Ancient Israel's Polytheism
Polytheism in Ancient Israel Israel's religion evolved from polytheism to monotheism. Dead Sea Scrolls (DSS) 2nd century BC - 1st century AD, oldest Hebrew manuscripts. Septuagint (LXX) 3rd - 2nd century BC, Hebrew Bible translated into Greek. Masoretic Texts (MT) 7th - 10th centuries AD, copied and preserved by Masotes, a group of scribes POLYTHEISM The song of Moses (Deut 32) and the Song of Miriam (Exo 15) are considered to be some of the oldest passages in the Hebrew Bible. They both present a polytheistic view of YHWH. Most scholars agree that the Masoretic text of Deuteronomy 32:8 reflects a theological revision of a more original text reflected in 4QDeutj (DSS) and the Septuagint. When Elyon apportioned the nations, when he divided humankind, he fixed the boundaries of the peoples according to the number of the gods; Yahweh's portion was his people, Jacob his allotted share. (Deut 32:8-9 NRSV) YHWH received his people from the god Elyon (Deut 32:8-9). YHWH was a junior god in the pantheon of gods. The DSS renders the most accurate translation of this passage. Because YHWH defeated Egypt, he was to be worshipped by other gods (Deut 32:43). Who is like YHWH among the gods (Exo 15:11)? YHWH is jealous of other gods (Exo 20:2, 5). There was a pantheon of gods. Sons of God were junior gods in a divine pantheon (Gen 6:1-4). Sons of Elyon are junior gods (Ps 82:6; Job 38:7). YHWH was defeated by Kemosh, the Moabite god (2 Kgs 3:4-27). YHWH became top god in pantheon (Ps 82:1, 6-7; 29:1-2; 89:5-7; 87:5-6; Job 1:6; 2:1). YHWH was greater than other gods (Ps 86:8; 95:3; 96:4; 97:9; 135:5; 136:2). Joshua exhorted Israel to serve YHWH alone among the other gods (Josh 24:2, 14-15). YHWH defeats the gods of Egypt with the plagues. MONOTHEISM The shift towards monotheism came late in the seventh century BC shortly before the Babylonian exile (586 – 539 BC) with the King Josiah reforms. Other gods did not exist ( 1 Kgs 18:39; Jer 10:1-16; Isa 44:6-20; Ps 4:2; 40:4; 106:28). Monotheism became the view of YHWH because of the Babylonian exile. It had to be explained that YHWH was punishing Israel and was not defeated by the Babylonian god, Marduk (Ps 80-86). Sources:
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POLYTHEISM IN ANCIENT ISRAEL Articles Polytheism and Human Sacrifice in Ancient Israel Origins of Biblical Monotheism Deuteronomy 32:8-9 The Gods of Israel Ancient Israelite Polytheism Polytheism and Ancient Israel Canaanite Heritage Polytheism in the Bible Origins of Judaism Books The Early History of God:Yahweh and the Other Deities in Ancient Israel by Mark Smith The Origins of Biblical Monotheism:Israel's Polytheistic Background and the Ugarit Texts by Mark Smith Video The Many Gods of Israel . |