Ancient Manuscripts of the Jewish Scriptures
What information do we possess about how the Jewish scriptures were preserved?
There are many unknowns about the initial preservation of the Jewish scriptures.
The original tablets of the law were written down by Moses (Exodus 24:4). God gave Moses two tablets of stone inscribed with the testimony. (Exodus 31:18) Moses broke them (Exodus 32:18), but God replaced them. (Exodus 34:1, 27) The Israelites made a special box to preserve the words of the covenant. (Exodus 25:16)
The books of the law of Moses contain portions of this law of the covenant. These books (Genesis through Deuteronomy) do not equal the original words of the covenant.
Inkwells at the Dead Sea community.
Around 100 BC.
During the reign of Josiah (7th century BC), the high priest discovered the book of the law in the temple. (2 Kings 22:8) Apparently, attention to the covenant was so relaxed that the leaders were ignorant of its existence. (2 Kings 22:11-13)
During the rebuilding of Jerusalem (5th century BC), Ezra read the book of the law of Moses to the people. (Nehemiah 8:1-3) They appear to have previously been unfamiliar with the text of this law. (Nehemiah 10:28-29)
Baruch transcribed on a scroll (7th century BC) the messages Jeremiah received from God. (Jeremiah 36:4) When the words were read to king Jehoiakim, he cut the words from the scroll and burned them. (Jeremiah 36:23) Jeremiah dictated the same and additional words to Baruch. (Jeremiah 36:32)
The scriptorium at the Dead Sea community.
Around 100 BC.
The Qumran community had special facilities for copying the scriptures. The remains found there demonstrate that a significant industry existed to ensure faithful transmission.
The Romans fought a war against the Jews (66-70 AD); Jerusalem was destroyed. This forced the Jews to maintain their faith and texts without a political seat.
Jewish schools studied, copied, and preserved the text. These schools developed a rigorous system of maintaining the text since at least the 1st century AD.
What happened to the manuscripts that were produced?
When manuscripts became worn or aged, they were destroyed. There were rigid traditions used to take a copy out of service.
For example, there were special rooms used to store copies until they could be properly disposed.
What were the oldest manuscripts in existence?
Prior to the 19th century, the oldest Hebrew manuscripts were from the 10th century AD.
There were many translations in Greek, Latin, and other languages. Some of these were from the 4th century AD. Even these, though, are from long after the production of the Jewish scriptures.
What are the oldest manuscripts available now?
The Nash manuscript.
2nd Century BC.
The Nash Manuscript
In 1898, W. L. Nash found a 2nd century BC manuscript in Egypt.
The manuscript contains portions of the ten commandments. (Exodus 20:2-17; Deuteronomy 5:6-21) It also includes Deuteronomy 6:5-6.
The Isaiah scroll.
Around 100 BC.
The Dead Sea Scrolls
Then came a flood of manuscripts
In 1947, a shepherd accidentally located some manuscripts near the north end of the Dead Sea. It turns out that this was the site of a monastic Jewish sect for about 200 years.
Archaeologists found hundreds of manuscripts at Qumran.
These manuscripts included at least one document for every book in the Jewish scriptures except Esther.
The text of these manuscripts is essentially the same as the later texts.
Silver amulet.
6th Century BC.
The Silver Amulets
In 1979, Gabriel Barkay located several tombs outside of Jerusalem.
He also found two small rolled silver amulets. When the amulets were unrolled, the texts included portions of Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 5:10, 7:9, and Numbers 6:24-26.
The amulets are dated prior to 586 BC.
While fragmentary, these amulets demonstrate that these texts existed early in Jewish history.
Murabbaat Manuscripts
In 1951, scholars found more manuscripts on the Dead Sea. They were from another Jewish revolt in the second century AD.
Numerous biblical manuscripts were discovered. These include portions of Genesis, Exodus, Isaiah, and the minor prophets.
Masada Manuscripts
From 1963-65, archaeologists excavated the Jewish fortress at Masada. The occupants held out against Roman forces during the 66-70 AD revolt.
Manuscripts included those from Genesis, Leviticus, Deuteronomy, Psalms, and Ezekiel.
Habra Manuscript.
2nd Century AD.
Habra Manuscripts
More manuscripts were located in 1952 from a cave. This cave was occupied during the 132 AD Jewish revolt.
Manuscripts included those from Genesis, Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Psalms.
Look at the next Section.