שירי שבח מקומראן (ק'4 510 וק'4 511)

While one of the songs of 4Q 511 (8, 6-11) contains an early hint to the use of Psalm 91, known in the Talmud as 'שיר של פגעים' its use in Qumran differs from that of the Psalm. The song from Qumran consists of original verses based on isolated phrases from Psalm 91:1-4 alone, as well as the motif of the angels mentioned in verse 11. The suggestion to read the words of the poet-worshipper from Qumran 'לתעות רוח בינה ולהשם לבבם ונ[פשו]תם וכו" ( 4Q 510:1,6) as his action intended to confuse the evil spirits, is untenable. These words describe the damage done by destructive spirits to the Sons of Light. This explanation is offered based on considerations of modes of thought and literary and linguistic style common to Qumran and related literature which deal with defense against destructive spirits.