with the details that emerge from sectarian literature found at Qumran (esp. 1QS) and the site itself. Josephus, for example, describes initiates to a male monastic order who are given a trowel for use when defecating (they are to dig a hole in private, away from the group, and ease their bowels while covering themselves with their robe), a detail about toilet habits that he finds amusing and entertaining for his readership. And yet, the discovery of a toilet at Qumran seems to contradict Josephus. Another question that has arisen, among others, when identifying Josephus' Essenes (see also Philo and Pliny) to the group at Qumran is the presence or absence of women. The cemetery that is adjacent to the settlement has only been partially excavated and there appear to be at least a few skeletal remains of women, which is seen by some to contradict an association between Essenes and the group there. Scholars of earliest Christianity have traditionally taken note of 1QS because it refers to the messiahs of Aaron and Israel (ix 9–11). This and other writings from the Dead Sea Scrolls have opened a window to the past that allows us to understand ideas and developments related to the religious milieu near to the time of earliest Christianity. Division Michael Knibb provides six divisions in 1QS, these are: (1) in column i lines 1–15 the ideals of the community are set out; (2) in column i line 16 –column iii line 12 the following are described: (a) Ritual and ceremony to enter the community are set out, (b) the covenant should be renewed annually, and (c) the need for inner conversion; (3) in column iii line 13 – column iv line 26 dualistic beliefs are set forth; (4) in column v line 1 – column vii line 25 are collections of rules, oaths, and rules governing administration, reproof and priestly presence; (5) in column viii – column x line 8 are references to a true, spiritual temple (i.e. community) established in the wilderness (wise leader; liturgical calendar); (6) in column x line 9 – column xi line 22 is hymn of praise (to creation similar to the Hodayot). Variant Readings As opposed to 1QS, manuscript 4QSd (4Q258) has the word God written in paleo-Hebrew letters 𐤀𐤋 (ʼEl) as can be seen on this infrared picture at the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library. In addition, 4QSd does