What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls and Why Do They Matter?

by David Noel Freedman, Pam Fox Kuhlken

You know the Scrolls are important . . . but you don't really know why.

Sure, there are plenty of scholarly volumes on the Dead Sea Scrolls, full of indexes, footnotes, and jargon for those in the know. But what if you're not a specialist? What if you just want a basic understanding of what the Dead Sea Scrolls are, where they came from, and why they're so important? That's where this little book comes in.

David Noel Freedman and Pam Fox Kuhlken here offer an informed, inside look at these significant ancient texts. Full of humor and behind-the-scenes glimpses into research on the Scrolls, What Are the Dead Sea Scrolls and Why Do They Matter? is a fascinating, accessible guidebook -- perfect for any reader seeking a brief, quality introduction to this inscrutable subject.

Answers a gamut of questions from the general to the paranoid to the somewhat cynical -- for

141 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

Son of David Freedman

Reviews

[Dave Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent (and brief) summary of what the Dead Sea Scrolls are all about, what they contribute to Biblical scholarship, and how they affect the Masoretic (Hebrew) text and the Septuagint (Greek translation). Freedman and Kuhlken utilize a mix of humor, passion and scholarship to provide the information they feel is important to know. They are easy to read, and the book is organized through a series of questions related to a specific theme (some concerning the details of the scrolls, others considering theological implications, and still others looking for historical and scholarly context).

If you have ever been curious about the Essenes (the group of separated apocalyptically inclined religious zealots at Qumran), this is a good place to start.

[Livia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to the Dead Sea Scrolls. The DSS are endlessly fascinating. I was lucky enough to see some of them at the San Diego Museum of Natural History, including a section of the Copper Scroll. This book is one of the better ones found with a major exhibit. Too often, the audience may not understand what they see at a major museum exhibit. The way it's written is very respectful, too. Not arrogant or condescending.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at the California Science Center's gift shop after viewing Dead Sea Scrolls: The Exhibition. The book was an excellent overview of the Dead Sea Scrolls and, true to its title, answered the questions of what the Dead Sea Scrolls are and why they matter. Having known almost nothing about the Dead Sea Scrolls before visiting the exhibition, I learned tremendously from the artifacts on display and by reading this short book.

[Arlene S · Rating 3 out of 5]

I purchased this book at the los angeles California Science Center 2015 exhibition of Dead Sea Scrolls. As book blurb says, it really does explain the much about the scrolls for the non-expert. Short and readable.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written for the masses in an easy-to-understand style. Now I wish there were a similar book to this written by an LDS author.

[Lucas Jacobson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very easy to read in regards to informational read. If you have any curiousities in regards to the Dead Sea Scrolls, Christianity, The Bible, and God I recommend this book.

[Ali Alamer]

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