spin

Actually, as you made the substantive claim, it is your job to prove it.


spin

spin

I cannot help it if you don't open the HB. You seem to prefer to waffle on with predigested claptrap.

If you don't like the fact that Yahwism was a temple centered cultus throughout the "second temple" and the literature seems to think that it was during the "first temple", perhaps you might like to argue against the HB. Remember that the bible advocates that there be only one center for Yahweh, the Jerusalem temple, and that was in the hands of the Aaronid priesthood -- at the expense of all other priesthoods. Ordinary Jews couldn't enter the temple. Yes, I'd say privilege -- and "garbage" is just a mindless harangue when you cannot back it up.


spin

Magdlyn

Just agreeing with spin. YHWH worship was in the hands of a small elite, as planned by Josiah, and as also implemented after the return from exile. Centralize worship and say: Give us your whitest wool, best wine, most perfect livestock, and first fruits of all crops as graft... er... tribute... er, sacrifice! (yeah, that'll work) and we'll make sure God protects you all and causes you to be fertile.

Kinda sounds like today's TV evangelists.

Whereas it is obvious right in scripture the People would rather have continued worshiping locally, worshiping Asherah and the Queen of Heaven. Offering cakes as c the moon cycled. Simple.

Clouseau

Why would you say 'privilege'?

Pragmatista

This is more about the history surrounding the OT, than about the OT itself, but what do we know about the development of monotheism by the Jews? Did it happen in stages? What preceded it? Was it part of a bigger trend, or limited to the Jews themselves? Etc.?

Clouseau

If we suppose that the historical account of the OT begins with Abram, we see that there is one creator deity in his belief, and in that of Melchizedech, an ancient priest-king, who spoke these words to Abram:

'"Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
And praise to God Most High,
who delivered your enemies into your hand."'

Gen 14:19-20

We see also that Abram referred to this deity as 'Lord' or 'Ruler', as one who determined and had control over everything, and as the one and only person whom it was necessary to please.

Loomis

Nope. We do not.

The word LORD (actually Yahweh) in Genesis 14:22 is a gloss. The guy who wrote Genesis 14 probably never heard of Yahweh.

spin

Is there a simpler way of talking about the lurks and perks of being a priest of Yahweh at the Jerusalem temple? You usually burnt fat to Yahweh and the priests ate the good bits of meat. God got the pleasant aroma, the priests got their bellies filled. The priests had control of all the moneys held by the temple. They governed the temple precincts and were an elite within the society. Not just anyone could be a priest: it wasn't a matter of purity per se. You had to be a member of a priestly family. Privilege.


spin

Clouseau

Actually, not.

Isn't the internet amazing? People come up with such wondrous little gems they googled for, yet cannot read plain English.

It should be noted that the verse alluded to is Gen 15:2.

Clouseau

That was quick- though not unexpected! We were talking about entering the Holy of Holies, now we're on a quite separate tack- one that's also garbage, of course. Fresh garbage is better than old!