.M. C. A. Korpel, A Rift in the Clouds: Ugarit and Hebrew Descriptions of the Divine (original) (raw)
2017
The aim of this contribution is to show why prophetic divine visions are so rare in the Hebrew Bible. How can that which cannot be represented – which it is forbidden even to represent – be spoken? We must thus confront the prohibition of divine representation, which develops the first commandment found in the decalogue (Ex 20:2‑6; Dt 5:6‑10), and analyze it within its broader historical and literary context. The conclusions of this study will enable us to refine our understanding of this prohibition and to grasp the biblical via negativa of divine representation from a historical and also social and cultural point of view.
London & Longmans, Green, and Co., & The New Alexandria Library of Alexandria , 1877
This extremely Rare book is a seminal work in the comparative study of Semitic mythology, exploring the interplay between myth, religion, and historical tradition within ancient Hebrew culture. Originally written in German and later translated into English with the author’s own additions, the book applies philological and comparative methodologies to trace the evolution of Hebrew mythology in relation to other ancient Near Eastern traditions, particularly those of the Indo-European and Semitic worlds. Goldziher challenges traditional religious perspectives by arguing that Hebrew myths, like those of other ancient peoples, arose from naturalistic and symbolic interpretations of cosmic and human phenomena rather than divine revelation. He examines linguistic parallels and shared mythological motifs between Hebrew, Indo-Iranian, Egyptian, and Mesopotamian traditions, demonstrating how elements of biblical narratives—such as those in Genesis and the prophetic literature—reflect underlying mythic structures rather than purely historical accounts. A key argument in the book is that many biblical accounts, including stories of creation, the patriarchs, and early Israelite history, were shaped by an evolving mythological consciousness that was gradually reinterpreted within a monotheistic framework. Goldziher’s work also engages with contemporary 19th-century scholarship on mythology and folklore, aligning with the approaches of scholars like Max Müller in the study of solar myths and their transformation into religious traditions. Also this is very Relevant to the mind of a deep thinker in this 2025 year age that studies Ancient History to Religion to Metaphysics and theological functions in Cosmogony & great for the philologist & historian alike . Though controversial in its time, Mythology Among the Hebrews remains an essential reference for scholars of biblical studies, comparative religion, and the history of mythology, offering a critical foundation for understanding the mythopoetic elements embedded within Hebrew scripture. Tags Mythology, Hebrew mythology, ancient myths, Semitic traditions, biblical narratives, comparative religion, Ignaz Goldziher, Hebrew Bible, Old Testament studies, philology, linguistic analysis, historical development, folklore, comparative mythology, Indo-European myths, Semitic studies, ancient Near East, Jewish traditions, biblical scholarship, Mesopotamian influence, Canaanite religion, myth and history, sacred texts, prophetic literature, biblical creation, patriarchal narratives, divine revelation, monotheism, polytheism, natural symbolism, solar myths, lunar myths, cosmogony, cultural transmission, mythic consciousness, religious evolution, Max Müller, mythopoetic tradition, Genesis analysis, biblical exegesis, scholarly interpretation, sacred history, mythology and theology, allegory in scripture, religious anthropology, gods and heroes, deity worship, temple rituals, oral tradition, sacred storytelling, supernatural beings, divine archetypes, historical linguistics, scriptural analysis, theological perspectives, ethnographic studies, Akkadian mythology, Egyptian influence, Ugaritic texts, Babylonian myths, flood myths, Tower of Babel, paradise myths, angelology, demonology, esoteric studies, ancient manuscripts, sacred geography, biblical archaeology, lost scriptures, Hebrew wisdom literature, prophetic visions, divine symbols, mystical interpretations, mythic patterns, ritualistic traditions, ceremonial rites, ancestral legends, sacred kingship, theological debates, ancient cosmology, primeval history, exodus tradition, desert wanderings, covenant myths, messianic prophecy, divine law, religious dogma, mystical texts, historical chronicles, Dead Sea Scrolls, Hellenistic influence, early Judaism, Second Temple period, myth and philosophy, hermeneutics, allegorical readings, wisdom traditions, eschatology, afterlife beliefs, resurrection myths, apocalyptic literature, dualistic thought, mythic transformations, ancient rhetoric, sacred etymology, Hebrew linguistics, Aramaic texts, mysticism, spiritual allegories, kabbalistic tradition, numerical symbolism, ancient symbology, dream interpretation, visions and prophecies, supernatural encounters, celestial beings, anthropological insights, pre-Israelite myths, biblical historiography, Semitic deities, ancient cults, mystery religions, temple theology, priestly traditions, sacred laws, divine attributes, covenant theology, faith and folklore, ancient wisdom, mythological archetypes, religious syncretism, hero myths, dragon