In the polytheistic culture of the Ancient Near East, deities were worshipped by means of sacrifices made in particular places. Most gods were considered to have what we might consider “regional” power (the Babylonians having a few patron deities vs. those of say the Assyrians); and within those regions to have particular locations in which...
Tag: Bible
Understanding the Bible 06: Israel Enters the Promised Land
Understanding the Bible requires a constant return to the covenant with Abraham (see part 3 of this series). It is that promise of salvation that drives the rest of the biblical narrative and which guides our interpretation of scripture. And central to Abrahamic covenant is the pledge that Israel will come to possess the land...
Understanding the Bible 04: The Exodus
The promise of salvation is not merely a promise to deliver souls to a blissful afterlife, but rather the rescue of every aspect of creation from the curse of sin. Salvation is about restoring this world (unto eternity). And thus the Project of Salvation begins not with images of harps and clouds, but of God...