Is Melchizedek called Yahweh in the Dead Sea Scrolls?

The Dead Sea Scrolls are a collection of Jewish texts that were discovered between 1947 and 1956 in the Qumran Caves of the West Bank. These texts contain a wealth of information about the beliefs and practices of the Jewish community during the Second Temple period. One of the most intriguing figures mentioned in the Dead Sea Scrolls is Melchizedek, who is referred to as a priest and king in the Book of Genesis.

There has been a great deal of debate among scholars about the identity of Melchizedek in the Dead Sea Scrolls. Some have argued that Melchizedek is a divine figure, and is even identified with Yahweh, the God of Israel. Others have suggested that Melchizedek is a historical figure, perhaps a Canaanite king or a priest from Jerusalem.

One of the strongest arguments in favor of the divine identification of Melchizedek is found in the Dead Sea Scrolls themselves. In the Qumran text known as the Melchizedek Scroll (11Q13), Melchizedek is described as a figure who will bring salvation to the righteous and judgment to the wicked. This language is similar to that used to describe Yahweh in other Jewish texts, such as the Psalms and the Book of Isaiah.

Furthermore, in the Melchizedek Scroll, the figure is described as receiving worship from the angels, which is a clear indication of his divine status. This idea is also found in other Jewish texts, such as the Book of Daniel and the Book of Revelation.

However, not all scholars agree with this interpretation of the Dead Sea Scrolls. Some argue that the identification of Melchizedek with Yahweh is based on a misreading of the text, and that Melchizedek was simply a historical figure who was venerated by the Qumran community.