myths, demon myths, goddesses, fertility myths, war deities, storm gods, sun worship, lunar deities, astral mythology, planetary gods, zodiac myths, cosmic order, world-tree myths, sacred numbers, symbolic gestures, talismans, relics, oracle traditions, priesthood roles, sacred oaths, sacrificial practices, magical rites, divination, omen interpretation, celestial myths, star lore, fire symbolism, water myths, primordial deities, ancestral worship, hero cults, giant myths, Nephilim, watchers, archangels, sacred poetry, wisdom psalms, prophetic metaphors, divine judgment, redemption myths, exile and return, wandering myths, holy mountains, Sinai tradition, desert deities, fertility cults, astral prophecy, divine punishment, myth and law, supernatural warfare, angelic hierarchies, chariot visions, heavenly ascent, paradise and underworld, infernal regions, sacred rivers, divine beasts, mythical creatures, unicorn myths, phoenix myths, leviathan, behemoth, Ziz, biblical allegory, Hebrew poetry, mystical chants, temple songs, sacred music, divine harmony, moral allegory, cultural diffusion, mythic parallels, hero’s journey, trials of faith, ritual purity, holy relics, hidden gospels, apocryphal texts, pseudepigrapha, lost books of the Bible, esoteric doctrines, temple mysteries, oracular wisdom, sacred banquets, priestly blessings, anointing rituals, covenant signs, divine wrath, heavenly signs, meteorological myths, wind deities, divine breath, angelic tongues, religious transformation, spiritual journeys, vision quests, divine intervention, holy wars, tribal myths, clan traditions, biblical genealogy, divine names, tetragrammaton, mystical names, ritual chants, holy inscriptions, archaic prayers, temple inscriptions, monotheistic development, sacred alliances, holy artifacts, divine relics, prophetic dreams, godly messengers, celestial phenomena, signs and wonders, plagues and miracles, heavenly hosts, throne visions, cosmic struggle, apocalyptic battles, messianic myths, resurrection doctrines, ascension myths, divine council, heavenly courts, cherubim, seraphim, fiery chariots, anointed kings, divine judgment, last days prophecy, mystic revelations, exilic literature, Babylonian captivity, sacred exile, temple restoration, New Jerusalem, cosmic renewal, tree of life, waters of life, golden age myths, divine enthronement, covenant renewal, spiritual warfare, sacred wisdom, heavenly teachings, divine mandate, fate and providence, scriptural symbolism, faith and reason, divine hiddenness, wisdom’s call, law and grace, messianic hope, righteous suffering, divine intercession, sacred pronouncements, lost wisdom, ancient riddles, prophetic lamentations, messianic expectation, heavenly scrolls, divine proclamations, seven seals, trumpet judgments, angelic hosts, celestial warfare, prophetic burdens, sacred anointing, temple purification, righteous judgment, wisdom and folly, divine retribution, sacred dialogues, celestial visions, oracular dreams, apocalyptic warnings, heavenly mysteries, divine decrees, restoration prophecies, divine favor, transfiguration myths, cosmic ascent, sacred union, mystical marriage, esoteric allegory, divine gifts, sacred covenant, eternal kingdom, and heavenly reign.Ancient religion, biblical history, Hebrew scriptures, sacred texts, divine myths, supernatural lore, ancient wisdom, Semitic linguistics, biblical exegesis, religious symbolism, mystical traditions, temple rituals, divine law, celestial beings, angelic visions, prophetic symbols, monotheistic origins, patriarchal traditions, mythic cycles, creation myths, primordial chaos, ancient cosmogony, prophetic dreams, celestial hierarchy, sacred prophecy, religious anthropology, spiritual narratives, wisdom literature, esoteric philosophy, sacred allegories, temple theology, Old Testament criticism, religious folklore, divine kingship, mystical visions, prophetic literature, scriptural analysis, spiritual enlightenment, Hebrew theology, ancient philosophy, biblical genealogy, divine attributes, theological history, supernatural events, sacred mysteries, angelic doctrines, spiritual wisdom, hermeneutical studies, divine inspiration, apocalyptic themes, sacred laws, divine intervention, religious dogma, scriptural transmission, oracular traditions, ancient law codes, temple cults, divine worship, Hebrew priesthood, sacred rites, biblical themes, divine messengers, theological debates, historical theology, prophetic mission, divine authority, spiritual allegories, messianic interpretations, sacred revelations, divine wisdom, esoteric knowledge, temple inscriptions, historical prophecies, ancient chronologies, lost scriptures, biblical geography, divine metaphors, ancient Hebrew culture, ancient deities, spiritual rituals, sacred covenants, prophetic pronouncements, sacred lamentations, divine transformation, mystical interpretations, religious evolution, biblical narratives, spiritual enlightenment, temple purity, religious hierarchy, sacred artifacts, divine names, sacred priesthood, heavenly revelations, temple purification, mystical doctrines, supernatural prophecy, biblical mysticism, prophetic traditions, cosmic order, divine hierarchy, prophetic law, sacred utterances, divine holiness, temple anointing, religious rituals, celestial manifestations, supernatural doctrines, biblical interpretations, divine authority, mythic archetyp...
