Experience the most remarkable archeological discovery of the last century.
The scrolls in this exhibition represent some of the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible, as well as other ancient Hebrew texts.
In addition to the scrolls, this exhibition will also feature a multitude of artifacts from Qumran, as well as other artifacts from the region. These items - writing implements, scroll jars, clothing and household items - shed light on the day-to-day lives of sect members as well as view into tumultuous historical period in which the scrolls were created.
Tickets: $19.95, available by calling (816) 460-2020 or visiting unionstation.org. Union Station officials suggest planning in advance because some days will sell out.
Lectures: A distinguished lecture series will be at 7 p.m. Thursdays during the exhibition. Tickets to the lectures are $19.95 for one lecture or $199.95 for all 12.
Descriptions of the scrolls in the exhibit
Genesis-Exodus
Among the 14 copies of Genesis and Exodus that were found in the Qumran Caves, only this scroll contains both books. The fragment that will be displayed is parallel to chapters 35-39 of the Masoretic text and begins with the birth of Benjamin and ends with the story of Joseph at Potiphar's house.
1st century CE - Found in Cave 4
Joshua
This is the earliest known copy of Joshua. The fragment describes the events that took place after the Israelites' arrival in the Land of Canaan.
2nd century BCE - Found in Cave 4
Psalms
One of the longer texts from Qumran. The fragment is parallel to Psalms 135-136, which are classified as Hymns of Praise. It extols the Lord for his greatness as creator of the world and as deliverer and redeemer of his people.
1st century CE - Found in Cave 11
Job
The fragment corresponds to Chapter 36:7-16 and 23-33 of the Masoretic text in which Elihu describes to Job how God watches the righteous.
1st century BCE - Found in Cave 11
Isaiah commentary
Many of the Qumran manuscripts employ a unique style of Biblical commentary: the pesher method. The writers quoted Biblical text, and after each quote attempted to interpret how the words of the Bible had been realized in contemporary events according to the worldview of the sect. This commentary includes quotes from Isaiah Chapter 11:1-2 and their interpretation.
1st century BCE - Found in Cave 4
Community Rule
The Community Rule comprises a set of rules according to which the members of the Qumran sect conducted their lives. This fragment describes the need and readiness of the sect members to worship and praise the Lord by praying at fixed intervals.
1st century BCE to 1st century CE - Found in Cave 4
Deuteronomy (replica)
The book of Deuteronomy was one of the most popular books with the members of the Qumran sect. This replica contains Deuteronomy 8:5-10 which includes the Ten Commandments.
1st century BCE - Found in Cave 4
Aramaic Apocalypse (replica)
This Aramaic text, also known as Apocrypha of Daniel, is similar to the apocalyptic section of the biblical book of Daniel. The manuscript refers to a "Son of God" and "Son of the Most High." The interpretation of this phrase is disputed among scholars: is this a reference to a historic ruling figure or to an apocalyptic sovereign who will establish God's reign on earth?
1st century BCE - Found in Cave 4
Damascus Document (replica)
Sectarian writings, apparently written for and by the sect at Qumran and elsewhere in the Judean Desert, were practically unknown until the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls. An exception is the Damascus Document, a copy of which was in the Cairo genizah, a collection of ancient Hebrew texts in Egypt discovered in 1896. This replica deals with scale disease and its purification.
1st century BCE - Found in Cave 4
Paleo Leviticus (replica)
Written in the ancient Hebrew script known as Paleo-Hebrew, this fragment comprises the last chapters of the book of Leviticus, dealing with laws of worship, laws of damage and laws of slaves as well as the Israelite festivals, the Jewish New Year and the Day of Atonement.
End of the 2nd century - beginning of 1st century BCE - Found in Cave 11
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