4Q215a (eng)

the furnace of [afflict] ion

and distress ^{1The reading with ר is palaeographically and contextually plausible (cf. the ר in ויצרופו [l. 3] and the ד in צדק [l. 6]). Contra Chazon and Stone (DJD XXXVI, 2000, 181), who read וצדת, the reading וצרת should also be considered (cf. DSSSE, 456). This alternative reading fits well within the refining imagery of the context and semantically conveys notions of constriction, distress, and even pressure.} by an oppressor ^{2In this translation, the expression is understood as referring to an “oppressor” as the acting agent. Alternatively, the reading מצוק is also possible. This reading fits well within the semantic field of constriction, distress, and pressure already introduced by וצרת (cf. DSSSE, 456) and may be rendered as “oppressive distress” or “pressing distress.” The distinction between ו and י is not entirely clear here (cf. both letters in ונסוי, l. 3). Within the refining metaphor of the passage, the notion of pressure may also evoke the mechanical processing of metal after smelting, in which the metal was further purified by repeated hammering and forging. Cf. “Note on Ancient Iron Making” in Lee 1952, 324–28.} and testing of the pit. And through these the chosen of righteousness ^{3For the use of ל as a marker of the direct object, see Joüon/Muraoka, A Grammar of Biblical Hebrew, §125k.} will be refined, ^{4The 3rd person masculine plural may be used here impersonally (see Muraoka 2020, §37a).} and all their iniquity will be blotted out,

for the sake of His goo[ d] ness. For the time of wickedness is complete, and all injustice will [pass awa] y. [For]

the time of righteousness has come, and the earth will be filled with the knowledge and the praise of God in [ -- ]

The time of peace has come and of the laws of truth and of the testimony of righteousness, to instruct

in the ways of God [and] in the mighty deeds of His works[ -- u] ntil the enduring eternities.