The latest set of Dead Sea scrolls discoveries seem to the oldest biblical text pieces that are found in the last few decades. These are almost 2,000 years old and may be existing from the time of the Jewish battle against Rome. Presently, these scrolls were present in the Israeli Desert from where experts have discovered the same.
The Antiquities Authorities of Israel announce on Tuesday, March 16 2021 that these are the findings of a four-year old project. The team has successfully come out with quite a few parts of the Twelve Minor Prophet’s book.
This set includes the books on Nahum and Zechariah. The Dead Sea scrolls discoveries is the first of its stature over the past six decades.
Apart from the scrolls, there was a mummy of a child who died over 6,000 years back. Along with the mummy was also a basket from 10,500 years back. Moreover, the Israeli authorities are stating that the basket maybe the oldest one in the whole world.
After a CT scan, it seems that major parts of the tendons, skin, and hair of the mummified child are still in good condition. Plus, the child’s age at the time of death was between six and twelve years.
The Dead Sea scrolls discoveries are all in ancient Greek language
The texts that we see are all in Greek and includes the Nahum 1:5-6. This part states that “The mountains quake because of Him, And the hills melt. The earth heaves before Him, The world and all that dwell therein. Who can stand before His wrath? Who can resist His fury? His anger pours out like fire, and rocks are shattered because of Him.”
After analyzing the texts, experts are suggesting that this version of the Nahum 1:5-6 is slightly different. There are slight differences here compared to other Bible versions. Therefore, the fact highlights the evolvement of the Bible over the years from its original form.
The first ever set of such scrolls around the Dead Sea were visible in 1947 by a Bedouin shepherd. In fact, those are still kept in the best condition. It is because those are the most essential archeological discoveries of this century. However, a group of Biblical scholars are disagreeing the authorship.
Dispute over the ownership of the scrolls and ancient items
Majority of the earlier scrolls are present in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. However, the Palestinian and Jordan Authorities are disputing and disagreeing on the ownership rights. The earlier scrolls were present in the Qumran area. The same is a part of the total land under the Israeli capture after the 1967 war. Therefore, those are likely to become part of the Palestinian state in future.
Apart from what you learn above, there are a few other items that are part of the latest discoveries. This includes coins with Jewish symbols, date palm, a harp, spearheads and arrowheads, lice combs, sandals, and woven fabric.
Experts are suggesting that all of these items date back to 132-133 AD during the Bar Kokhba Revolt. This was the battle in which the Romans and Jews were fighting against each other in Judea.
All of the items and scrolls were hiding inside a strange “Horror cave” in the middle of the Judean Desert. The dry climate of the area is proof why the items are still in fairly good condition. Moreover, researchers are using very advance tools for this excavation. Plus, it seems that the tools are fresh out of Hollywood movies instead of archeological projects.
