Guide
Communal Hymns from Qumran
2nd Century BCE–1st Century CE
Restricted
By Carol Bakhos
The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered at Qumran include a large number of prayers of a variety of genres, including hymns, laments, and petitionary prayers, many of which appear to have been recited by or on behalf of the community. The prayers offer insight into the beliefs and values of the Qumran sect, including reverence for God as the source of wisdom, a common theme in the community’s hymns. See also Sectarian Texts from Qumran.
Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Hodayot
Hodayot 6:34–41 (Hymn Seven)[I give tha]nks to you, O Lord,According to the greatness of your strengthand the multitude of your wondrous deeds,forever and ev[er.Many are the mercies] and great are…
Primary Source
The Praise of the Righteous
[Unite] your souls with the good ones
and with the perfect ones to glorify the Most High.
Join together to make his salvation…
Primary Source
Hymn to the Creator
Great and Holy are you, Yhwh,
the Most Holy from generation to generation.
In front of him walks glory…