Yahweh among the Gods: The Divine in Genesis, Exodus, and the Ancient Near East

Michael Hundley explores the diverse deities of ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature, suggesting that they gained prominence by co-opting the attributes of other deities and promoting exclusive worship. This monolatry redefined the biblical divine sphere and paved the way for the later development of monotheism.

Format: Hardback
Length: 350 pages
Publication date: 13 January 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Michael Hundley delves into the intricate tapestry of deities found in ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature, encompassing a wide range of entities from deified doors and diseases to the masters of the universe. Through a comprehensive analysis of data from Mesopotamia, Hittite Anatolia, Egypt, the Levant, and non-priestly Genesis and Exodus, Hundley elucidates their context-specific approach to deity, resulting in intricate and sometimes contradictory portraits. He proposes that ancient deities rose to prominence by appropriating the attributes of other deities, rather than denying their existence or inventing new powers. Hundley further highlights the primary distinction between biblical and ancient Near Eastern presentations lies in their rhetorical objectives, rather than differing conceptions of gods. While some narratives promote divine supremacy, Genesis and Exodus advocate exclusive worship. Hundley contends that this monolatry reshaped the biblical divine sphere and laid the foundation for the subsequent development of monotheism and monotheistic explanations of evil.

Michael Hundley explores the diverse deities of ancient Near Eastern and biblical literature, from deified doors and diseases to the masters of the universe. Using data from Mesopotamia, Hittite Anatolia, Egypt, the Levant, and non-priestly Genesis and Exodus, Hundley explains their context-specific approach to deity, which produces complex and seemingly contradictory portraits. He suggests that ancient deities gained prominence primarily by co-opting the attributes of other deities, rather than denying their existence or inventing new powers. He demonstrates that the primary difference between biblical and ancient Near Eastern presentations lies in their rhetorical goals, not their conceptions of gods. While others promote divine supremacy, Genesis and Exodus promote exclusive worship. Hundley argues that this monolatry redefined the biblical divine sphere and paved the way for the later development of monotheism and monotheistic explanations of evil.

Weight: 784g
Dimension: 160 x 235 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108482868
Edition number: New ed