Explanation of Mysteries
In a surprising turn of events, the Qumran text offers what appears to be “proof” that its prophetic vision is true. This proof is connected to the interpretation of Jacob’s ladder vision.
Apparently addressing Israel of the end time, the author continues:
“They did not know the secret of the way things are nor did they understand the things of old, and they did not know what would come upon them, so they did not rescue themselves without the secret of the way things are.”
The scroll then describes Jacob’s vision in a section that begins with the declaration:
“Hear now what wisdom is.”
Jacob’s Vision — Five Clues
This scroll discusses Jacob’s vision through a set of symbolic clues.
The passage appears to function as a riddle. After reading the clues, the answer should become apparent to anyone initiated.
Five clues are given in order to receive illumination and become wise.
Structure of the Clues
- The first four clues concern the archaeo-astronomy of Jacob’s vision.
- The final clue concerns the Microprosophus and its role in commemorating Jacob’s vision.
This subject leads to the relationship between the Microprosophus and the Foundation Stone.
The Five Clues
- Lights of the stars for a memorial of His name
- Hidden things of the mysteries of Light and the ways of Darkness
- The times of heat with the periods of cold
- The breaking of day and the coming of night
- The origins of things
Interpretation
1. Lights of the Stars for a Memorial of His Name
God named the stars and called them out by name.
The stars become characters that come alive in the celestial drama, forming a memorial of His name.
2. Hidden Things of the Mysteries of Light and the Ways of Darkness
In ancient symbolism:
- Light represented the good principle
- Darkness represented evil
Around the central idea of the annual death and resurrection of the Sun, many symbolic details were developed.
Albert Pike writes in Morals and Dogma:
“Osiris and Typhon were the principles of good and evil, of light and darkness, ever at war in the administration of the Universe.”
(Morals and Dogma, p. 476)
3. The Times of Heat with the Periods of Cold
The year itself was divided into periods of heat and cold.
- Heat was associated with good
- Cold was associated with evil
When the Sun ruled and warmth prevailed, this was seen as good.
After the solstice, cold and darkness ruled and were associated with evil.
Ancient observers lamented when, after the Autumnal Equinox, the malign influence of the Scorpion, the Archer, and the He-Goat dragged the Sun down toward the Winter Solstice.
There they said the Sun had been slain and had descended into the realm of darkness. After three days it rose again and ascended northward in the heavens, redeeming the earth from the gloom of winter.
Thus the myth of Osiris emerged, representing:
- the Sun’s descent
- its death
- its resurrection.
(Morals and Dogma, p. 447)
4. The Breaking of Day and the Coming of Night
According to Albert Pike, the ancients were concerned not only with the daily movement of the Sun, but also its annual cycle.
This idea is reflected in biblical thought where:
“A day is as a year to God.”
In the astronomical projection of the celestial sphere:
- The zodiac constellations formed a circle.
- The winter hemisphere was seen as opposed to the summer hemisphere.
In mythological symbolism:
- The angels of summer were ruled by Osiris or Ormuzd, the beneficent king.
- The winter realm belonged to the fallen angels and demons.
The phenomenon of precession of the equinoxes shifts the zodiac position of the Sun over long periods:
- Aries — about 300 BC
- Taurus — about 2455 BC
(Morals and Dogma, p. 450)
Archaeo-Astronomical Conclusions
These observations suggest a time period corresponding roughly to the construction of the Great Pyramid.
The celestial “House of the Sun” appears to align with the equinox positions of that era:
- Autumnal Equinox: Sun entered Scorpio from Libra
- Vernal Equinox: Sun entered Taurus from Aries
5. The Origins of Things
The final clue concerns the origin of the Earth, which relates to the Foundation Stone.
Jacob slept upon a stone at Bethel, yet God chose to commemorate the event in Zion.
Rabbinical Commentary
The Zohar records a discussion explaining how Jacob’s stone in Bethel could be connected to the Foundation Stone in Jerusalem.
Rabbi Judah explained:
“That stone was the foundation stone out of which the world revolved, and on which the temple was built.”
Another rabbi questioned this interpretation:
- The foundation stone existed before creation.
- Jacob merely placed a stone beneath his head.
The difficulty was that:
- Jacob was in Bethel
- The foundation stone was in Jerusalem
Rabbi Judah answered:
“It is as though the whole earth was folded up underneath him.”
Thus Jacob’s vision symbolically connected Bethel with Zion.
What Likeness?
The commentary also references the verse:
“I shall be satisfied when I awake in Thy likeness.”
(Psalm 17:15)
This passage is interpreted as referring to Jacob awakening in the image of God, symbolically replacing Adam, who was also made in the image of God.
Isaiah and the Image of God
Isaiah describes a likeness that cannot be compared to ordinary images.
Isaiah 45:11-12
“I have made the earth, and created man upon it;
I, even my hands, have stretched out the heavens.”
The Hebrew word for man here is Adam.
Isaiah 40:18-22
“It is He that sitteth upon the circle of the earth.”
Important symbolic terms include:
- Beginning — from the Hebrew root Reshith, meaning face
- Foundation of the earth — the Foundation Stone (Sh’thyiah)
The Circle of the Earth
According to the Zohar:
The Microprosophus (the face of Jacob) rests upon the Foundation Stone in Zion.
