This manuscript is reminiscent of 1QM 7:9-9:9, but it diverges markedly from the Cave 1 copy. Perhaps it represents another "deviant" version such as 4Q491 (Manuscripts A and B). But it is equally possible that this fragment may have been unrelated to the War Scroll literature, instead coming from a handbook on priestly duties.
The number of this fragment suggests a physical connection with frag. 1 1 col 2. The original publication proposed a join of two separate pieces of parchment that is not accepted here.
| (1) | For the war: The priests, the sons of Aaron, shall take their stand before [the] battle formations | |
| (2) | and sound a blast on the trumpets of remembrance. Afterwards they shall open the gates for the | |
| (3) | infantrymen. Then the priests shall sound a blast on the trumpets of battle [to adva]nce on the battle line | |
| (4) | of the Gentiles. The priests shall go out from among the slain and stand on [either] side of the [...], | |
| (5) | beside the catapult (?) and the ballista (?). Thus they shall not profane the anointing of their priestly office [with the blood of the s]lai[n]. | |
| (6) | [And] they shall not approach any battle formation of the infantry. They shall sound an alarm with a sharp note in order that the me[n of] battle | |
| (7) | might set out to advance between the battle lines on the trumpets [of the slain]. Then [they] shall [beg]in | |
| (8) | to draw near to the battle. When their periods of engagement are completed, they shall sound a blast for them on the tru[mp]ets of withdrawal | |
| (9) | to enter the gates. Then the second formation shall set out. According to this entire rule the Le[vites] | |
| (10) | shall be signaling them at the proper time. When they set out, they shall blow a signal for them on the t[rumpets of assembly], | |
| (11) | and when [they] have comple[ted their foray], on the trumpets of alarm, [and when] they return, they shall sound a sig[nal for them on the trumpets] | |
| (12) | of as[sembly.] According to [this] ordin[ance] they sound the signal for ev[ery ba]ttle formation. | |
| (13) | [...] upon the trumpets of the Sabbaths [it is written ...] | |
| (14) | [... for] the regular [grain offering] and the burnt offerings it is written, [...] | |
| [...] | lost text |
| {Text} | suggestion for improvement |
| (Text) | words not contained in the original text, but added to the translation for better understanding. |
| (?) | uncertain reading |
| [Text] | added text |