The Apocryphon Of Samuel

Synopsis
These small Dead Sea Scroll fragments consist of a damaged historical/prophetic narrative, either based on the Book Of First Samuel, or is an independent work that the former book used as a source. The first theory is more likely. It is similar to the canon story of Samuel waking the high priest Eli, after he is called by God. Samuel assumes it is Eli calling him, and wakes him several times. The similarities end there, and a prophecy is given by Samuel.

Canonicity
It has never been a part of any canon, and it is unknown is the Essenes regarded it as inspired.

Date
Unknown.

Frag. 1
''1 [... 1 Sam 3:14-15 F]or [I] swo[re to] the House of [Eli that the sin of the House of Eli would not be atoned for, either by sacrifices] 2 [or by offerings, for ever.] Samue[l h]eard the wor[ds of ...] 3 [...] Samuel was lying down before Eli, and he arose and opened the do[ors ...] 4 [...] to explain the oracle to Eli. But Eli answered: [...] 5 [... 1 Sam 3:17 Le]t me know the vision of God! Do not [hide it from me, please! May] 6 [God do this to you, and this to you in addition] if you hide from me one w[ord of all the words which he told you] 7 [...] Samuel [...]''

Frags. 3 - 5 col. ii
''1 [...] your servant. I did not control my strength before this, because 2 [... may they be re]united, my God, with your people; be assistance for him and raise him up 3 [... free their fee]t from the muddy swamp [and] establish for them a rock from of old, for your praise 4 is [above all the na]tions. Your people [will] take shelter [in your house] and [...] ... and in the anger of those who hate your people you shall exalt your splendour 5 [and] over the lands and the seas [... and] your fear will be over every [...] and kingdom. And all the peoples of your lands will know [that] 6 you created [them ...] multitudes [will] understand that this is your people [...] 7 ... [...] your [hol]y ones whom you made holy [...]''

Frag. 7
''1 [...] ... will be [...] 2 I dwelt with him my feasts and joined /him/ from [... Not] 3 did I solicit her favour with estates, riches or merchandise [...] 4 my lord, and I chose to lie down in front of the bed of [...]''