1st-century BC sectarian commentary interpreting the prophecies of Habakkuk against the Romans ('Kittim')
A 1.48-meter leather scroll containing an continuous apocalyptic commentary (pesher) on Habakkuk 1–2, interpreting biblical prophetic texts as direct cryptic references to the Righteous Teacher, the Wicked Priest, and the invading Roman Kittim.
Rigorous 4-part empirical analysis separating ancient text from bias and consensus
Column VIII lines 1–3 expounds Habakkuk 2:4 ('the righteous shall live by his faith'): 'Its interpretation concerns all who observe the Law in the House of Judah, whom God will deliver from the House of Judgment on account of their suffering and their faith in the Teacher of Righteousness.'
Provides immediate contemporary background for the apostolic citation and exposition of Habakkuk 2:4 by Paul in Romans 1:17 and Galatians 3:11, and Hebrews 10:38.
Scholars analyze the Qumran 'pesher' hermeneutical method (the ancient prophet did not understand his own mystery, which is revealed only to the end-times community), contrasting with early Christian Christological exegesis.
Intensely sectarian Essene literature demonizing the Jerusalem temple establishment ('Wicked Priest' identified with Jonathan or Alexander Jannaeus).