), inspired by Genesis, Deuteronomy, Ezekiel and Daniel respectively, come into this category. The fourth and most characteristic form of exegesis applies prophetic texts to the past, present and future of the sect. Normally the commentator expounds a biblical book verse by verse, e.g. Isaiah (4Q161-4); Nahum (4Q169); Habakkuk (1QpHab); the Psalms (4Q171, 173), etc., but some works - A Midrash on the Last Days (4Q174), The Heavenly Prince Melchizedek (11Q13), etc. - follow the traditional Jewish example and assemble passages from different parts of Scripture in order to develop a common theme. Finally, a substantial amount of free compositions modelled on the Bible, e.g. Jubilees (4Q216-28), Enoch and the Giants (4Q201-12, 530-33), or circulating together with the Bible, e.g. the Para-Danielic fragments (4Q243-5), and works attributed to Noah (1Q19, etc.), the Patriarchs Levi (4Q213-14, 537-41), Moses (4Q374-7, 390), and many others constitute a fifth category of exegesis. In one way, the Aramaic and Hebrew manuscripts of one of the Apocrypha, the Book of Tobit (4Q196-200), pertain to this class.

6Aramaic Bible Translations (Targums) Two books of the Hebrew Bible have survived in Aramaic translation in the Qumran caves. A small scroll, found in Cave 11 and measuring 109 cm, has preserved in Aramaic a large portion of the last seven chapters of the Book of Job. Twenty-seven smaller fragments cover parts of Job xvii, 14 to xxxvi, 33. This text, together with small remains from Cave 4 of Leviticus (4Q156=xvi, 12-21, see below) and of another manuscript of Job (4Q157=iii, 5-9; iv, 16-v, 4), represent the oldest extant Aramaic renderings of the Hebrew Bible. The translation of Job frequently differs from the customary text of the Hebrew Bible, but it is unclear whether the divergences are due merely to the difficulty of translating poetry, or to a Hebrew original not identical with the traditional Scripture. Hebrew Jobxl, 12 Look on every one that is proud and bring him low; and tread down the wicked where they stand. 11 Qar Job And every proud spirit you will smash; and extinguish the wicked below them. It is clear, on the other hand, that the prose narrative of xlii, 9-11 displays notable departures from the text known to us, as may be seen from the following parallel translations: Hebrew Job xlii (9) So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the Lord had told them; and

7the Lord accepted Job's prayer. (10) And the Lord restored the 11 Qar Job (9)... God. God heard the voice of Job and forgave them (his friends') their sins because of him. (10) And God returned fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends; and the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. (11) Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house; and they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evil that the Lord had brought upon him; and each of them gave him a piece of money (or: sheep) and a ring of gold. to Job with mercy and doubled all that he had owned. (11) All his friends, brothers and acquaintances came to Job and they ate bread with him in his house, and they comforted him for all the misery that God had brought on him and each gave him a ewe-lamb and a ring of gold. The English version provided below (Job xxxvii, 11 to xlii, 11) should therefore be read side by side with the translation of the canonical Job. It will be noticed that Job xxxix, 24 is missing from the Aramaic and xlii, 3 is replaced by xl, 5. Furthermore, in Job xxxviii, 7 the phrase 'angels' is substituted for 'sons of God', a doctrinally suspect expression since Jews rejected the idea of God having children. The same substitution is found in the Greek Septuagint and the Targum of Job used in rabbinic Judaism. Similarly the Targum to Lev. xvi, 14 and xvi, 20 (4Q156) specifies, as do the later Targums, that 'the Holy' designates 'the House of Holiness' or 'Sanctuary'. In short, the Qumran Targums prefigure to some extent the style of the later Targums without attesting, however, the exegetical expansions which characterize the Palestinian Targums to the Pentateuch. For the editio princeps of 11Q10, see J. P. M. van der Ploeg et al., Le Targum de Job de la grotte XI de Qumrân (Leiden, 1971); for a new edition, see F. Garcia Martinez, E. J. C. Tigchelaar and A. S. van der Woude, DJD, XXIII, 79-180. For the Targums of Leviticus and Job (4Q156, 157), see J. T. Milik, DJD, VI, 85-91.

The Targum of Job (11Q10,4Q157)

1XXVIII (Job xxxvii, 24-30) (24) [Re]member that His works which they see are great. (25) Every man looks at Him, and the sons of men from afar search for Him. (26) Behold, God is great, and His days are numerous beyond knowledge and the sum of His years is infinite. (27) Behold, [He counts] the [rain] clouds and He establishes the downpours. (28) And His clouds let down dr[ops of water on] a multitude of people. (29) If He who spreads [the] cl[ouds] of His thunder and spreads [His] light [... and co]vers. For by them He judges peoples...

2XXIX (Job xxxvii) (11) With it (water) He wipes the cloud[s], and brings fire out of the cloud. (12) He speaks and they listen to Him and proceed with their works. He appoints them over all that He has created on earth: (13) either for striking or for (benefiting) the earth; either for famine or shortage; or for something good to be on it. (14) Listen to this, Job, and arise!

3Observe the might of God. (15) [Do you] know what God has put on them and how He has made light to shine from the cloud? (16) [Do you k]now how to robe the cloud with mi[ght]? (17) Because your robe ... For He possesses knowledge... (18) [Do you know how to] beat the cloud [to] compress [it into a mir]ror? (19) He knows...

