Difference between revisions of "Religion of the early Hebrews."

Revision as of 19:30, 8 February 2012

The religion of the early Hebrews was mostly monotheistic, but there are several references to Monolatry, or the worship of a single god without denying the existence of others, have been found throughout the Bible. Religion in the Near East was closely tied to politics and place - places were often considered holy and polytheism was wide spread. The Hebrews monotheistic views made them individual - it wasn't until the Iron Age that monotheism was a state-supported religion. The Hebrews also had a special covenant relationship with their god - he protected them, taking on the duty of a protective figure. The best analogy for this situation would be a lord defending the peasants or servants of his land - he protected them and provided them with land and in exchange they pledged their obedience to him. This "Promised Land" was Palestine, and it was special to the Hebrews because it was the land their god had promised to them. This land was important geologically and economically speaking because it was the land bridge between Egypt and Mesopotamia, two great powers. It was the bridge all commercial goods were carried across, but also a highway for invading armies. Because of this, Palestine was in constant turmoil.