Dead Sea Scrolls and Essenes

In 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered by a shepherd near the Dead Sea. These scrolls, dating back 1800 years, significantly impacted biblical scholarship by providing insights into a Jewish community from Jesus' time. Initially undervalued, they were sold multiple times before being recognized for their historical importance. The scrolls include biblical texts, translations, and non-canonical writings, offering a glimpse into the social and political issues of the era. They also reveal variations in Old Testament books and the expectations of a messiah, although they do not mention Jesus directly.

What event in 1947 significantly altered our understanding of the Bible?

• The excavation of King Tutankhamun's tomb

• The finding of the Ark of the Covenant

• The unearthing of the Dead Sea Scrolls

• The discovery of the Rosetta Stone

Who was the Israeli archaeologist that purchased the Dead Sea Scrolls in 1954?

• Yagail Yadine

• Howard Carter

• Heinrich Schliemann

• Arthur Evans

What type of community insights do the Dead Sea Scrolls provide?

• Insights into Roman military strategies

• Insights into a Jewish community from the time of Jesus

• Insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices

• Insights into early Christian church architecture

What did the Dead Sea Scrolls reveal about Old Testament books?

• They had alternate versions

• They were originally written in Latin

• They were all lost in a fire

• They were all written by a single author

What languages were the Dead Sea Scrolls translated into?

• Aramaic and Greek

• Old English and French

• Sanskrit and Arabic

• Latin and Hebrew

Which Jewish sect is believed to have owned the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• The Essenes

• The Zealots

• The Sadducees

• The Pharisees

What unique content was found among the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• Blueprints for the Temple of Solomon

• Treasure maps and military letters

• A complete genealogy of Jesus

• The original Ten Commandments tablets

What was notably absent from the Dead Sea Scrolls?

• Accounts of the Exodus

• Mentions of Jesus

• References to the Roman Empire

• Descriptions of the Great Flood

What did both the Essenes and early Christians believe about their time?

• It was the era of the Roman Empire's peak

• It was the beginning of the Industrial Revolution

• It was a time of great scientific discovery

• It was the time foretold by prophets for God's kingdom

What was the primary expectation of the people during the time of the Essenes?

• The arrival of a new Roman Emperor

• The discovery of new lands

• The coming of a messiah

• The invention of new technologies