The Gods of the Nations: Studies in Ancient Near Eastern National Theology (Evangelical Theological Society Monograph Series) - Softcover

Block, Daniel I.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0932055028 ISBN 13: 9780932055026

Publisher: Eisenbrauns, 1989

Synopsis

In sharp contrast to the worldview of modern secular culture, the inhabitants of the ancient Near East were convinced of the reality of divine involvement in their individual and corporate lives. The affairs of the world were largely controlled by a vast array of deities - some were connected to specific activities such as wars or storms, some were linked to specific geographical locations such as mountains or seas, and some ruled over specific territories or nations. It is with the latter, in particular, that Daniel Block's The gods of the nations is concerned. In his investigation into the relationship between deities and the inhabitants of a nation, Block summarises the critical importance of theological and territorial beliefs. He suggests that the people of the ancient Near East affirmed an implicit interrelation between themselves, the deity, and the land. Block finds that the gods were usually identified with the territory they were believed to rule. Although they often worshipped other gods as well, the people who inhabited those lands were expected to provide temples and sacrifices to their patron gods in exchange for protection and favour. Block then demonstrates how such relationship existed between Israel and Yahweh.

About this title

From the Publisher

In sharp contrast to the worldview of modern secular culture, the inhabitants of the ancient Near East were convinced of the reality of divine involvement in their individual and corporate lives.

About this edition

• Publisher: Eisenbrauns
• Publication date: 1989
• ISBN 10: 0932055028
• ISBN 13: 9780932055026
• Binding: Paperback