The Bible and the Dead Sea Scrolls: The ... - josephprestonkirk

82 THE SYNOPTIC GOSPELS AND THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS
teacher or interpreter of Scripture. He stands more in the tradition of figures
like Joseph, who also with divine assistance was able to interpret dreams. 10
Passages from the Book of Giants link understanding heavenly
mysteries with reading tablets and holy writings: “For I know this
mystery [to\ musth/rion tou=to]; I have read the tablets of heaven and
have seen the holy writings, and I have understood the writing in them”
(1 En. 103:2). “And again I know a second mystery [musth/rion], that to
the righteous and holy shall be given my books for the joy of truth
[Ethiopic: the Scriptures of joy, for truth and great wisdom]. And they
will believe in them and in them all the righteous shall rejoice and be glad
to learn from them all the ways of truth” (1 En. 104:12–13). But this privilege
does not seem to be directly connected to divine revelation as such.
Parallels from the Dead Sea Scrolls are closer to what we have in
Mark 4:11–12. In this literature the focus is on Scripture and is part of
the task of teaching. There is nothing exotic, such as the interpretation
of dreams or the viewing of heavenly tablets. The parallels from the
scrolls add nuance, showing how this kind of language serves hermeneutical
and eschatological interests. The following passages should be taken
into consideration:
…concealing the truth, that is, the mysteries of knowledge [tm)l )bxw
t(d yzr]. To these ends is the earthly counsel of the spirit to those whose
nature yearns for truth. Through a gracious visitation all who walk in this
spirit will know healing (1QS 4.6)
For from the fount of His knowledge has my light shot forth; upon his
wonders has my eye gazed—the light of my heart upon the mystery of what
shall be [hyhn zrb]…For the truth of God—that is the rock of my tread, and
His mighty power, my right hand’s support. From His right [w)lp yzrm].
Upon the eternal has my eye gazed—even that wisdom hidden from humanity,
the knowledge, wise prudence from humanity concealed. The source of
righteousness, gathering of power, and abode of glory are from fleshly counsel
hidden. To them He has chosen all these has He given—an eternal possession.
He has made them heirs in the legacy of the Holy Ones; with the
Angels has He united their assembly, a Yahad society. They are an assembly
built up for holiness, an eternal Planting for all ages to come. (1QS 11.3–9)
These things I know through Your understanding, for You have opened
my ears to mysteries of wonder [)lp yzrl], even though I am a vessel of
clay and kneaded with water. (1QH 9.23)
…because of His abundant mercies, has shown favor to the meek. He
has opened their eyes to see His ways and their ears to hear His teaching.
10. First-century sources tell us of two other men named “Joseph” with similar gifts:
Joseph the husband of Mary (cf. Matt 1:18–25) and Joseph of priestly family also
known as Josephus (cf. J.W. 3.351).