De Dode Zeerollen

by John DeSalvo

Ever since they were first discovered by a Bedouin shepherd in the Judean desert in 1947, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been the subject of endless debate and speculation, something which continues to this day.

Many thought, and still do, that the scrolls might challenge many of the assumptions about Judaism and about the origins of Christianity, a controversy that was exacerbated by the fact that there was initially only very limited access to the documents. It was not until as recently as 1991 that all 800 documents from eleven caves were finally available in translation, since when there have been numerous alternative theories put forward about their authorship, and critically their dating.

In this clear account John DeSalvo places the scrolls in their historical context, explains their classification and the methods of working and dating the scrolls as well as looking at specific texts. He also discusses the enigmatic Essene community at Qumran, and what has been learned about them from the artifacts, cemeteries and graves that surround the settlement at Khirbet Qumran.

The now famous Copper Scroll with its detailed list of supposed buried treasure is examined as are the theories surroundingthis, such as the possible connection with the lost treasure of The Knights Templar. Finally, the relevance of the Dead Sea Scrolls to The New Testament, and the messianic Jesus is explored.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Religion, Theology, Christianity, Historical, Christian

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2008

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think that this could have been a better book if the author had credited some of his sources with footnotes or endnotes. Too often the words "some believe" or "some experts believe" were followed by an assertion that was not referenced in any way. Poor proof reading resulted in more typos and incomplete sentences than I am comfortable with, and the condescending tone of the book causes me to think that it was basically written for the high school crowd.

On the plus side, the book is an introduction to the scrolls at a very basic entry level, and therefore not over the head of someone who, like me, would be reading about the scrolls for the very first time. Some very nice photos were employed to drive the main teaching points home. In short, a decent entry-level read that could have been easily improved with a little effort.

[Eduardo Gavín · Rating 4 out of 5]

Divulgación generalista para los que tenemos interés pero también nos da un poco lo mismo

[Kristopher Godwin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. They tried really hard to seem impartial through out. The biggest issue is I feel like there is so much more to read on this subject that just wasn't there.

[Jeroen Pelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mooi geïllustreerd boek. Leuke introductie op de dode zeerollen. Helaas staan er een aantal spellingsfouten en grammaticale fouten in. Ook staan er sommige fouten in, zoals dat het NT tussen 70 en 90 is geschreven (terwijl Paulus zijn brieven voor 70 schreef) en dat David alle 150 psalmen heeft geschreven. Ook worden zinnen soms letterlijk herhaald. Ten slotte zijn sommige statements verwarrend; eerst zegt de auteur dat hij denkt dat de Qumran gemeenschap misschien wel een vroegchristelijke gemeenschap (p170), later zegt hij dat we de conclusie kunnen trekken dat er geen contact was tussen Qumran en Christenen (p176), waarna hij weer argumenten geeft dat de Qumrangemeenschap en vroege christenen contact hadden (p178-9).

[Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facinating book about the Dead Sea Scrolls. Beautifully designed book with great photos and artwork. Provides different insights on the Essenes sect community. The Jewish and Christian interpretations, history and discoveries that are still yet to be found from the Cooper Scroll treasures. The secrecy surrounding the Dead Sea Scrolls since their discovery starting in 1947. Are Jesus, John the Baptist, in contact with the Essene community? Is Jesus the Messiah mentioned? Have any of the Temple Treasures been discovered from the Cooper Scroll treasure map like details? Now I want to read more about the Dead Sea Scrolls and stay updated on it. Amazing book!

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

The proofreading in this book is atrocious. The sheer volume of grammatical errors significantly takes away from the content of the book. Additionally, the writing is reminiscent of a high school essay. I question whether the author actually wrote the book or did the research and had someone else write the book. The grammatical writing is an embarrassment and I’m surprised the author (who has a PHD) attached his name to something like this.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed account of ancient texts and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Beautiful photographs and short paragraphs so it's easy to read and understand.

I bought this book after seeing the Dead Sea Scrolls at Denver's Museum of Nature and Science in March of 2018. The book was for sale in the gift shop, but I found it for much less on amazon.com.

[Dwight Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a useful and graphical explanation of Qumran and Essenes Sect round time of Jesus and John the Baptist. I learned heaps re archaeology of this small window of time. The different biblical fragments and alternative documents or translations were fascinating and helped me dig deeper into spiritual truth of scriptures e.g. Messiah coming.

[Marian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Found a grammatical error, that takes a star away from an otherwise great book!

[Grant Feeny · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was insightful; however it lacked proper editing and grammar checking. It was a pain to read but bearable due to its short length. I would recommend a different book on the Dead Sea Scrolls.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls but not a deep book. You will want to move on to other books if you want more info about the translations, actual archaeology, biblical differences... Again really good intro, lots of photos and context, easy read.

[Carl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought because the Milwaukee museum is going to have an exhibit on the scrolls.

Gave me an idea of what they are and some history on their discovery.

[Sgt Roman Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

IF YOU SEEK KNOWLEDGE, READ THIS.

[Agnieszka · Rating 4 out of 5]

very interesting, but rather general