Rewriting and Interpreting Scripture in the Dead Sea Scrolls (original) (raw)

It is clear that the Dead Sea Scrolls had a particular approach to their understanding of Scripture, which they used to interpret Scripture to their community. Firstly, they rewrote the biblical texts in order to make clear and emphasize the themes in Bible which were of concern to their community. Secondly, they interpreted the Bible in such a way to apply biblical prophecy to their present situation. The Teacher of Righteousness features prominently in their understanding of Scripture having multiple layers of meaning which need to be revealed by an inspired interpreter. Because of their historical circumstances the tendency was towards interpreting Scripture eschatologically, referring to their contemporary situation. While their exegetical method was not unique or novel to themselves, clearly having roots in Babylonian-inspired texts such as Daniel and Enoch, they offer the clearest and most extensive example of this type of exegesis being applied in a pre-midrashic period. From this evidence it is clear that the later forms of exegesis, such as that present in the New Testament, midrash, and Talmud are outgrowths of, and variations upon, the exegesis techniques found in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Clearly, evolution took place in the understanding of how to best interpret Scripture, especially in the posteschatological and post-messianic situation both Judaism and Christianity found itself in after the destruction of the Second Temple. However, by becoming aware of the evolutionary process one can become more aware of how later Jewish and Christian exegesis was intended to work.