A close read of Deuteronomy and other preexilic compositions from ancient Israel makes this evident (see, for example, Deut 4:19). The Israelites believed that YHWH was their God this doesn’t mean that they believed that no other gods existed. In fact, in the preexilic world in which much of Deuteronomy was composed, the idea of monotheism hadn’t fully emerged. From the perspective of monotheistic Judaism, this seems strange-how could the Israelites forget the only God? In whose name would they otherwise swear? And why would they follow other gods if there are no other gods to follow? Deut 6:12-13 further urge them not to forget YHWH to serve him, to swear only in his name, and not to follow other gods. Part of a larger exhortation found in Deut 6, this statement reminds the ancient Israelites of their covenant loyalty to YHWH (English: the LORD): they are to love YHWH their God with all their heart, soul, and strength. What did this statement mean in its biblical context? In both cases, it is understood as an affirmation of a monotheistic faith that was unshakeable even in the face of persecution and torture. “Hear O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is one.” A central prayer in Judaism, this was also the dying statement of many Jewish martyrs in history.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |