The Dead Sea Scrolls and The NT session 2

The Qumran community, associated with the Essenes, was a Jewish sect that lived near the Dead Sea during the Second Temple period. The Community Rule (1QS) is considered their constitution, outlining rules and organization. The Mevaqqer (overseer) was a leadership role responsible for community welfare, approvals, and supervision. The community believed in the resurrection of the dead, a view shared with the Pharisees, and expected a messianic figure, referred to as the “Branch of David.”

Key texts like the Dead Sea Scrolls, including biblical manuscripts and sectarian texts, provide insights into their beliefs and practices. Terms like Ha-Yahad referred to the Qumran community, while Kittim likely referred to the Romans. The Damascus Document (CD), found in the Cairo Geniza before the Qumran discoveries, further illuminates their rules and theology. These findings highlight the unique aspects of the Qumran community and their contributions to Jewish thought and practice during the Second Temple period.