A comprehensive overview of the Qumran Scrolls

While not as focussed as his course on the 'book of Genesis' (probably because of this study field being vast) Prof. Gary A. Rensburg does a splendid job in introducing the Dead Sea Scrolls in 24 lectures aimed at those who are almost ignorant of this material.

He covers various aspects of the Dead Sea Scrolls, from how and when it was found, to its ancient history, its significance and contributions to especially Old Testament/ Tanach scholarship as well as halackhic (Jewish law) issues. Prof. Rendsburg represents and presents the majority view of scholars throughout this course. In lecture 12 he engages with significant as well as sensational alternative views and claims that have surfaced over the years. The course is structured around all of the important Dead Sea Scrolls and Prof. Rendsburg often quotes and discuss these scrolls' content.

A great strength that is sometimes absent from similar introductions is the bird's eye-view of everyday life at Qumran that Prof. Rendsburg provides. On the other hand he significantly downplays the controversy that surrounded the scrolls since its discovery.

When comparing this course to a similar course in the 'Modern Scholar Series' presented by Prof. Lawrence Schiffman, I find that the two courses covers almost the same content with different accents often complementing each other. Because both scholars are Jewish, it does seem that their focus and I presume passion, is more on the Jewish significance of the scrolls. Prof. Schiffman seems to have a better grasp on the New Testament and how the Dead Sea Scrolls enlightens it. On the other hand Prof. Rendsburg's presentation is more polished than Prof. Schiffman's. I would suggest for someone interested in the Scrolls also to obtain Prof. John J Collin's 'The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Biography.'

If you are interested in the Dead Sea Scrolls and want an comprehensive overview, this course comes highly recommended.

100 people found this helpful

Very Well Done & Not One Sided

Where does The Dead Sea Scrolls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

I really enjoy the series as contained in "The Great Courses" series. Of course some of the presentations are better than others. The Dead Sea Scrolls is the best of the many I have purchased.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dead Sea Scrolls?

I have always had an interest in the Dead Sea Scrolls. I admit that I sort of expected a tinge of Jewish Religion flavor in this course but there was none. A very scholally & honest presentation. Really well done.

What does Professor Gary A. Rendsburg bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This gifted Professor is one I will follow. He is on the side of pure Accidemics. A pleasure to listen to & he has really helped me understand the value of this 1947 discovery. I am not Jewish but this course has greatly helped me to understand ancient thought & practice. The Professor would be a person I'd love to have a coffee with! An honest person! ND John

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

The Greatest Find of the 20th Century Explained.

Any additional comments?

I bow my head towards Professor Rendsburg. He has handled a very difficult subject very objectfully. Thank You, ND John

38 people found this helpful

Have Listened to it twice

Listening to this book was amazing- I listened to it twice. It gave me many insights into the scrolls. I am very much hooked on "The Great Courses" series. Professor Rendsburg is very easy to listen to and one can hear his passion for his subject.

37 people found this helpful

Deep dive into one of the most intriguing subjects

Where does The Dead Sea Scrolls rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

The best one from three that I've already listened to.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Dead Sea Scrolls?

There were many of them, especially the ones when the historical facts from the discovery of those manuscripts were linked with some profound changes to the "mainstream academic knowledge" of the times around the dates of the writings that were found and studied through the lectures. The readings of the translation of some of the texts were very insightful, they gave a sense of freedom of interpretation to the listeners, but still managed to present the scholar point of view of the author.

Have you listened to any of Professor Gary A. Rendsburg’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

That was my first listening of Professor Rendsburg, and I intend to listen to more of his classes, if available!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Well, not really, because of the extension of the material being over 12 hours. In fact, I believe that I've listened to about 18-20 hours, because I repeated sometimes a whole lecture that was too fascinating to be stuck to only one hearing...

Any additional comments?

My best purchase to the date!

32 people found this helpful

Ever wonder about them?

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Not meant to be listened to in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

This is a college course. You will be entering a classroom. I loved it! Learning should never stop because we grow up.

18 people found this helpful

a complete and comprehensive review that educates

having listened to dr. schiffman's course, I was prepared for the content. However, this newer and richer presentation was stunning in its completeness and the neutrality and integrity shown by the presenter. This is really worth listening to if you have any interest in Judaism, Christianity, or the history of the Middle

17 people found this helpful

Excellent presentation

I would have like to have a classroom lecture of this material complete with books / references now all I can do is go look it up. Thank you

13 people found this helpful

Good listen

You could tell he knew the information he presented. He made it come to life.

11 people found this helpful

Loved the Course on The Dead Sea Scrolls

This recording from the Great Courses is excellent. Dr. Rendsburg leaves no stone unturned to bring his audience along with him on his journey through the Dead Sea Scrolls. For those who want to totally understand what was happening in Israel prior to the burning of the second temple, this course is a must.

5 people found this helpful

the author is truly passionate about the subject!

I liked the extra info and little tidbits thrown in. the author reads very passionately- more like lecture than reading, which is refreshing. he appears to be learned in linguistics and geography and brings you into the location where the scrolls were found.

3 people found this helpful