Sons of Light Vs Sons of Darkness

Sons of Light vs Sons of Darkness

Sons of Light vs. Sons of Darkness: A Review of the War Scroll and Its Rules

The **War Scroll** (1QM), also known as "The War of the Sons of Light Against the Sons of Darkness," is one of the most significant documents among the Dead Sea Scrolls. Discovered in Qumran Cave 1 in 1947, this scroll provides a detailed manual for military organization and strategy, as well as a theological discourse on the apocalyptic battle between good and evil. Here, we delve into what we know about the War Scroll, focusing on its rules and the concept of the Sons of Light and Sons of Darkness.

The Sons of Light and Sons of Darkness

The War Scroll describes a future apocalyptic war between the **Sons of Light** and the **Sons of Darkness**. The Sons of Light are identified as the righteous community, primarily consisting of the sons of Levi, Judah, and Benjamin, along with those exiled to the desert. The Sons of Darkness, on the other hand, are the forces of evil, including Edom, Moab, the sons of Ammon, the Amalekites, Philistia, and their allies, the Kittim of Asshur (collectively referred to as the army of Belial) 

 The War Scroll: Structure and Content

The War Scroll is composed of 19 columns, with the first 14-19 lines of each column preserved. It is a composite document, likely compiled from various source texts by a single scribe. The scroll is divided into two main parts:

1. **The War against the Kittim**: This section describes a battle between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness, with a best-of-seven format. Each side wins three of the first six battles, and the final victory for the Sons of Light is achieved through divine intervention. After this war, there is a six-year period of preparation culminating in the restoration of the Temple in Jerusalem 

2. **The War of Divisions**: This part describes a 33-year war following the initial conflict, making up a total of 40 years of war. The Sons of Light, now the united twelve tribes of Israel, conquer the "nations of vanity." Unlike the War against the Kittim, this section does not mention angelic or supernatural allies, and the Sons of Light do not face any defeats 

Military Organization and Rules

The War Scroll provides detailed specifications for military organization, including the age requirements for service. Here are some key rules:

- **Age Requirements**: The scroll specifies that men must be at least 20 years old to serve in the infantry and 40 years old to serve in higher ranks. This age requirement reflects the community's emphasis on maturity and experience in leadership roles 

- **Military Formations**: The text outlines the structure of the army, dividing it into thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens. Each unit has specific roles and responsibilities, and the organization is highly hierarchical 

- **Trumpets and Banners**: The War Scroll details the use of trumpets and banners for various purposes, including assembly, battle signals, and liturgies. For example, trumpets are used to signal the advance of infantry, the retreat from battle, and the reassembly of the congregation. Banners are inscribed with phrases that reflect the divine nature of the conflict, such as "The called of God" and "The princes of God" 

Theological and Apocalyptic Elements

The War Scroll is not just a military manual but also a theological treatise. It emphasizes the role of divine intervention in the final victory of the Sons of Light. The scroll describes the involvement of angelic hosts and supernatural beings, particularly in the War against the Kittim. The final victory is attributed to the direct intervention of God and his agent, Michael the Archangel 

 Historical Context and Authorship

Scholars have debated the exact time of composition of the War Scroll. Two main periods are proposed: the Seleucid period (165-104 BCE) and the Roman period (mid-1st century BCE to early 1st century CE). The descriptions of weaponry and tactics have led some scholars to suggest a Roman influence, while others argue for a 2nd-century BCE origin 

The authorship of the War Scroll is also a subject of debate. Some scholars believe it was written or compiled by a single writer, while others view it as a composite document copied from multiple sources 

Conclusion

The War Scroll is a rich and complex document that provides valuable insights into the beliefs and practices of the Qumran community. Its detailed military organization, theological discourse, and apocalyptic vision offer a unique window into the world of the Essenes and their expectations of a future divine intervention. The rules and age requirements for service highlight the community's emphasis on order, discipline, and divine guidance in their preparations for the final battle between good and evil.

By understanding the War Scroll, we gain a deeper appreciation of the historical and religious context of the Dead Sea Scrolls and the beliefs of the Jewish community during a period of significant religious and political upheaval.