A Psalm from Judea

O LORD, I cry out to You, hearken to me. I spread my hands toward Your holy dwelling, give ear and grant my request; do not withhold my boon (11QPsa 24:3-5, trans. Wise, Abegg, Cook) Though not regarded as Scripture by most (1), this writing does have a striking image of prayer. The one asking … Continue reading A Psalm from Judea →

Evil’s Affliction

Cleanse me, O LORD, from evil’s affliction and let it not again return. Let its roots within me dry up, its le[av]es find no sustenance within (11QPsa 24:12-13). This verse comes from one of the writings in the Great Psalms Scroll at Qumran. A reciprocal of sorts to Psalm 1. Let the roots of evil … Continue reading Evil’s Affliction →