Hezekiah's Jerusalem cont'd:
During Hezekiah's reign, writing became increasingly important for both government and its people. On a different note, he talked about the "messiah," which literally means "the anointed one." Speaking in context of the Book of Isaiah, this messiah is Hezekiah, who defended his city against King Sennacherib of Assyria. According to Isaiah, the Lord told Hezekiah there will be deliverance from Assyria, and the Assyrian failure to destroy Jerusalem was "the single greatest catalyst for the snowballing legend of an inviolable Jerusalem." Hezekiah's later religious reforms aimed to accomplish religious centralization around the Jerusalem temple.
Josiah's Jerusalem:
After Hezekiah, Jerusalem grew and urbanized under Manasseh, Amon, and Josiah. Josiah, who became king at eight years old, used literature to build authority, returning to "Old time religion." He instituted "Deuteronomistic" reform, which emphasized that good things happen when proper worship is performed, and when bad things happen, it is because of poor worship habits. He also cleaned up the temple after Hezekiah's pagan tendencies (2 Kings 23). While Hezekiah's reforms dealt with shrines outside of Jerusalem, those of Josiah dealt with shrines affiliated with other gods. And the fact that their religion was based on literacy shows that people were becoming more literate.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
1/25/11
Hezekiah's Jerusalem: The Growth of the City:
To label an era "Golden" requires a leader(s) to leave behind monuments and/or evidence of a "united" kingdom. Also, in David and Solomon's case, a divine promise can be received, remembered, and chronicled after building a great temple. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, decided to rule even more harshly than his father, creating a permanent division between Israel, led by Jereboam, and Judah, led by Rehoboam. The north set up alternate worshipping centers in Bethel and Dan to avoid the south, which had Jerusalem, Beer-Sheva, and the Arad Temple. The Egyptian Shoshenq/Shishak invaded Jerusalem in 925 BCE and took away the treasures in Solomon's temple, an event that is inscripted in the Temple of Karnak.
Furthermore, Israel and Judah used Assyria and Syria, respectively, as allies in warfare. Asa (King of Judah) allied with Ben-Hadad (Syria) and Jehu (King of Israel) sent a tribute to Shalmaneser III (Assyria), as depicted by the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III. Assyria grew rapidly during the 7th and 8th centuries BCE, finally falling to the Babylonians in 609 BCE. Their growth can partly be attributed to Shalmaneser's ruthless methods of conquest which include public impaling and massive deportations. Jerusalem also grew during this period and experienced extensive urbanization. There is also evidence of Hezekiah possibly making preparations (for an Assyrian attack?)
To label an era "Golden" requires a leader(s) to leave behind monuments and/or evidence of a "united" kingdom. Also, in David and Solomon's case, a divine promise can be received, remembered, and chronicled after building a great temple. Rehoboam, Solomon's son, decided to rule even more harshly than his father, creating a permanent division between Israel, led by Jereboam, and Judah, led by Rehoboam. The north set up alternate worshipping centers in Bethel and Dan to avoid the south, which had Jerusalem, Beer-Sheva, and the Arad Temple. The Egyptian Shoshenq/Shishak invaded Jerusalem in 925 BCE and took away the treasures in Solomon's temple, an event that is inscripted in the Temple of Karnak.
Furthermore, Israel and Judah used Assyria and Syria, respectively, as allies in warfare. Asa (King of Judah) allied with Ben-Hadad (Syria) and Jehu (King of Israel) sent a tribute to Shalmaneser III (Assyria), as depicted by the Black Obelisk of Shalmaneser III. Assyria grew rapidly during the 7th and 8th centuries BCE, finally falling to the Babylonians in 609 BCE. Their growth can partly be attributed to Shalmaneser's ruthless methods of conquest which include public impaling and massive deportations. Jerusalem also grew during this period and experienced extensive urbanization. There is also evidence of Hezekiah possibly making preparations (for an Assyrian attack?)
