Books in Brief

Exemplary Work

Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice: A Critical Edition

Carol Newsom (Harvard Semitic Studies 27; Atlanta, GA: Scholars Press, 1985) 486 pp., plus 19 plates, $34.95

In the seven sanctuaries of the heavenly temple, the seven divisions of priestly angels are singing praises to God. Joining in the praises are the seven chariot thrones, the cherubim and wheels of the thrones, and even the wall decorations of the heavenly temple. Such is the conception of the heavenly worship expressed in the Qumran community’s “Songs of the Sabbath Sacrifice.” In their own Sabbath ceremonies, the Qumran priests participated in the heavenly praises of God, perhaps even evoking for the worshippers a sense of presence in the heavenly temple and communion with the angelic hosts. The quasi-mystical experience intimated by these Sabbath Songs provides a fascinating entry into the religious world of the Qumran community.