THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD

The War Scroll

The War Scroll. Photo © The Shrine of the Book

The War Scroll, also known as The War of the Sons of Light against the Sons of Darkness, discusses events that will take place at the end of times. It describes a series of battles which will occur between the Godly powers and the army of Belial (this name refers to Satan in the sect's writings).

There are similarities between this text and the New Testament Book of Revelation. However, there is a basic difference between the two. According to the War Scroll, the sole purpose of the war was to enable the sectarians to return to the rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem and renew the practice of the holy sacrifices. By contrast, the Book of Revelation discusses the building of a Heavenly Jerusalem, and not a new Temple at the end of times.

Read a translation of the portion of the War Scroll that was shown during the exhibit in Gatineau.