Dr. Dominick Hern叩ndez, associate professor of Old Testament and Semitics and director of Talbot en Espa単ol in the Talbot School of Theology, shared his expertise in exploring the ancient texts found in the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Museum at the Reagan Library in Simi Valley in July. On August 27, 2025, Hern叩ndez will be the keynote speaker at a luncheon event paired with a self-guided tour of the librarys .

The Dead Sea Scrolls are one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. The findings include some of the oldest surviving manuscripts that are included in biblical canons, with the books of Deuteronomy and the Psalms represented the most among the findings. Researchers have compiled a collection of 981 manuscripts found in 11 locations. The Reagan Library is home to an exhibit displaying a portion of the historic discoveries, providing a rare look into Christian origins and the Bible. Hern叩ndez has done extensive research on the Dead Sea Scrolls and wrote an .

A generation after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, scholars and laypeople alike are still immersed in studying their content and implications, said Hern叩ndez in his article. The benefits of these documents are not just for the academic world. The Dead Sea Scrolls have proven themselves to be very much alive, overflowing with helpful information for Christians who love to study their Bibles. By studying the connection between the Scrolls and the biblical canon, we can gain deeper insights into the development of biblical traditions and textual criticism.

This will be the second event about the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Reagan Library featuring Hern叩ndez as the guest speaker. As the speaker, Hern叩ndez leads discussions on the Dead Sea Scrolls in relation to the Bible, examining their contribution to understanding biblical texts, their preservation and the historical context in which they were written.

Hern叩ndezs interest in studying Scripture and teaching its application started when he was in college, and only grew as he began taking more ministry classes. After taking more courses focused on learning Greek over Hebrew, he sensed he wanted to dive deeper into the languages in the Bible.

I sensed a call to study Hebrew and cognate languages to help Christian people better appropriate and apply the Scriptures properly understood in their ancient linguistic, social and historical contexts to their lives today, said Hern叩ndez.

Hern叩ndez will be speaking during the luncheon portion of the event at the Reagan Library, where attendees will enjoy a three-course meal before embarking on a self-guided tour of the exhibit, which is open until September 4, 2025. The all-inclusive experience is $72 per person. Reservations are required by Friday, August 22. Secure a seat at the event on the .

The Master of Arts with a concentration in Old Testament at the Talbot School of Theology is designed to expand students view of the Old Testament world with knowledge and training in the Hebrew language and the historical-cultural background of the Ancient Near East. Learn more and apply today to the Talbot School of Theology to dive deeper into the Scriptures.

Written by Sarah Dougher, media relations specialist. For more information, email media.relations@biola.edu.