Saturday, January 22, 2011
1/20/11
David's Jerusalem cont'd:
One of the most important biblical passages comes from 2 Samuel 7 - The Promise to David. This chapter explains that David was planning to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. God, however, replied by saying He has never lived in a house, and that instead, He shall build David a house. David's son shall build the house for God, and his kingdom will be a established forever. The temple was said to last forever, yet it was eventually destroyed and the line of Davidic kings was also ended. For this reason, people began reinterpreting the story, and it soon became an item of debate. Furthermore, Dr. Cargill explained the overall theme of Jerusalem's sacredness: to build the tradition.
Solomon's Jerusalem:
King Soloman was anointed near the Gihon spring, and he rode there on a donkey (a common action to express triumph or humility). He gave an elaborate dedication to God's temple in 1 Kings 8:12-2, and he is often considered wise. Since no archeological evidence of the temple exists, people often wonder if the lack of evidence is proof of its non-existence. The Millo/Stepped Stone Structure provides fragmentary archeological evidence as a possible foundation to David's palace. As far as Solomon's temple is concerned, it is similar in structure to the Tel Ta'yinat and Ain Dara temples, for which we have archeological proof. The pillars of Boaz and Jachin represent strength and possibly the female equivalent of God; Solomon was believed to worship multiple gods. Also, the similar structures of the gates may signal a central bureaucracy, somehow linking the different constructions during the periods of David and Solomon.
One of the most important biblical passages comes from 2 Samuel 7 - The Promise to David. This chapter explains that David was planning to build a temple to house the Ark of the Covenant. God, however, replied by saying He has never lived in a house, and that instead, He shall build David a house. David's son shall build the house for God, and his kingdom will be a established forever. The temple was said to last forever, yet it was eventually destroyed and the line of Davidic kings was also ended. For this reason, people began reinterpreting the story, and it soon became an item of debate. Furthermore, Dr. Cargill explained the overall theme of Jerusalem's sacredness: to build the tradition.
Solomon's Jerusalem:
King Soloman was anointed near the Gihon spring, and he rode there on a donkey (a common action to express triumph or humility). He gave an elaborate dedication to God's temple in 1 Kings 8:12-2, and he is often considered wise. Since no archeological evidence of the temple exists, people often wonder if the lack of evidence is proof of its non-existence. The Millo/Stepped Stone Structure provides fragmentary archeological evidence as a possible foundation to David's palace. As far as Solomon's temple is concerned, it is similar in structure to the Tel Ta'yinat and Ain Dara temples, for which we have archeological proof. The pillars of Boaz and Jachin represent strength and possibly the female equivalent of God; Solomon was believed to worship multiple gods. Also, the similar structures of the gates may signal a central bureaucracy, somehow linking the different constructions during the periods of David and Solomon.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
1/18/11
David's Jerusalem cont'd:
Warren's shaft was another crucial discovery, but some wonder whether or not it was constructed or even used. It could have been a natural water spring; however, the second book of Samuel and second Chronicles both reference a water shaft. In second Samuel, David was the first to climb through, and in second Chronicles, Joab went through first.
1 Kings 1 describes the Anointing of Solomon, which occurred on a mule near the Gihon Spring, and there exists additional references to this idea, in both the books of Zechariah and Matthew. Also, the Ark of the Covenant was another important topic for this lecture. The ark was built of wood and overlayed with gold, and after carrying it around from place to place, they decided that its permanent home would be a grand temple in Jerusalem.
Warren's shaft was another crucial discovery, but some wonder whether or not it was constructed or even used. It could have been a natural water spring; however, the second book of Samuel and second Chronicles both reference a water shaft. In second Samuel, David was the first to climb through, and in second Chronicles, Joab went through first.
