Battle of the Gods: The God of Israel Versus Marduk of Babylon
Book Description
In this scholarly exploration, Martin Kessler examines one of the most dramatic theological confrontations in ancient literature through the prophetic oracles found in Jeremiah chapters 50-51. These powerful biblical passages present a cosmic battle between two divine forces: YHWH, the God of Israel, and Marduk, the supreme deity of Babylon.
Kessler guides readers through these climactic oracles that form the pinnacle of Jeremiah's collection of prophecies against foreign nations. The author reveals how these ancient texts function as both literary masterpieces and spiritual messages, crafted to speak directly to the people of Judah and Israel during their time of crisis and exile.
The book demonstrates how these oracles served as a divine call to action, urging God's people to abandon the doomed civilization of Babylon with its idol worship and return to their spiritual homeland in Jerusalem. Through careful analysis of genres, motifs, and verbal components, Kessler shows how the prophetic literature presents an invitation to enter into a lasting covenant with the God of their ancestors.
By examining these texts within their broader biblical context and comparing them with similar oracles in Isaiah, this study illuminates the profound theological significance of choosing between competing spiritual allegiances. Readers interested in understanding how ancient wisdom addresses questions of faith, identity, and spiritual homecoming will find valuable insights in this detailed literary examination.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 263 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Mardoek
- ✓ Explore Religion
- ✓ Explore Commentaries
- ✓ Explore JHWH
- ✓ Explore Marduk (Divinité babylonienne)
- ✓ Explore Critique, interprétation
- ✓ Explore 11.41 study and interpretation of the Old Testament
- ✓ Explore Biblical teaching
