Wadi Qumran

View to the east from a cave overlooking Wadi Qumran, the ruins, Cave 4 and the Dead Sea. Photo: © David Harris

4Q525 2-3 II, 1-6:

Blessed is the man who speaks the truth(?) with a pure heart,
and does not slander with his tongue.

Blessed are those who hold fast to her statues, and do not take
hold of the ways of inequity.

Blessed are those who rejoice in her,
and do not utter in the ways of foolishness.

Blessed are those who seek her with pure hands,
and do not search for her with a deceitful heart.

Blessed is the man who has attained wisdom,
He walks in the Law of the Most High.
and prepares his heart for her ways.

And he controls himself by her instructions,
and always takes pleasure in her corrections,
and does not forsake her in the afflictions of testing.

And in the time of oppression he does not abandon her,
and does not forget her in the days of dread,
and in the submission of his soul does not reject her.

- translation by George Brooke

  - Cf.Matt 5:3-12

3
 
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4
 
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5
 
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6
 
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7
 
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8
 
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9
 
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10
 
 
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11
 
 
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12
 
 
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
  KJV