In 1947, in the desolate wilderness about 80 miles from Jerusalem, one of the greatest discoveries of this century was made. The find was made in a cave down by the Dead Sea. The discovery seems to be the remains of a hidden library dating back to before the times of Jesus. This collection of ancient scrolls contains both religious and everyday type writings. Eventually, in the same general area, scholars found 11 caves that contained ancient things that had been hidden away nearly 2000 years ago. Today, we refer to the written matter as the Dead Sea Scrolls. However, one scroll was different from all the rest. It's called the copper scroll of cave three.

Cave three had some leather and papyrus (paper) scrolls along with a large quantity of pottery and a lamp. But off to itself in the back of the cave was a scroll unlike any other ever found. It was a thin sheet of pure copper not much thicker than the aluminum foil we use in our kitchens today. An unknown writer used the soft copper as his writing paper. Just the fact that the sheet had been rolled up and survived there from thousands of years ago was fascinating, but scholars soon discovered it was the equivalent of an ancient treasure list.

This scroll is a list of 64 locations where supposedly huge amounts of silver and gold are buried. The copper scroll gives no clue as to who wrote it or when. It is just a list of 64 places and the instructions on how to find the buried treasure. Unfortunately the directions to the hiding places no longer make sense since some 2000 years have passed and time has erased whole cities and villages without a trace. For example a treasure trove in the village Herubah is mentioned as being in the valley of Achor. Although the location the Achor valley is known, the site of the village has been lost. A set of instructions reads, "Beneath the steps that go to the east 40 cubits, a chest of silver; it totality of weight 17 talents." Today this chest remains hidden. The seemingly impossible problems involved in finding such a treasure are obvious when you consider the earthquakes and floods that are common to the region.

Another unknown location is a place called the mount of Kochlat. Concerning the Kochlat items, the copper scroll writer listed things that Jewish temple priests would use. It is here where the story takes a curious twist. In the year 66 A.D. the Jews revolted against their Roman rulers. The war had been a long time coming because of heavy taxes and insensitive Roman rulers. When Jerusalem was finally conquered the temple was robbed of its furniture and other items used in the daily services. Following the looting, the temple was burned to the ground. We know that certain items were stolen by the Romans because of a stone carving in Rome. It shows soldiers carrying various temple items in a victory parade.
However, did the Romans get everything? Maybe not. Many scholars feel that the Jews saw the trouble coming and hid much of the temple treasure, leaving behind only the necessary items. Furthermore, as you have guessed by now, many feel that the copper scrolls of cave 3 are the record of where the temple treasures were hidden. As of now, no one knows. Attempts have been made to find the treasure, but to date, nothing has turned up---yet.

Blessings in your study of God's Word!

Marvin Hunt

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Blessings!
Marvin Hunt

Http://www.biblehistory.com

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