The Meaning of the Dead Sea Scrolls [antikvár]

1 73ie Discoven) the Scrolls 1. J'he Manuscripts from 'Wadi Qumran Early in the spring of 1947, some Bedouins of the Ta'amire tribe took a roundabout journey from Transjordan into Palestine. It is said that they wished to avoid the legal points of entry at the frontier since the merchandise they were transporting was contraband. The route that they chose took them throu^ desolate country to the springs at 'Ain Feshkha on the northwest shore of the Dead Sea. Here they replenished their supply of fresh water and lingered for a while before going on to the markets at Bethlehem. While they were waiting, one or more of their number climbed the cliffs not far from the shoreline, and, either accidentally or as a result of a search, discovered a cave. The true details of the story may never be disclosed. It is known, however, that the Ta'amire Bedouins were not without previous experience in exploring caves and that they were astute vendors of whatever they happened to find.^ ^References for superior numbers in text appear on P. 132. 9