Under the stone are three circles, one of which is called:
“The Circle of the Earth.”
Thus:
- The Microprosophus sits upon the stone
- The stone sits upon the circle of the earth.
The Book of Secrets — Text
4Q301 Frag. 1
[ . . . ] I shall speak out freely, and I shall express my various sayings among you [ . . . ] those who would understand parables and riddles, and those who would penetrate the origins of knowledge, along with those who hold fast to the wonderful mysteries [ . . . ] those who walk in simplicity as well as those who are devious in every activity of the deeds of humanity [ . . . ] those with a stiff neck, a hard pate, all the mass of the Gentiles, with [ . . . ].
4Q301 Frag. 2
The customs of the fool, and the inheritance of the wise [ . . . ]. Now what good is the riddle to you, you who search for the origins of knowledge? Why is the heart honored, for it is the dominion [ . . . ] a parable? Why is it splendid to you, for it is [ . . . ]? Why is a prince a ruler [ . . . ] without strength, and he dominates him with a whip that costs nothing? Who would say [ . . . ]? Who among you seeks the presence of Light and Illumination [ . . . ]? The plan of memory without [ . . . ] by the angels of [ . . . ] those who praise [ . . . ].
4Q300 Frag. 3
So that they would know the difference between good and evil [ . . . ].
1Q27 Col. 1
[ . . . ] secrets of sin. But they did not know the secret of the way things are, nor did they understand the things of old, and they did not know what would come upon them, so they did not rescue themselves without the secret of the way things are.
This shall be the sign that this shall come to pass: when the sources of evil are shut up and wickedness is banished in the presence of righteousness, as darkness in the presence of light, or as smoke vanishes and is no more. In the same way wickedness will vanish forever and righteousness will be manifest like the sun.
The world will be made firm and all the adherents of the secrets of wonder shall be no more. True knowledge shall fill the world and there will never be any more folly. This is already to happen; it is a true oracle, and by this it shall be known to you that it cannot be averted.
It is not enough simply to honor goodness or desire truth. The attainment of wisdom lies beyond human effort, and it is beyond the reach of the rich. It is true that all peoples reject evil, yet it advances in all of them. It is true that truth is esteemed in the utterances of all the nations, yet is there any tongue or language that grasps it? What nation wants to be oppressed by another that is stronger? Or who wants his money to be stolen by a wicked man? Yet what nation is there that has not oppressed its neighbor? Where is the people that has not robbed the wealth of another [ . . . ]?
4Q299 Frag. 2 (+ 4Q300 Frag. 5) Col. 2
What should we call a man whose deeds [ . . . ]? But every deed of the righteous has been judged impure. And what should we call a man [ . . . ]? Call no one on earth wise or righteous, for it is not a human possession [ . . . ]. Wisdom is hidden, except for the wisdom of cunning evil and the schemes of Belial [ . . . ]. A thing that ought never to be done again, except by the command of his Maker. And what shall a man do and live? He who has violated the command of his Maker shall have his name erased from the mouth of all [ . . . ].
God knows all hidden things; indeed, He has determined how everything should come about. So listen, you who hold fast to the wonderful secrets of eternity, and the plots behind every deed, and the purpose of all things. He knows every secret and stands behind every thought. He does every deed. The Lord of all is He. From long ago He established it, and forever [ . . . ]. The purpose of the origins He opened up to [ . . . ]. For He tests His son, and gives him as an inheritance every secret and the limits of every deed [ . . . ]. He created the Gentiles and their deeds [ . . . ].
4Q300 Frag. 1 Col. 2
Consider the soothsayers, those teachers of sin. Say the parable, declare the riddle before we speak, then you will know if you have truly understood. Your foolishness [ . . . ], for the vision is sealed up from you, and you have not properly understood the eternal mysteries, and you have not become wise in understanding. You have not properly understood the origin of wisdom. But if you should unseal the vision [ . . . ], all your wisdom [ . . . ]. Hear now what wisdom is.
4Q299 Frag. 5
Lights of the stars for a memorial of His name [ . . . ]. Hidden things of the mysteries of Light and the ways of Darkness [ . . . ]. The times of heat with the periods of cold [ . . . ]. The breaking of day and the coming of night [ . . . ]. The origins of things [ . . . ].
Wisdom is available by humble submission to the unchangeable plan of God.
4Q299 Frag. 8
How can a man understand without knowledge or hearing [ . . . ]? He created insight for His children. By much wisdom He uncovered our ears that we may hear [ . . . ]. He created insight for all those who pursue true knowledge [ . . . ]. All wisdom is from eternity; it may not be changed [ . . . ]. He locked up behind the waters, so that not [ . . . ] the heaven above heaven [ . . . ].
4Q301 Frag. 3
He is well known for His patience, and mighty in His great anger, and splendid [ . . . ]. In His numerous acts of mercy and terrible in His wrathful purposes, and honored [ . . . ]. Over the land He made him ruler, and God is honored among His holy people, and splendid among His chosen. Yes, splendid and holy, great in the blessings of [ . . . ]. Their splendor [ . . . ] when the era of wickedness is at an end, and evil doing [ . . . ]
