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5. The Qumran Community: Insights into Ancient Jewish Sectarianism
Widely thought to represent a sect of Judaism called the Essenes, the Dead Sea Scrolls have offered hitherto unheard-of insights into the life and beliefs of the society that existed at Qumran. Along with biblical writings, this group—which thrived during the Second Temple period—left behind a plethora of sectarian records that provide a glimpse into their particular way of life and religious activities.
One of the most significant non-biblical books among the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Community Rule describes Qumran community rules and structure. This paper exposes a very disciplined and orderly group governed by strict policies covering everyday activities and religious observance as well as entrance to the society. Emphasising ceremonial purity, community life, and strict adherence to their understanding of Jewish law, this group seems to have seen itself as unique from mainstream Judaism.
The Qumran community was notable for their apocalyptic outlook among other things. Many of the sectarian books discovered among the Dead Sea Scrolls convey a conviction in an approaching end times, in which forces of good would overcome evil. Their everyday activities and reading of the scriptures changed depending on this eschatological emphasis. By means of intense study of holy books and stringent obedience of religious precepts, the society felt itself as actively participating in this cosmic drama, ready for the last fight.
The scrolls also expose the particular method the society takes to understand the Bible. Found among the Dead Sea Scrolls, the pesharim— Biblical commentary—showcases how the Qumran group interpreted modern occurrences into biblical prophesies. Seeing ancient books as immediately pertinent to their present circumstances, this interpretative method offers insightful analysis of how ancient Jewish groups interpreted and used their sacred books.
The calendar of the Qumran society exposed by the scrolls reveals still another amazing feature. Whereas the lunar calendar employed by mainstream Judaism, the sectarian books depict a solar calendar comprising 364 days. Apart from other Jewish groups, this unique calendar not only distinguished the community but also had major consequences for their celebration of religious events and ceremonies.
The Dead Sea Scrolls also help to clarify the communal eating and ceremonial bathing customs of the society. These customs, which had symbolic as well as pragmatic value, show the group's respect of purity and their conception of themselves as a priestly society. Archaeologists have been able to better understand the physical remains discovered at Qumran by use of the thorough accounts of these rites in the scrolls, therefore painting a more whole picture of daily life in this ancient society.
