Posted on 07/25/2006 12:21:17 PM PDT by lunarbicep
IRELAND'S national museum today hailed what it said was one of the most significant discoveries in decades - and perhaps centuries - after an ancient prayer book was found by chance in an Irish bog.
The National Museum of Ireland said fragments of what appeared to be an ancient Psalter or Book of Psalms, written around AD 800, were uncovered by a bulldozer in a bog in the south Midlands.
"In discovery terms this Irish equivalent to the Dead Sea Scrolls is being hailed by the Museum's experts as the greatest find ever from a European bog," the museum said in a statement.
The Dead Sea Scrolls, found in the mid 20th century, are considered to be of enormous religious and historical significance since they include some of the earliest known surviving Biblical documents.
The Irish discovery, recovered from bogland last Friday, comprises extensive fragments of what is thought to be an Irish Early Christian Psalter, written on vellum, a fine animal skin parchment.
"In my wildest hopes, I could only have dreamed of a discovery as fragile and rare as this," Museum Director Pat Wallace said, adding it was not so much the fragments themselves, but what they represented, that was of such "staggering" importance.
"It testifies to the incredible richness of the Early Christian civilisation of this island and to the greatness of ancient Ireland," he said.
The museum said it did not know how the manuscript ended up in the bog.
"It may have been lost in transit or dumped after a raid, possibly more than a thousand to twelve hundred years ago."
Part of Psalm 83, a lament to God over other nations' attempts to wipe out Israel, is legible but the museum said the extent to which other Psalms or additional texts are preserved would only be determined by lengthy work by a team of experts.
Bernard Meehan, Head of Manuscripts at Trinity College Dublin, who was invited to advise on the context and background of the manuscript, said he believed it was the first discovery of an Irish Early Medieval manuscript in two centuries.
Initial impressions placed the composition date of the manuscript at about AD 800, a time of Viking raids in Ireland.
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Posted on 06/21/2006 7:58:55 PM EDT by blam
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1653366/posts
and in Sweden:
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The Local -- News from Sweden in English | 2nd June 2006 | Adam Ewing
Posted on 06/03/2006 8:03:04 PM EDT by SunkenCiv
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/1642978/posts
ping
I just heard this story on Bill Bennett this morning and did a quick google to try and find the story. I literally got chills as I heard Bill talking about this ancient Bible actually surviving and being open to Psalm 83. I went and re-read Psalm 83.
This is a message from God. I have absolutely no doubt in my mind. This psalm specifically talks to the A, the people of Tyre, the Ishmaelites, the Philistines about their attempts to destroy Israel.
Thanks for much for posting this. I had a feeling our Freepers would pick up on this.
Thanks.
Hey Biggirl. You are so right about Ireland. I am Irish and went there a few years ago. It was one of the most moving experiences I ever had. It's as if something deep in my soul knew I was "home." I love the Irish people, as they are so warm and hospitable. I have travelled a bit and while their food is not worth mentioning, it is a great place to visit.
I agree with you about this being a message from Heaven.
Blessings.
Cool. Can you put me on this ping list? Thanks.
I posted the same thing. When I heard this story on Bill Bennett this morning, I literally had chills run up and down my entire body - my little hairs just stood on end. I'm feeling quite emotional about it still. I have no doubt this is a message from God. Just the fact that that book even survived is a miracle in itself, yet to be so eerily open to Psalm 83???? Anyone who thinks this is a coincidence is just a lost cause.
Just reread that Psalm after hearing the story and it moved me to tears.
Excellent thoughts.
That's exactly how I feel. Recently, Tyre has been in the news a lot and I just can't help but think of the story of the King of Tyre in the Bible. When I re-read Psalm 83 after hearing of this story, it just gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes.
I don't even want to think about what will happen to us (the U.S.) if we ever turn our back on Israel, and with so many hating her more and more, it just seems grim right now.
The scriptures also refer to Moab as "the mountains of Moab." It is in fact on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. I have spent some time in the area.
Excellent post, thanks.
What I also find intersting is how it refers to the people of tents (of the different lands rising up against Israel). This tells me not organized armies from a country, but citizens will rise up from these countries.
Which is what appears to be happening:
Al Qaida: He calls for men to rise up and fight from Spain to Iraq:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/27/mideast.main/index.html
Iranians citizens heading to lebanon to fight:
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/meast/07/26/iran.volunteers.ap/index.html
Thank-you.
Now, if we begin to see Jordan involved or people invading through Jordan, we certainly will be seeing prophecy fulfilled in an amazing way. But, I still do not fear because we have read of Israel's enemies fate.
...description of a Latin Psalter as an Irish "Dead Sea Scrolls" is a bit much.
&&
Yes, that was an absurd comparison.
Have you seen this? Very interesting. Timely psalm.
Some of the nations listed in Psalm 83:
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Wow! Chills here, too.
Now why don't the Irish get some cojones (don't know the Gaelic), get an Army and go fight for Israel.
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Unfortunately, that once religious country has largely turned away from its rich spiritual traditions.
The museum said it did not know how the manuscript ended up in the bog"
Might have been the act of an backsliding apostate--but no one in present day Ireland wants to mention that.
Well said!!
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