Changes

Paper 97 - Evolution of the God Concept Among the Hebrews (view source)

Revision as of 22:35, 12 December 2020

71 bytes added , 22:35, 12 December 2020

m

Text replacement - "http://nordan.daynal.org" to "https://nordan.daynal.org"

Line 13: Line 13:

97:1.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] sprang from a long line of the [[Salem]] [[teachers]] who had [[persisted]] in [[maintaining]] the [[truths]] of [[Melchizedek]] as a part of their [[worship]] forms. This teacher was a [[virile]] and resolute man. Only his great [[devotion]], coupled with his extraordinary [[determination]], enabled him to withstand the almost [[universal]] [[opposition]] which he encountered when he started out to turn all [[Israel]] back to the [[worship]] of the supreme [[Yahweh]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Mosaic] times. And even then he was only partially successful; he won back to the [[service]] of the higher [[concept]] of [[Yahweh]] only the more [[intelligent]] half of the [[Hebrews]]; the other half continued in the [[worship]] of the [[tribal]] gods of the country and in the baser conception of [[Yahweh]].

−

97:1.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] was a rough-and-ready type of man, a [[practical]] reformer who could go out in one day with his [[associates]] and overthrow a score of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] sites. The [[progress]] he made was by sheer [[force]] of [[compulsion]]; he did little preaching, less teaching, but he did [[act]]. One day he was mocking the [[priest]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal]; the next, chopping in pieces a captive [[king]]. He [[devotedly]] believed in the one [[God]], and he had a clear [[concept]] of that one God as [[creator]] of [[heaven]] and [[earth]]: "The pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he has set the world upon them."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2]

+

97:1.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] was a rough-and-ready type of man, a [[practical]] reformer who could go out in one day with his [[associates]] and overthrow a score of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] sites. The [[progress]] he made was by sheer [[force]] of [[compulsion]]; he did little preaching, less teaching, but he did [[act]]. One day he was mocking the [[priest]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal]; the next, chopping in pieces a captive [[king]]. He [[devotedly]] believed in the one [[God]], and he had a clear [[concept]] of that one God as [[creator]] of [[heaven]] and [[earth]]: "The pillars of the earth are the Lord's, and he has set the world upon them."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2]

−

97:1.4 But the great [[contribution]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] made to the [[development]] of the [[concept]] of [[Deity]] was his ringing pronouncement that [[Yahweh]] was changeless, forever the same [[embodiment]] of unerring [[perfection]] and [[divinity]]. In these times [[Yahweh]] was conceived to be a fitful [[God]] of [[jealous]] whims, always regretting that he had done thus and so; but now, for the first time since the [[Hebrews]] sallied [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/the_Exodus forth from Egypt], they heard these startling [[words]], "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent, for he is not a man, that he should repent."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_15] [[Stability]] in dealing with [[Divinity]] was [[proclaimed]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] reiterated the [[Melchizedek]] [[covenant]] with [[Abraham]] and declared that the Lord [[God]] of [[Israel]] was the [[source]] of all [[truth]], [[stability]], and constancy. Always had the [[Hebrews]] looked upon their [[God]] as a man, a [[superman]], an exalted [[spirit]] of [[unknown]] [[origin]]; but now they heard the onetime spirit of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Horeb Horeb] exalted as an unchanging [[God]] of [[creator]] [[perfection]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] was aiding the evolving [[God]] [[concept]] to [[ascend]] to heights above the changing [[state]] of men's minds and the [[vicissitudes]] of [[mortal]] [[existence]]. Under his teaching, the [[God]] of the [[Hebrews]] was beginning the ascent from an [[idea]] on the order of the [[tribal]] gods to the [[ideal]] of an [[Omnipotent|all-powerful]] and changeless [[Creator]] and Supervisor of all [[creation]].

+

97:1.4 But the great [[contribution]] which [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] made to the [[development]] of the [[concept]] of [[Deity]] was his ringing pronouncement that [[Yahweh]] was changeless, forever the same [[embodiment]] of unerring [[perfection]] and [[divinity]]. In these times [[Yahweh]] was conceived to be a fitful [[God]] of [[jealous]] whims, always regretting that he had done thus and so; but now, for the first time since the [[Hebrews]] sallied [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/the_Exodus forth from Egypt], they heard these startling [[words]], "The Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent, for he is not a man, that he should repent."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_15] [[Stability]] in dealing with [[Divinity]] was [[proclaimed]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] reiterated the [[Melchizedek]] [[covenant]] with [[Abraham]] and declared that the Lord [[God]] of [[Israel]] was the [[source]] of all [[truth]], [[stability]], and constancy. Always had the [[Hebrews]] looked upon their [[God]] as a man, a [[superman]], an exalted [[spirit]] of [[unknown]] [[origin]]; but now they heard the onetime spirit of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Horeb Horeb] exalted as an unchanging [[God]] of [[creator]] [[perfection]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] was aiding the evolving [[God]] [[concept]] to [[ascend]] to heights above the changing [[state]] of men's minds and the [[vicissitudes]] of [[mortal]] [[existence]]. Under his teaching, the [[God]] of the [[Hebrews]] was beginning the ascent from an [[idea]] on the order of the [[tribal]] gods to the [[ideal]] of an [[Omnipotent|all-powerful]] and changeless [[Creator]] and Supervisor of all [[creation]].

