Tension between Monotheism and Polytheism in the Hebrew Bible and in Ancient Israel
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25188/2447.7443.2019v27n3.14Keywords:
Monotheism, Polytheism, Henotheism, MonolatryAbstract
The article analyzes the tension between monotheism and polytheism in the Hebrew Bible (HB) and the religion of ancient Israel, proposing that the development of monotheism was a gradual and multifaceted process. The study examines biblical passages and archaeological evidence suggesting the coexistence of polytheistic beliefs alongside the predominant worship of Yahweh. The author discusses the use of terms such as henotheism and monolatry to describe the religious phenomenon in ancient Israel, arguing that monotheism only fully consolidated during the exilic period. The applied methodology includes the distinction between “emic” and “etic” approaches, allowing for a contextualized analysis of religious practices without imposing modern concepts. Additionally, the article explores the influence of other deities, such as El, Asherah, and Baal, on Israelite religiosity, suggesting that the transition to monotheism involved a process of assimilation, exclusion, and transformation of religious practices. The conclusion is that Israelite monotheism did not emerge abruptly, but as the result of a long theological and political reflection, with both external and internal influences shaping religious thought over time.
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