4XXX (Job xxxviii) (3) Please gird [your] lo[ins] like a man, [and I will que]stion you and you will answer me. (4) Where were you when I made the earth? Explain it to me if you possess wisdom. (5) Do you know who fixed its measures? Who stretched a line over it? (6) Or to what were its foundations joined or who set its cut stone (7) when the morning stars were shining together and all the angels of God exclaimed together? (8) Can you shut in the sea with gates when it bursts forward from the womb of the abyss, (9) when the clouds were made into its robe and the haze its swaddling-clothes. (10) Can you set boundaries to it ... ? (11) Did you say, Up to here! And you must not go beyond... [your wa]ves. (12) In your days did you order [the morning] (13)... the win[gs] of the ear[th] ... XXXI (23)... for the day of battle and revolt. (24) ... from where will (the wind) go out and will it blow before Him on the earth? (25) Who fixed a time for the rain

5and a path for the quick clouds (26) to bring it (the rain) down to a land of wilderness with no man on it, (27) to satiate the low-lying and isolated (places) to produce sprouting grass. (28) Has the rain a father and who begets the mist of dew? (29) And from whose womb did ice come out ... (30) The waters contracted like a st[one] because of Him, and the face of the ab[yss?] ... (31)... Pleiades or the fence of Orion ... XXXII (Job xxxix) (1) the mountain goats, and the birth p[angs] ... (2) ... their months are completed, and do you know when they give birth, (3) delivering their young and ejecting them, and do you send away their birth pangs? (4) They raise their young and make them go; they depart and do not come back to them. (5) Who has set the wild ass free and who has loosed the onager's rope, (6) to whom I gave the desert for his home and made the salty land his dwelling. (7) He laughs at the great commotion of the city and his master's urging he does not hear. (8) He chooses for himself mountains for [pasture] and he goes after everything green. (9) Does the wild ox wish to serve you or will he lodge in your stable? (10) Will you tie [the wild ox] with a yoke and will he plough(?) in the valley [aft]er you? And will you... Will you depend on hi[m because] great is [his strength]?

6XXXIII (20) Will you frighten him (the horse) with a strong... his... is fear and dread. (21) He searches out the valley, he trembles and rejoices, and mightily advances towards the sword. (22) He laughs at fear and does not shudder, and does not turn back from the sword. (23) Upon him hangs a lance, a javelin and a sharp sword, (25) and at the sound of the trumpet, he says, Aha, and from afar he smells the battle, and he enjoys the rattle of the weapons and the war cries. (26) Does the hawk get excited because of your wisdom and spread his wings towards the winds? (27) Or does [the eagle] rise at your order and the bird of prey build [its] nest on high? (28) It dwells on the rock and nests... XXXIV (Job xl) ... (6) [From...] and from the cloud God answered Job and said to him: (7) Like a man, please gird your loins; I will question you, and you will answer me. (8) Would you indeed tear up the judgement and declare me guilty so that you may be innocent? (9) Or do you have an arm like God or thunder with a voice like his? (10) Throw away, please, pride and haughtiness and you will put on splendour, glory and honour. (11) Throw away, please, the heat of your wrath and observe every proud man and humble him. (12) And every proud spirit you will smash and you will extinguish the wicked [in] their [pl]aces.

7(13) And hide them all in the dust [and] cover [with a]shes ... XXXV (23) ... the Jordan its banks, he (the hippopotamus) trusts that he will get it. (24) When he lifts his eyes, who will restrain him, ... his nose with a hook. (25) Will you pull a crocodile with a hook or tie up its tongue with a rope? (26) Will you put a muzzle on his nose and will you pierce his cheek with your chisel? (27) Will he speak gently with you or will he speak with you pleadingly? (28) Will he make a covenant with you or will you handle him as a slave for ever? (29) Will you play with him like a b[ird, and] will you bind him with a string for your daughters? XXXVI (Job xli) (8) They cling to one another and no breath passes between them. (9) One holds to another, and they do not separate. (10) His sneezing lights fire between his eyes like the shine of dawn (?). (11) Torches come forth out of his mouth; they leap like tongues of fire. (12) From his nostrils smoke goes forth like burning thorn and incense. (13) His breath spews out coals and sparks come out of his mouth. (14) His strength dwells in his neck and vigour springs before him. (15) The folds of his flesh are clinging, mould[ed over him] like iron.

8(16) [His] heart... like stone XXXVII (Jobxli-xlii) (26) ... and he is king over all the reptiles. (1) Job answered and said before God: (2) I know that Thou canst do all things and dost not lack in strength and wisdom. (xl, 5) I have spoken once and will not revoke it, a second time, and I will not add to it. (xlii, 4) Listen, please, and I will speak; I will question you and you must answer me. (5) I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear and now my eyes see you. (6) Therefore I am melting and dissolve and become dust and ashes... XXXVIII (9) ... God. God heard the voice of Job and forgave them their sins because of him. (10) And God returned to Job with mercy and doubled all that he had owned. (11) All his friends, brothers and acquaintances came to Job and they ate bread with him in his house, and they comforted him for all the misery that God had brought on him and each gave him a ewe-lamb and a ring of gold.