Biola hosts Great Isaiah Scroll exhibit and lecture series

LA MIRADA- An exact replica of the Great Isaiah scroll will be the focal point of a exhibit and series of lectures about the scroll beginning next week at Biola University.

The Isaiah scroll is the first of over 900 documents about 2,000 years old found in nine caves, now known as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The original is estimated to have been created from 150 BCE to 70 CE was discovered in caves near the northwest shore of the Dead Sea near Khirbet Quamran on the West Bank by Palestinian Bedouin in 1947.

The exhibit and lecture series will kickoff on Tuesday Sept 7 with a grand opening reception at 7 p.m. at Calvary Chapel on the University campus at 13800 Biola Ave.

The opening night event will feature a lecture by George Giacumakis, Ph.D., California State University, Fullerton, adjunct professor Biola University, and director of the Museum of Biblical and Sacred Writings, about the interest shown worldwide about the scrolls.

The cost for the opening night event is $15, $10 for Biola students. For additional information on the Sept 7 event and to make reservations go to https://connect.biola.edu/NetCommunity/SSLPage.aspx?pid=746

Those attending the opener will also receives a handbook about the scroll and a handbook that translates the scroll.

The exhibit also at Calvary Chapel can be viewed daily Monday through Thursday from Sept 8 until Dec 15. For a daily schedule go to http://www.biola.edu/news/articles/2010/100802_isaiahsch.cfm

The replica scroll on loan from Museum of Biblical and Sacred Writings in Irvine is made of 17 sheets of parchment stitched together to extend 23.5 feet in length.

Oct. 12 – 7:00 p.m. 'The Dead Sea Scrolls and Bible Translation'featuring Jeffrey Volkmer, D.Phil. ABD, Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Biola University.

Nov. 9 – 7:00 p.m. 'Textual issues in the Great Isaiah Scroll' featuring Thomas J. Finley, Ph.D., Professor of Old Testament and Semitics, Department Chair, Talbot School of Theology at Biola University.

Dec. 14 – 7:00 p.m. 'The Suffering Servant in the Great Isaiah Scroll' presented by Scott Moffatt, Senior Pastor, Legacy Church of Orange County, Irvine, Calif and Adjunct Professor of History, Biola University and Fullerton College.

The last three lectures are free and are held at the Calvary Chapel.