The Economics of Qumran

This chapter introduces central topics of interest about wealth, poverty, and economics at Qumran and in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Texts considered include literature read by the Qumran Essene community (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Sirach, and 4QInstruction), sectarian texts (4QOrdinances, 11QMelchizedek, 1QDivre Moshe, and Jewish-Greek sources (Josephus and Philo). The Tyrian silver “half-shekel” hoard, other coin finds, and the remains of commodities such as clothing and pottery are also considered. Related issues, such as the Temple tax and Herod’s wealth, are introduced and contextualized within the fields of biblical studies and ancient economic history. The chapter concludes with some shared points of contact with the Bible and contemporary concerns.