Concerning the Dead Sea scrolls, did they soley consist of what is now called the Bible or were there more to them than that?

 The Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea, are a remarkable collection of ancient Jewish manuscripts dating back to the Second Temple period. Let’s delve into their fascinating contents:

1. Biblical Compositions:

   • These manuscripts contain material that is now considered part of the Hebrew Bible. Every book is represented among the Dead Sea Scrolls, except for the book of Esther. These scrolls provide us with the oldest known copies of biblical works.
   • Additionally, there are translations of scriptural texts into Aramaic and Greek. These translations help us understand how the scriptures were interpreted and disseminated during that time.

2. Tefillin and Mezuzot:

   • Tefillin (also known as “phylacteries”) and Mezuzot are ritual objects. They consist of small slips of parchment containing excerpts from biblical texts, in accordance with Deuteronomy 6:6-9:
     • “And these words, which I command you this day, shall be upon your heart… You shall bind them for a sign upon your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes… And you shall write them upon the door-posts of your house and upon your gates.”
   • About two dozen tefillin slips were recovered from the Qumran caves, and additional tefillin were found at other locations.

3. Non-Biblical Compositions:

   • These include a wide range of texts beyond the Bible. They cover various topics, such as religious, historical, and legal matters.
   • Some non-biblical compositions found among the Dead Sea Scrolls include:
     • Prayers, hymns, and liturgical texts
     • Apocalyptic literature (which explores eschatological themes)
     • Commentaries on biblical texts
     • Community rules and regulations

4. Non-Literary Records:

   • These records, mostly in the form of papyrus manuscripts, come from sites other than the Qumran caves. They are grouped into “Documents” and “Letters”.
   • There are also “Scribal Exercises” and “Unidentified Texts”—tiny fragments in poor condition that cannot be precisely categorized.

5. Multiple Compositions:

   • Sometimes a single manuscript label refers to more than one composition. This can occur due to:
     • Palimpsests: When writing was superimposed over existing text.
     • Separate texts written on the two sides of a scroll (recto and verso).
     • Modern errors or disagreements about classifying fragments.

In summary, the Dead Sea Scrolls are a treasure trove of religious, historical, and literary texts, providing invaluable insights into the ancient world and the development of biblical traditions ¹.