4Q226
The present work paraphrases biblical episodes in the tradition of the book of Jubilees and the many other examples of “rewritten Bible” found among the scrolls. Surviving portions correspond to passages in Genesis, Exodus, and Joshua. Although the work is so fragmentary that analysis is hazardous, the mention of “jubilees” is notable and suggests that the author may have been wrestling with chronological concerns. The connection of jubilees and Joshua also appears in the Psalms of Joshua (text 78). For a fuller explanation ofthe role of jubilees in the scrolls, see the introduction to the Calendar of the Heavenly Signs (text 59).
God appears to Moses (?) and commissions him to rescue Israel from bondage {Exod 3:1-12).
Frag. 1 2[ . . . ] in a flame of fire [ . . . ] 3[ . . . ] to you in order to go down to Egypt and to bring [you] ou[t . . . ] 4[ . . . ] the signs have been [gi]ven to you, and you shall return (or become a gray-haired old man) [ . . . ] 5[ . . . ] two I have made [ . . . ] from the week [ . . . ] 6[ . . . ] this jubilee, for it is holy [ . . . ] 7[ . . . ] holy [fo]r ever [ . . . ]
Moses is forbidden entrance to the land of Cannan (Deut. 3:27; 31:2).
Frag. 3 1[ . . . ] when [you (?)] do [ . . . ] 2[ . . . ] you shall do and [ . . . ] ~ 3[ . . . this] wilderness [ . . . ] 4[ . . . ] and you shalI not cro[ss over . . . ] 5[ . . . ] to the land of Canaa[n . . . ]
Toshua instead of Moses shall lead Israel into the promised land (Deut. 31:3).
Frag. 4 [ . . . Joshua the s]on of Nun, he will cross over befo[re you . . . ] 2[ ., . ] deed and set for [yourself (?) . . . ] 3[ . . . ] for yourseIf all [ . . . ]
Joshua prepares the~people to cross theJordan josh. 3:1-2).
Frag. 6 2[ . . . ] until three [ . . . ] 3[ . :. . ] the day they cross [ . . . ] 5[ . . . ~] these under [ . . . ] [ . . . ] in order that yhey may cross [ . . . ] 7[ . . . ] exce[pt . . . ] 8[ . . . wh]o said [ . . . ]
Abraham is faithful. See text 36 for a possible overlap.
Frag. 7 “Abraham was recognized as faithful to [G]o[d . . . ]2 that he might be accepted. And the LORD blessed [him . . . one hundred and seventy five years was the length of 3his life, and he bore I[saac . . . ] 4Levi, the thi[rd] generation [ . . . ] 5Abraham, Isaac, andJa[cob . . . ] 6and the holy angels [ . . . 7for which he commanded them [ . . . ]