Dead Sea Scrolls Understanding Their Spritual Message

by Steven A. Fisdel

Book Overview

When Greece's economic troubles began to threaten the stability of the European Union in 2010, the nation found itself in the center of a whirlwind of international finger-pointing. In the few years... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1568219733
• ISBN13: 9781568219738
• Release Date: June 1997
• Publisher: Jason Aronson
• Length: 368 Pages
• Weight: 1.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.2" x 6.4" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Spiritual Insights from the Dead Sea Scrolls

This book is a commentary on the Dead Sea Scrolls. The first chapter lays the groundwork for the rest of the book by detailing Jewish history and various divisions in Judaism. One topic the author uses as an example is the various views on Sabbath observance. On the source of the Scrolls Mr. Fisdel observes-"In examining the scroll literature, it is not difficult to surmise that the sect members were originally a Sadducee breakaway group." He goes on to write that the group was probably founded by priests and joined by Levites and other Israelites that were unhappy with and wanted to distance themselves from Jerusalem and the temple. On page 49 he offers some insight into the people at Qumram - "The members of the covenant felt that they were the true House of Judah. As such, they were thereby bound to follow strictly the Interpretation of the Law of Moses, revealed and taught by the Teacher of Righteousness." Of all the Scrolls that Mr. Fisdel addressed, I found the Temple Scroll the most intriguing. Some more quotes that provide insight for me; on the forbidding of eating bloody meat-"The blood is life. Only God, as the giver of life has the right to receive it." On the power of the Name of God; "The Name of God is synonymous with the divine Presence and the Power of God." The discussion of the Name in relation to oaths and vows reinforces that fact that God has a specific name. Some more interesting topics in the THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS-UNDERSTANDING THEIR SPIRITUAL MESSAGE were; Ezra and the Great Assembly. The author had some fascinating material on Ezra the scribe. The source for theories about the tribe of Dan and their possible role in end times. Dan may have a role in opposition to God. The Sons of Light and the blessing of the Name being invoked. The Kittim. I appreciated the perspective that Steve Fisdel provided as a rabbi. I learned a lot about the Dead Sea Scrolls and their relevance from reading this book.

Back to Basics

Very interesting book. Actually aligns with the Jewish view of Judaism and terminology that was written about by Philo and later by the Jewish sages of that period. Author expresses the need for more research from Torah and Talmudic scholars on the Scrolls with a background in the Noah laws for non-Jews. Would like to have seen more material. Author does shed light on many of the difficulties that non-Jewish scholars have had with understanding these Scrolls. Author shows how really Jewish the Scrolls are and how there could not be any link from Judaism to Christianity. The Commentary on Nahum found in the Scrolls states that the "smooth ones" or "smooth talkers" were idolators and pagans. "Vine's Expository Dictionary" used extensively by Christian scholars, defines "Christology" as "smooth talkers". Understanding this premise, it was easy for me to see how the church used writings by Jews to help with their cause with Rome to disprove their status with them as a new pagan religion.This book does shed light that there were many authors and many different Scrolls buried, like they are today, when worn, had errors or were unfixable. Caves would be an ideal place to bury them so the pagans could not get to them. What did surprise me was to learn that some of the laws mentioned in the Scrolls were also mentioned by Philo. Another detail was that the Hebrew Scriptures found in the caves, and much of the commentary, is the same as the Scriptures used today by the Jews. However, the Hebrew Scriptures from the caves is over 2400 years old and is remarkable to see it in such good shape. I recommend this book for anyone that is serious about learning the true meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls and would like to understand their spiritual connection to the people not only of that time period, but in our present lifetime.