1 Kings 1 describes the Anointing of Solomon, which occurred on a mule near the Gihon Spring, and there exists additional references to this idea, in both the books of Zechariah and Matthew. Also, the Ark of the Covenant was another important topic for this lecture. The ark was built of wood and overlayed with gold, and after carrying it around from place to place, they decided that its permanent home would be a grand temple in Jerusalem.
1/6/11
Jerusalem as Sacred Space:
The lecture began with a discussion about the concept of sacred space - areas that become holy due to supernatural events. Professor Cargill alluded to the concept of a memorial where people would mourn the loss of loved ones. Like this kind of memorial, which is holy to certain people, Jerusalem is considered holy by a variety of people. Because its location roughly connects three continents, the city possesses special connective qualities that make it so unique. The Book of Genesis references the Gihon river, which now exists as a spring in Jerusalem, as being linked to the Garden of Eden. This and other etiological stories have contributed to Jerusalem's sacred qualities.
The other major portion of the lecture dealt with the city's geography and its relation to its growth. There exists three main valleys and two main hills. The Kidron Valley in the east, the Hinnom Valley in the west, and the Tyropoeon/Central Valley provide natural protective barriers for the city. What began near the City of David in the west soon grew into four distinct quarters that separate the city. The Christian portion exists in the northwest, the Islamic portion in the northeast, the Jewish portion in the southeast, and the Armenian portion in the southwest. The Temple Mount, sometimes considered the fifth quarter, is located near the Islamic and Jewish quarters in the east. Because it is not located directly on a river or trade route, some often wonder why Jerusalem grew to become "the center of the world." This answer, of course, is because it was sacred to so many people.
The lecture began with a discussion about the concept of sacred space - areas that become holy due to supernatural events. Professor Cargill alluded to the concept of a memorial where people would mourn the loss of loved ones. Like this kind of memorial, which is holy to certain people, Jerusalem is considered holy by a variety of people. Because its location roughly connects three continents, the city possesses special connective qualities that make it so unique. The Book of Genesis references the Gihon river, which now exists as a spring in Jerusalem, as being linked to the Garden of Eden. This and other etiological stories have contributed to Jerusalem's sacred qualities.
The other major portion of the lecture dealt with the city's geography and its relation to its growth. There exists three main valleys and two main hills. The Kidron Valley in the east, the Hinnom Valley in the west, and the Tyropoeon/Central Valley provide natural protective barriers for the city. What began near the City of David in the west soon grew into four distinct quarters that separate the city. The Christian portion exists in the northwest, the Islamic portion in the northeast, the Jewish portion in the southeast, and the Armenian portion in the southwest. The Temple Mount, sometimes considered the fifth quarter, is located near the Islamic and Jewish quarters in the east. Because it is not located directly on a river or trade route, some often wonder why Jerusalem grew to become "the center of the world." This answer, of course, is because it was sacred to so many people.
1/13/11
Canaanite Jerusalem:
Early settlement in Jerusalem was based around the Gihon Spring, agriculture, and the watershed highway. Non-biblical texts include execration texts, figurines used to curse enemies, on which Jerusalem ("Rusalimum") was mentioned. The el-Amarna letters were written by the city's early leaders to Egypt, asking for money or protection. Also, certain fortifications like a tower gate near Gihon ("Fountain Gate?") and Pool Tower ("tower of Siloam?"), are examples of pre-David archeological evidence. There is also evidence of two separate kings before David ruled. Furthermore, the Book of Joshua states that "Joshua defeated the whole land...he left no one remaining but utterly destroyed all that breathed," implying that he easily conquered Jerusalem. Yet, another the book of Judges and a different chapter of Joshua seem to contradict this idea, leaving three possibilities of how the Israelites got there. These are conquest, immigration, and the idea that they were always there due to mixed ethnic origins.
David's Jerusalem:
Some people debate whether or not David actually existed. However, the Tel Dan inscription refers to the followers of "The House of David." This does not necessarily confirm that David existed, but it does prove that a certain group called themselves "followers" of someone who referred to himself as "David."
