The Social Role of Liturgy in the Religion of the Qumran Community

Full title
The Social Role of Liturgy in the Religion of the Qumran Community
Updated By
Research notes

Reader Checked|25/10/2012 SE

Reference type
Author(s)
Arnold, Russell C. D.
Year
2006
Journal / Book Title || Series Title
Studies on the Texts of the Desert of Judah
Issue / Series Volume
60
Publisher
Brill
Place of Publication
Leiden
Chapter
ix + 267
Alternative title
STDJ
Label
22/01/2007
Abstract

It has long been noted that the Thanksgiving Hymns (Hodayot) from Qumran make extensive use of biblical language. A premise of this study of their use of scripture is that these compositions can best be understood by reading them as poetry. Using insights from the fields of comparative literature and biblical studies it establishes a method for analysis of the poems and for identification and analysis of scriptural allusions. Five poems have been chosen for detailed study. The question is asked, how would a reader familiar with the scriptural traditions of the period interpret these poems and why? The first chapter gives a useful overview of the scholarship to date and indicates the new avenues explored by this study.