Ancient Treasures and the Dead Sea Scrolls

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THE SECOND TEMPLE PERIOD

The Isaiah Scroll - Manuscript B

The Isaiah Scroll - manuscript B
The Isaiah Scroll (manuscript B).
Photo © The Shrine of the Book

The Isaiah book is among the most revered and influential works found in Qumran. It is a prophetic text of great moral weight in Jewish religious practice. It has also played a key role in early Christian writings, according to which Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Messiah.

Audio - Curator's Tour (Dr. Adolfo Roitman)

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

8th century BCE

The prophet Isaiah

The people that walked in darkness have seen a brilliant light; On those who dwelt in a land of gloom light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:1

The prophets believed that their visions were divinely inspired. They reminded the kings and people of the requirements of the Torah, criticized those who strayed from the path of political, social and religious righteousness and offered hope in times of crisis.

Isaiah, a major biblical prophet, advised King Ahaz in Jerusalem. His example inspired several generations of disciples, particularly during the difficult years of exile in Babylon and the rebuilding of the Jewish community in the 6th century BCE.

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