Deuteronomic History - The Setting Explains the Laws
When you read the harsh punishment for praying to idols or heavenly bodies it seems that Deuteronomy prescribes intolerance.
But looking at the history of what was happening at the time and Deuteronomic History helps to explain the way it is written. This is found in Second Kings and Joshua. Timing about 740 BCE: The Aramaic influence of the Syrians was permeating the Temple and the culture and put the Israelites at risk of being lost to assimilation. It was as if they forgot the Law.
About 622 BCE Jeremiah and King Josiah "found" the scroll thought to be Deuteronomy. It was read and remembered which caused them to completely change things and cleanse the Temple of the idols and re-educate the people to how they were to follow the laws of God. This was when the centralization of worship once more became the focus.
Reference Book:
God Against the Gods: The History of the War Between Monotheism and Polytheism by Jonathan Kirsch
God Against the gods - Interview
Book - God Against the Gods
But looking at the history of what was happening at the time and Deuteronomic History helps to explain the way it is written. This is found in Second Kings and Joshua. Timing about 740 BCE: The Aramaic influence of the Syrians was permeating the Temple and the culture and put the Israelites at risk of being lost to assimilation. It was as if they forgot the Law.
About 622 BCE Jeremiah and King Josiah "found" the scroll thought to be Deuteronomy. It was read and remembered which caused them to completely change things and cleanse the Temple of the idols and re-educate the people to how they were to follow the laws of God. This was when the centralization of worship once more became the focus.
Reference Book:
God Against the Gods: The History of the War Between Monotheism and Polytheism by Jonathan Kirsch
God Against the gods - Interview
Book - God Against the Gods
posted by Chavarah @ 5:58 AM
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