Book contents
- Yahweh and the Origins of Ancient Israel
- Yahweh and the Origins of Ancient Israel
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Introduction: Idols of Knowledge
- Part I The Movement of Emancipation in the Southern Levant
- Part II The Primeval Identity of YHWH
- Chapter Five The Metallurgical Background of Ancient Yahwism
- Chapter Six YHWH and El
- Part III The Conception of Israel
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Subject Index
- Scripture Index
- ANE Sources and Classics Index
Chapter Five - The Metallurgical Background of Ancient Yahwism
from Part II - The Primeval Identity of YHWH
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 May 2023
- Yahweh and the Origins of Ancient Israel
- Yahweh and the Origins of Ancient Israel
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- Preface
- Abbreviations
- Introduction: Idols of Knowledge
- Part I The Movement of Emancipation in the Southern Levant
- Part II The Primeval Identity of YHWH
- Chapter Five The Metallurgical Background of Ancient Yahwism
- Chapter Six YHWH and El
- Part III The Conception of Israel
- Conclusion
- Bibliography
- Subject Index
- Scripture Index
- ANE Sources and Classics Index
Summary
The former worship of YHWH among the metalworkers (Qenites/Kenites) and his special affinities with mining areas clarify why this god sponsored the movement of emancipation. His metallurgical attributes and his volcanic theophany both identify him as formerly being the South Levantine smelting-god, the deity overseeing and protecting the production of copper from ore. This craft enjoyed a prestigious status before the Amorite conquest, which became rehabilitated in the Early Iron Age. At the same time, the smelting-god recovered his transcendent status of super-god, the creator of the deities. The metallurgical skills attached to the first Israelite leaders, the volcanic context of the Sinai theophany, and the metallurgical symbols in the Jerusalem temple all betray a substantial preservation of this original dimension of YHWH among the Israelites.
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- Yahweh and the Origins of Ancient IsraelInsights from the Archaeological Record, pp. 151 - 177Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2023