The Question of Divine Omnibenevolence: What does the Hebrew Bible Reveal about Yahweh's Nature
Datum
2015
Autor:innen
Zeitschriftentitel
ISSN der Zeitschrift
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Verlag
University of Oregon
Zusammenfassung
The portrayal of God in the Hebrew Bible as a whole is overwhelmingly positive.
However, this perception of the Hebrew Bible God, also known as Israel’s patron deity,
Yahweh, changes upon further examination of certain biblical passages that appear to
portray a malicious, exceedingly violent Yahweh. These passages have caused
significant debate among interpreters, with some defending his behavior while others
cast Yahweh in a malevolent light. However, these questionable narratives can be
better understood by a rather integral thread woven into the fabric of biblical
tradition: Yahweh’s covenantal relationship with his people. This unique relationship
between patron god and people sets Israel apart from other ancient Near Eastern
civilizations that had moody, passionate gods, such as Egypt and Babylonia. Yahweh
made several covenants with the chosen people, and despite the Israelites’ consistent,
flagrant violations of the relationship as well as his being devoid of obligation to the
group he voluntarily delivered from slavery in Egypt, he maintained his side of the
covenant. This faithfulness exemplifies his emotional investment in his people, which
manifests itself in divine pathos. Likewise, Yahweh shows care and protection for the
Israelites, often in the form of Yahweh voluntarily coming down to earth to act
(sometimes violently) on behalf of Israel. When morally ambiguous passages are viewed
in light of these biblical contexts, we can attain a more comprehensive view of Yahweh
that affirms his omnibenevolence.
Beschreibung
9 pages
Schlagwörter
Yahweh, God, Hebrew Bible