The Bodies of God and the World of Ancient Israel (reviews)
In this engaging and detailed study, ancient near eastern tendencies concerning the conception of the nature of a god's body as corporeal, fluid and multiple are situated in conversation with biblical sources, rabbinic thought, mystical speculation and Christian reflection. In doing so, the work explores the inadequacy of the monotheist-polytheist dichotomy by exploring the legacy and impact of the conception of divine fluidity in Judaism and Christianity. Given the extent to which the work raises critical issues concerning how contemporary scholars read ancient texts, especially when considering whether a text is to be read literally or metaphorically, this highly readable tour de force of biblical scholarship deserves to have a significant impact on many aspects of the study of religion. In accomplishing this, Sommer's works meets all the criteria for the AAR book award in textual studies: well organized, clear writing style, engaging to the reader, and with a clear demonstration of the significance of the work undertaken.
"And the Lord Appeared; Missiology Meets Ancient Near Eastern Religion.", 2019
Kevin Higgins has served in two Muslim regions of South Asia, where he helped to develop work in emerging movements to Jesus that now extend to a dozen language groups. He served as International I n one sense, this article grew out of a conversation between Joel Hamme and me in September 2017. However, in another sense, that conversation was itself possible because we had each been independently thinking about our topic for a long time-and in our own particular fields. As a missiologist I have frequently reflected on the incarnational realities of God's revelation, salvation, and his engagement with his own creation, especially humanity in all its varied cultural and religious expressions. That has shaped my reading of the Scriptures and I have searched for passages and texts from which to gain insight. I met Joel Hamme soon after I became president of William Carey International University. In an early conversation he mentioned his studies of the Old Testament. As he described his convictions, arrived at by applying (among other methods) a religious studies approach to the Old Testament, I found that we were both postulating a similar theory: namely that the religion of Israel as a totality-not only in isolated texts or in the borrowing and re-using of it-is an expression of God's ways of meeting human beings within their cultural contexts. We agreed to co-author something that would approach this thesis from within our two respective disciplines: Old Testament studies (or, to be more accurate, Ancient Near Eastern Religious Studies), and missiology. The result is this article. Our approach will be dialogical. We decided for the Old Testament to lead the way, and so in each stage of the discussion, apart from this introduction, Joel will offer his perspectives first. I will then respond, typically asking a missiological question for the next section. We will hereafter identify our respective contributions by KH for myself, and JH for Joel. As such, beyond just writing an article we trust will stimulate the thinking of others, we also hope to model a methodology for missiological reflection on the
The Hebrew Bible is not particularly interested in the structure and geography of the heavenly and earthly realms. It begins with the plain and laconic statement that "in the beginning 1 God created the heaven(s) and the earth" and proceeds to detail what precisely God produced during each of the seven days of his creation. In other words, the Bible gives an account of how the universe/world came into being (cosmogony) rather than informing its readers about the actual composition and layout of the universe (cosmology). There can be no doubt, however, if one musters all the available biblical evidence, that underlying the biblical view of the cosmos is the ancient Near Eastern model of a three-tiered universe consisting of the "earth" (eretz) in the middle, sandwiched as it were between "heaven" (shamayim) above and the "netherworld" (she'ol) below. 2 It is not until the early Jewish apocalyptic literature, in particular the so-called ascent apocalypses, that we first find an almost scientific curiosity in the geography and composition of the cosmos. 3 The first such account can be found in the "Book of the Watchers," an apocalypse which is now part of 1 Enoch and which dates from the end of the third/beginning of the second century B.C.E. Here the book's hero, the antediluvian patriarch Enoch, visits God seated on his throne 1 I leave out here any discussion of the complex question of the translation of bereshit.