The Mystery of Creation in 4QInstruction

Abstract

4QInstruction (1Q26, 4Q415-418, 423) is the largest wisdom text from Qumran.' One of the most important phrases of the composition is 7Mm Tl. This phrase occurs over twenty times in the composition.2 The text's addressee (the 1'm, or understanding one) is often exhorted to study the mM2 r. He is told to gaze (::2) upon,3 examine (fl1)' meditate (mn2) upon, and grasp (flpb) it.4 He is encouraged to contemplate the 7Mm tbecause he can learn from it. Through the study of the m'm12 tF the addressee can attain, for example, the knowledge of good and evil (4Q417 1 i 6-8) and of people's fate at the final judgment (4Q417 2 i 10-12). The mrm: n is the means by which wisdom is obtained in 4QInstruction.