Introduction

Abstract

This is the second of two thematic editions focused on the theme “Jewish Wisdom from the Judean Wilderness to Diaspora.”1 In this edition, the weight of the contributions is focused on Qumran discoveries. A composition that features in three of these articles, and discussed in the fourth, is 1Q/4QInstruction (1Q26; 4Q415–418, 423).2 A number of previously unknown sapiential texts were preserved in Qumran Cave 4. These include 4QBeatitudes (4Q525), several texts that are simply titled as Sapiential Works (4Q474– 476), Instruction-like compositions (4Q424–426), and two Sapiential Hymns (4Q411, 4Q498). Among these, 4QInstruction is the longest. Originally it was about thirty columns long and is preserved in at least eight manuscripts. 1Q/4QInstruction is significant not only because of the many fragments that preserve roughly a third of the original composition. Its sapiential teaching is also located within an explicit cosmology. While there is general agreement about the significance of 1Q/4QInstruction for understanding the development of early Jewish wisdom, debates remain about the interpretation of this composition. Contributions here contribute to the ordering of fragments (Asaf Gayer), translation (Benjamin Wold), and teaching about economics (Jonthan Ben Dov). George Brooke looks broadly at the Qumran sapiential literature, with special attention to esoteric tradition. We would again like to thank the editor-in-chief of the Journal for the Study of the Pseudepigrapha, Matthias Henze, as well as the Senior Project Editor at Sage Publications, Arshiya Singhal. A special note of gratitude goes to each contributor in this period of COVID-19 for their efforts in the midst of unforeseen challenges.