Gods, goddesses, and images of God in ancient Israel
Book Description
This groundbreaking scholarly work invites readers on a fascinating journey through the spiritual landscape of ancient Israel, revealing how divine understanding evolved over more than a millennium. Drawing from an extraordinary collection of 8,500 archaeological artifacts including amulets and inscriptions, Othmar Keel and his colleague present a vivid reconstruction of religious life in ancient Canaan and Israel from approximately 1750 BCE through the Persian period.
The authors demonstrate how visual symbols and material remains can unlock profound insights into ancient spiritual practices, tracing the development of Yahweh worship alongside neighboring religious traditions. Their meticulous research explores compelling questions about the nature of divine imagery and the possible presence of feminine aspects within early Israelite religious understanding.
Rather than relying solely on textual sources, this comprehensive study harnesses the power of iconographic evidence to illuminate how ancient peoples experienced and expressed their relationship with the divine. The work offers readers a unique window into the dynamic religious environment that shaped one of history's most influential spiritual traditions.
For those seeking to understand the roots of monotheistic faith and the complex interplay between different ancient religious systems, this scholarly exploration provides invaluable insights into how divine concepts emerged and transformed across centuries of human spiritual development.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Long (> 400 pages) (~13 hours)
📄 Length: 466 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore God, history of doctrines
- ✓ Explore Godsdienstwetenschap
- ✓ Explore Gods, Semitic
- ✓ Explore Idols and images
- ✓ Explore Goddesses
- ✓ Explore God (judaism)
- ✓ Explore Jewish art and symbolism
- ✓ Explore Semitic Goddesses