Many archeological findings have been attributed to the early Iron age. These include an eastern retaining wall, the "stepped stone structure" or "millo," as well as the Houses of Ahiel and Bullae.
Early settlement in Jerusalem was based around the Gihon Spring, agriculture, and the watershed highway. Non-biblical texts include execration texts, figurines used to curse enemies, on which Jerusalem ("Rusalimum") was mentioned. The el-Amarna letters were written by the city's early leaders to Egypt, asking for money or protection. Also, certain fortifications like a tower gate near Gihon ("Fountain Gate?") and Pool Tower ("tower of Siloam?"), are examples of pre-David archeological evidence. There is also evidence of two separate kings before David ruled. Furthermore, the Book of Joshua states that "Joshua defeated the whole land...he left no one remaining but utterly destroyed all that breathed," implying that he easily conquered Jerusalem. Yet, another the book of Judges and a different chapter of Joshua seem to contradict this idea, leaving three possibilities of how the Israelites got there. These are conquest, immigration, and the idea that they were always there due to mixed ethnic origins.
David's Jerusalem:
Some people debate whether or not David actually existed. However, the Tel Dan inscription refers to the followers of "The House of David." This does not necessarily confirm that David existed, but it does prove that a certain group called themselves "followers" of someone who referred to himself as "David."
Many archeological findings have been attributed to the early Iron age. These include an eastern retaining wall, the "stepped stone structure" or "millo," as well as the Houses of Ahiel and Bullae.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
1/11/11
Jerusalem as Sacred Space cont'd:
Jerusalem's temples play a crucial role in its sanctity. The recurring theme regarding these houses of worship is that God gave a religious figure plans for the temple's look and location. The temples' pillars are often considered to "connect" heaven and earth, and are also of divine decree.
Once a holy place is founded, it must then be consecrated. During this process, the place acquires stories and traditions that make it religiously significant. Some of these include Genesis 2, which explains the Garden of Eden, which is located near the Gihon river/spring. Also, Genesis 22 and 2 Chronicles 3 describe Mt. Moriah (near Jerusalem) and Abraham's attempted sacrifice of his son Isaac. These events contribute to the idea that Jerusalem is the Center of the World and the major Holy City.
Furthermore, the axis mundi is said to be placed at the center of the world, and several Bible verses contain evidence that it exists on one of Jerusalem's mountains (the higher the elevation, the closer one can get to heaven). And since the axis mundi also connects hell to earth, the Gai-Hinnom (i.e. the Hinnom Valley "dump") had certain hell-like qualities and references.
Jerusalem also contains special landmarks for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These include the Temple Mount and Western Wall (Judaism), The Holy Sepulcher (Christianity), and the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque (Islam).
Jerusalem's temples play a crucial role in its sanctity. The recurring theme regarding these houses of worship is that God gave a religious figure plans for the temple's look and location. The temples' pillars are often considered to "connect" heaven and earth, and are also of divine decree.
Once a holy place is founded, it must then be consecrated. During this process, the place acquires stories and traditions that make it religiously significant. Some of these include Genesis 2, which explains the Garden of Eden, which is located near the Gihon river/spring. Also, Genesis 22 and 2 Chronicles 3 describe Mt. Moriah (near Jerusalem) and Abraham's attempted sacrifice of his son Isaac. These events contribute to the idea that Jerusalem is the Center of the World and the major Holy City.
Furthermore, the axis mundi is said to be placed at the center of the world, and several Bible verses contain evidence that it exists on one of Jerusalem's mountains (the higher the elevation, the closer one can get to heaven). And since the axis mundi also connects hell to earth, the Gai-Hinnom (i.e. the Hinnom Valley "dump") had certain hell-like qualities and references.
Jerusalem also contains special landmarks for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These include the Temple Mount and Western Wall (Judaism), The Holy Sepulcher (Christianity), and the Dome of the Rock and Al Aqsa Mosque (Islam).
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