Source: Margaret Barker, Temple Theology: An Introduction (London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004), 75–93.
The Lost Lady of Wisdom and Temple Theology.wav
This podcast explores the idea of a "Lost Lady" who was central to the religion of ancient Jerusalem, particularly within the First Temple. The study pieces together evidence from various sources, including the Hebrew Bible, apocryphal texts like the Book of Enoch, archaeological findings such as female figurines and inscriptions mentioning Asherah, and early Christian writings. The text argues that this divine feminine figure, associated with Wisdom, the Queen of Heaven, and potentially the Mother of the Lord, was a significant object of worship involving specific rituals and symbols like incense, bread, the menorah (identified as a stylized "tree of fire"), and anointing oil. The study posits that the religious reforms under King Josiah attempted to suppress this older tradition, leading to its eventual marginalization but not complete erasure, as its echoes can be found in later Jewish and early Christian beliefs and practices, particularly in imagery associated with Mary.
1. The Figure of the "Lost Lady," also known as the Queen of Heaven, Asherah, and Wisdom: This encompasses the descriptions of a female deity or divine figure who was worshipped in ancient Jerusalem and Judah. Evidence for her veneration includes accounts of burning incense, pouring out libations, and making bread for her. She was seen as a protector of the city who brought prosperity and gave vision to the priests. This figure was associated with specific symbols and objects, including what is referred to as the Asherah, the host of heaven, horses for the sun, oil, manna, a high priest’s staff, the ark, fire, and the Spirit. The text suggests a connection between this figure and the Great Lady of Ugarit, Athirat, noting similarities in descriptions such as being a winged sun deity and the mother of the king.
2. King Josiah's Religious Purge: This refers to the significant religious reforms undertaken by King Josiah, which involved the removal and destruction of elements not in compliance with a newly found law book. This purge specifically targeted anything associated with the worship of Baal, Asherah, and the host of heaven, leading to the removal of these items from the temple and their destruction. Priests who had burned incense in other cities were deposed. This event is presented as the reason why the worship of the Queen of Heaven/Wisdom was suppressed and the older religious practices of Jerusalem and Judah were challenged.
3. The Significance of the First Temple: The first temple in Jerusalem is portrayed as the central location for the worship of the "Lost Lady" or Wisdom. It was considered her dwelling place, and various rituals and objects within it were associated with her cult. The text mentions that in the time of the Messiah, several key elements that were present in the first temple but not the second would be restored, including the fire, the ark, the menorah, the Spirit, and the cherubim. The holy of holies within the temple is described as a significant space, associated with the divine presence and also linked to the imagery of Wisdom.
4. Concepts of Wisdom Theology: This topic delves into the theological understanding of Wisdom as a divine figure or attribute. Wisdom is depicted as having been present at creation, acting as a craftsperson or harmonizing force alongside the Creator. She sought a dwelling place among humans but, finding none, returned to the angels. Wisdom is described as offering her bread and wine, through which devotees could gain life and discernment. She is also associated with the holy of holies and described in terms reminiscent of the divine presence.
5. The Bread of the Presence and its Meaning: This explores the significance of the shewbread placed on the golden table in the temple. It was offered with incense and libations and was considered a holy offering, imparting holiness to the high priests who consumed it. The bread is suggested to have been not merely a memorial but an invocation, a means of the divine presence in the temple. There is a connection drawn between Wisdom's invitation to eat her bread and wine and the practice of the bread of the Presence.
6. The Role and Symbolism of the Anointing Oil: The perfumed oil used to anoint the royal high priest is presented as having a profound significance. This anointing was believed to bestow Wisdom, resurrection life, vision, knowledge, and true wealth, transforming the high priest. The oil itself is linked to the tree of life and described as a sweet perfume. The hiding of the anointing oil during Josiah’s time is connected to the priests losing their vision. The fragrance of this oil is later associated with the Spirit of the Lord and the knowledge of Christ.
7. The Symbolism of the Tree of Life: The tree of life is depicted as another key symbol associated with Wisdom. It is described as bringing happiness to those who hold onto it. In visionary accounts, it is a magnificent tree in paradise, associated with the divine throne and bearing fruit that will be given to the chosen after judgment. The tree is also linked to the burning bush in the story of Moses, suggesting it was an ancient symbol of the Mother of the Lord.
8. Imagery from the Book of Revelation: This highlights how the Book of Revelation utilizes symbolism and imagery related to the first temple and the "Lost Lady." It includes visions of the ark restored, horses riding out from the temple, the menorah, the hidden manna, and a woman clothed with the sun, who gives birth to a son. These images are interpreted as referencing the restoration of the first temple and the continued importance of the themes associated with it.
9. Connections to Early Christian Beliefs and Practices: The text explores potential links between the figures and symbols of the "Lost Lady" tradition and early Christian beliefs about Mary and the Holy Spirit. The story of Mary is suggested to have been influenced by the imagery of Wisdom. There are references to early Christian writings that depict the Holy Spirit as the mother of Jesus and Mary as being associated with the temple. The Eucharist is also seen as a possible restoration of the pure cereal offering mentioned in prophecy, echoing the bread of the Presence.