Qumran Interpretation of the Genesis Flood

The Dead Sea Scrolls have opened up for modern readers the ancient world of Jewish interpretation of the Bible during the Second Temple period. Among these scrolls are several manuscripts dating to the first century BC, the oldest surviving texts dealing with interpretation of the Genesis Flood. A literary analysis of the four primary Qumran Flood texts (1QapGen, 4Q252, 4Q370, and 4Q422) reveals how ancient Jews interpreted and employed the Genesis Flood narrative. These texts contain commentary, paraphrase, and admonition, among other things, addressing issues such as the cause, chronology, and purpose of the Flood. In addition, these fragmentary treasures reveal such ancient understandings of the Flood as a reversal and renewal of creation, a restoration of Eden and anticipation of the Promised Land, and an archetype of eschatological judgment.''One of the most important results of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery has been the access they give us to ancient biblical interpretation. Professor Lyon has done a thorough and convincing analysis of the four principal texts interpreting the Flood Narrative. His discussion of their theology from the original text accompanied by informative introductions represents a major contribution to Dead Sea Scroll studies and to the history of interpretation.'' --Robert Cole, author of Psalms 1-2: Gateway to the Psalter''Lyon demonstrates a superior ability to work with the relevant primary sources in addressing the major positions in his analysis of the Qumran texts of the Flood. He has carried out extensive research in the secondary literature. He is aware of interpretive options. He is fair in giving different positions an adequate hearing. His argumentation is clear and precise. . . . This is a great contribution to the history of biblical interpretation and early hermeneutics.''--Mark F. Rooker, Senior Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary''In this illuminating study the author sets out to answer the following question: How was the Genesis Flood understood by the Qumran community? The result is a perceptive analysis of an important aspect of Qumran theology. . . . Readers interested in how the theme of the Genesis Flood was elaborated in this ancient community associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls will find well-researched and thought-provoking answers.''--Richard A. Taylor, Senior Professor of Old Testament Studies, Director of PhD Studies, Dallas Theological SeminaryJeremy D. Lyon (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Associate Professor of Old Testament and Hebrew at Truett-McConnell College and a research associate with Logos Research Associates.