Source: Marvin A. Sweeney, Jewish Mysticism: From Ancient Times through Today (Grand Rapids, MI: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2020), 10–49.
1. Israel's Divine Context.mp4
VISIONARY EXPERIENCE IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST.wav
This podcast examines visionary and dream experiences of the divine in the ancient Near East, focusing on how different cultures conceptualized and interacted with their gods as a background for understanding similar themes in ancient Israel and Judah. It highlights how Egyptian gods were often depicted with tangible forms that served as metaphors for their intangible qualities and power, communicating through divine speech, particularly in well-crafted prophecy and dreams. Canaanite traditions, especially from Ugarit, portray gods acting in very human-like ways but influencing the world, with communication often occurring through dreams where deities offer instruction or insight. Mesopotamian cultures viewed their gods as luminous beings identified with aspects of creation and political structures, with communication often happening through omens interpreted by specialists called baru-priests or through dreams and visions that conveyed divine will and authority.
When we think of ancient religions, our minds often conjure images of strange, animal-headed gods, elaborate rituals, and bizarre myths filled with monsters and magic. From the jackal-headed Anubis of Egypt to the bull-like El of Canaan, this popular image paints a picture of a spiritual world that seems alien and distant from our own. While these elements were certainly present, they barely scratch the surface of a much more complex, relatable, and surprisingly sophisticated spiritual landscape.
The people of the ancient Near East were not simply superstitious worshipers of strange idols. Their beliefs were deeply intertwined with philosophy, political strategy, and a raw, unflinching understanding of the human (and divine) condition. The stories they told and the gods they worshiped were powerful tools for understanding their world, justifying their power structures, and grappling with the timeless questions of existence. This article will explore five counter-intuitive takeaways from ancient Near Eastern beliefs that reveal the humanity, political savvy, and philosophical depth hidden behind the myths.
The story of ancient Israel is often told as one of radical separation—a new nation of foreign conquerors bringing a unique faith into the land of Canaan. However, archaeological and historical sources paint a more complex and fascinating picture: Israel did not arrive as an outside force but emerged from within the very culture it seemingly replaced.
The first known historical reference to "Israel," an Egyptian inscription known as the Merneptah Stele (c. 1224–1216 BCE), doesn't describe a powerful, landed nation. Instead, it identifies Israel as one of many semi-nomadic tribal groups already residing within the land of Canaan. This suggests a process of gradual cultural development rather than a swift military conquest.
Perhaps the most striking evidence of these deep roots is found in the very name "Israel." Contrary to later interpretations, the name is theophoric—a name that contains the name of a god. Specifically, it contains the name of the chief Canaanite creator god, El.