The Lost Scriptures – Wisdom Literature and Poetry

The Thanksgiving Psalms

Psalm 4.
I thank you, O Lord,
for your eye is awake and watches over my soul.
You rescue me from the jealousy of liars,
from the congregation of those who seek the smooth way.
But you save the soul of the poor 
whom they planned to destroy
by spilling the blood of your servant.
I walked because of you – but they didn’t know this.
They laughed at me. They shamed me 
with lies from their mouth.
But you helped the soul of the poor and the weak,
you saved me from their harsh arms,
you redeemed me amid their taunts.
From the wicked I do not fear destruction.

The dependence upon biblical literature, including the Psalms, is especially valid for the Thanksgiving Psalms. This is true for a lot of the Qumran literature. Some scholars will conclude that many of the Gnostic writings are merely biblical quotations; but this is a misinterpretation. Direct references to biblical texts and authors, as in the New Testament, are never found. In some cases the wording is so general and frequently found that it is hardly due to literary dependence, but rather to usage of traditional religious language. But apart from this, yes, many of the poems allude to and rely on biblical passages. Sometimes expressions of similar meaning or wording from scattered places in the Bible are combined into a meaningful piece of writing. This is no simple imitation – it indicates how great an extent the community in Qumran felt itself tied to biblical tradition. The Bible was read and interpreted from the community’s own experience and existence, and its history.

The Psalms, whether canonical or otherwise are meaningful expressions of lament, trust, despair, and hope – among other emotions. They all deserve our time and attention.

Pastor Dave