Texts in Conversation
The Dead Sea Scrolls and the beatitudes in Matthew describe God’s favor toward the humble and sorrowful. The scroll interprets Isaiah’s messenger bringing joy to those with a contrite spirit, while Jesus in Matthew similarly blesses the poor in spirit and those who mourn.
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1QH
The Thanksgiving Hymns
Dead Sea Scrolls
Thou didst open [his fountain] that he might rebuke the creature of clay for his way, and him who is born of woman for the guilt of his deeds; that he might open [the fount of] Thy truth to a creature whom Thou upholdest by Thy might; [that he might be], according to Thy truth, a messenger [in the season] of Thy goodness; that to the humble he might bring glad tidings of Thy great mercy, [proclaiming salvation] from out of the fountain [of holiness to the contrite] of spirit, and everlasting joy to those who mourn. ... [to prai]se Thee and to recount all Thy glory. As for me, what am I? For I was taken from dust. But Th[ou, O my God], Thou hast done all these [for] Thy [g]lory. According to the greatness of Thy loving-kindness put the guard of Thy righteousness [in the hand of Th]y [servant] for ever until deliverance.
Date: 150 B.C.E. - 100 B.C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
Source
Matthew 5:3
New Testament
1 When he saw the crowds, he went up the mountain. After he sat down his disciples came to him. 2 Then he began to teach them by saying: 3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to them. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied.
Date: 70-90 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
"... Now for the first time, because of the Dead Sea Scrolls, we can understand the phrase 'the poor in spirit.' It was a title of honor among the Essenes. These are the poor to whom the Holy Spirit is given. In one passage from the Essene hymnbook (1QH) the author thanks God for having appointed him preacher of his grace ... these correspond to 'the meek,', 'the poor in spirit,' and 'those who mourn' of the first three beatitudes of Jesus ..."
* The use of references are not endorsements of their contents. Please read the entirety of the provided reference(s) to understand the author's full intentions regarding the use of these texts.
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