4Q521 or the Messianic Apocalypse
Prediction of the Coming of the Messiah
Dated 200-100 BC
Discovered at Qumran, Cave 4 (Dead Sea Scrolls)
The text:
[the heavens] and the earth will listen to His Messiah [“anointed one”], and none therein will stray from the commandments of the holy ones.
Seekers of the Lord, strengthen yourselves in His service!
All you hopeful in (your) heart, will you not find the Lord in this?
For the Lord will consider the pious (hasidim) and call the righteous by name.
Over the poor His spirit will hover and will renew the faithful with His power.
And He will glorify the pious on the throne of the eternal Kingdom.
He who liberates the captives, restores sight to the blind, straightens the [bent]
And [for] ever I will cleave to the hopeful and in His mercy…
And the [fruit…] will not be delayed for anyone.
And the Lord will accomplish glorious things which have never been as [He…]
For He will heal the wounded, and revive the dead and bring good news to the poor
…He will lead the uprooted and knowledge…and smoke