<idle musing>
A subtle, but significant difference, isn't it? Bear that in mind the next time you try to use the Bible as a magic book!
</idle musing>
Idle musings by a once again bookseller, always bibliophile, current copyeditor and proofreader. Complete with ramblings about biblical studies, the ancient Near East, bicycling, gardening, or anything else I am reading (or experiencing). All more or less live from Red Wing, MN
Thursday, August 11, 2016
A subtle difference
The Mesopotamian and Anatolian texts show the intercessors’ use of ritual and sometimes magic with the gods’ explicit aid to protect individuals from divinely decreed doom and remove impurity. In contrast, the biblical texts show intercessors protecting their people with rhetorical skill, standing up to YHWH with courage and his secret assistance. In each case, the gods provide humanity with means to fend off divinely ordained destruction—not guaranteed, but frequently effective.—Forestalling Doom page 50
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