Qumran Blessings

Rule of the Blessings 1:1–3:21

2nd Century BCE–1st Century CE

Column 1

1Words of blessi[ng]. Of the Instructor. To bless those who fear [God, do] his will, keep his commandments, 2remain constant in his holy co[ven]ant and walk with perfection [on all the paths of] his [tru]th, those he has chosen for an eternal covenant 3wh[ich] endures for ever. May the L[ord] bless {them} /you/ [from his holy residence.]…

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The following blessings, from the Dead Sea Scrolls at Qumran, were to be given by the “Instructor,” the leader of the Qumran community. The text begins with blessings for the entire community and then goes on to offer a specific blessing for the high priest. Both blessings draw on the language of the priestly blessing in Numbers 6:24–26. It is unclear whether the blessings were recited liturgically or were meant for the messianic era.

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Blessing and Curse in Early Judaism

2nd Century BCE–6th Century CE
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Prayer and Liturgy in Antiquity

4th Century BCE–6th Century CE

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