Rewriting Scripture in Second Temple Times (Studies in the Dead Sea Scrolls and Related Literature

by Sidnie White Crawford

The biblical manuscripts found at Qumran, contends Sidnie White Crawford, reflect a spectrum of text movement from authoritative scriptural traditions to completely new compositions. Treating six major groups of texts, she shows how differences in the texts result from a particular understanding of the work of the scribe -- not merely to copy but also to interpret, update, and make relevant the Scripture for the contemporary Jewish community of the time. Thisáscribal practice led to texts that were "rewritten" or "reworked" and considered no less important or accurate than the originals.

Propounding a new theory of how these texts cohere as a group, Crawford offers an original and provocative work for readers interested in the Second Temple period.

Genres: Judaism, Academic

172 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2008

Reviews

[Keith Pinckney · Rating 3 out of 5]

A succinct volume focusing on Rewritten Scripture attested among the DSS. Rewritten Scripture exists on a spectrum. All with the attempt to make “scripture” relevant for the given scribes contemporaries. Another work that demonstrates the pervasive textuality of 2TJ. I’d recommend reading Crawford alongside Zahn.

[Claire Mummert · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read if you are interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls and the genre of Rewritten texts.

[Dancingfoolvb]

A difficult read for non-scholars in the field, but this book gets across the important point that all of the Hebrew Bible texts were in transition and were subject to editing and enhancement. This book demolishes the possibility of literalism.