Das Selbst- und Wirklichkeitsverständnis der Lieder des Maskil (4Q511)

The composition of the Songs of Maskil (4Q511) has received new attention in recent years. In particular, the new reconstruction by Joseph Angel makes it possible, despite the still fragmentary state of the manuscript, to focus on the composition as a whole. However, the apotropaic function ascribed to the songs remains ambiguous. The aim of this paper is therefore to describe exegetically the basic characteristics of the self-understanding of the community and of its reality and thus to outline the significance of the songs in their historical context. The results show that the songs not only serve the individual protection and defence against evil powers, but also the constitution of the community and its position before God. That is why the apotropaic function is to be placed in the context of the liturgical reality.