4Q374 תפילה על גורלו של עם ישראל: לטיבו של כתב יד

4Q374 (Discourse on the Exodus/Conquest Tradition) was published in final form by Carol Newsom in DJD 19. Although several fragments have survived, only one, fragment 2, is substantial enough to provide some idea of its nature. The present article reedits all the surviving fragments, offers a fresh commentary, and suggests a new understanding of the text's character. Fragment 2 seems to contain a section of a prayer, in which the speakers, probably the Israelite congregation, present themselves in the 1st person plural (לנו, יתננו). The speakers describe the downfall of Israel's enemies using verbs in the 3rd person plural (e.g., וירוממו, ויתנועעו, חגו). Two episodes are mentioned: the annihilation of the Canaanite peoples (4Q374 2 ii 1–4), and the fear and demise of Pharaoh and the Egyptians (4Q374 2 ii 6–9). In contrast, divine favor bestowed on the people of Israel is shown by its deliverance from the Egyptians and its being granted the land of Canaan (4Q374 2 ii 5). The divine actions are referred to in the 3rd person singular (e.g., ויטע, וירחם). The style and themes found in this passage are reminiscent of well-known styles and themes of Jewish prayers, in which the congregation of Israel gives thanks for past divine acts of grace and deliverance.