−

97:1.5 And he preached anew the [[story]] of [[God]]'s [[sincerity]], his [[covenant]]-keeping reliability. Said Samuel: "The Lord will not forsake his people."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_12] "He has made with us an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.23] And so, throughout all [[Palestine]] there sounded the call back to the [[worship]] of the supreme [[Yahweh]]. Ever this energetic [[teacher]] proclaimed, "You are great, O Lord God, for there is none like you, neither is there any God beside you."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.7]

+

97:1.5 And he preached anew the [[story]] of [[God]]'s [[sincerity]], his [[covenant]]-keeping reliability. Said Samuel: "The Lord will not forsake his people."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_12] "He has made with us an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things and sure."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.23] And so, throughout all [[Palestine]] there sounded the call back to the [[worship]] of the supreme [[Yahweh]]. Ever this energetic [[teacher]] proclaimed, "You are great, O Lord God, for there is none like you, neither is there any God beside you."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.7]

−

97:1.6 Theretofore the [[Hebrews]] had regarded the [[favor]] of [[Yahweh]] mainly in terms of [[material]] [[prosperity]]. It was a great shock to [[Israel]], and almost cost [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] his life, when he dared to proclaim: "The Lord enriches and impoverishes; he debases and exalts. He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts up the beggars to set them among princes to make them inherit the throne of glory."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2] Not since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had such comforting [[promises]] for the [[humble]] and the less fortunate been proclaimed, and thousands of despairing among the poor began to take [[hope]] that they could improve their [[spiritual]] [[status]].

+

97:1.6 Theretofore the [[Hebrews]] had regarded the [[favor]] of [[Yahweh]] mainly in terms of [[material]] [[prosperity]]. It was a great shock to [[Israel]], and almost cost [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] his life, when he dared to proclaim: "The Lord enriches and impoverishes; he debases and exalts. He raises the poor out of the dust and lifts up the beggars to set them among princes to make them inherit the throne of glory."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2] Not since [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] had such comforting [[promises]] for the [[humble]] and the less fortunate been proclaimed, and thousands of despairing among the poor began to take [[hope]] that they could improve their [[spiritual]] [[status]].

−

97:1.7 But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] did not [[progress]] very far beyond the [[concept]] of a [[tribal]] [[god]]. He [[proclaimed]] a [[Yahweh]] who made all men but was occupied chiefly with the [[Hebrews]], his [[chosen people]]. Even so, as in the days of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], once more the [[God]] [[concept]] portrayed a [[Deity]] who is [[holy]] and upright. "There is none as holy as the Lord. Who can be compared to this holy Lord God? "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2]

+

97:1.7 But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] did not [[progress]] very far beyond the [[concept]] of a [[tribal]] [[god]]. He [[proclaimed]] a [[Yahweh]] who made all men but was occupied chiefly with the [[Hebrews]], his [[chosen people]]. Even so, as in the days of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses], once more the [[God]] [[concept]] portrayed a [[Deity]] who is [[holy]] and upright. "There is none as holy as the Lord. Who can be compared to this holy Lord God? "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2]

−

97:1.8 As the years passed, the grizzled old leader [[progressed]] in the [[understanding]] of [[God]], for he [[declared]]: "The Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by him[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2]. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth, showing mercy to the merciful, and with the upright man he will also be upright."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2] Even here is the [[dawn]] of [[mercy]], albeit it is [[limited]] to those who are merciful. Later he went one step further when, in their [[adversity]], he exhorted his people: "Let us fall now into the hands of the Lord, for his mercies are great." "There is no restraint upon the Lord to save many or few."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_24]

+

97:1.8 As the years passed, the grizzled old leader [[progressed]] in the [[understanding]] of [[God]], for he [[declared]]: "The Lord is a God of knowledge, and actions are weighed by him[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2]. The Lord will judge the ends of the earth, showing mercy to the merciful, and with the upright man he will also be upright."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_2] Even here is the [[dawn]] of [[mercy]], albeit it is [[limited]] to those who are merciful. Later he went one step further when, in their [[adversity]], he exhorted his people: "Let us fall now into the hands of the Lord, for his mercies are great." "There is no restraint upon the Lord to save many or few."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_24]

97:1.9 And this [[gradual]] [[development]] of the [[concept]] of the [[character]] of [[Yahweh]] continued under the [[ministry]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel]'s successors. They attempted to present [[Yahweh]] as a [[covenant]]-keeping [[God]] but hardly [[maintained]] the [[pace]] set by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel]; they failed to [[develop]] the [[idea]] of the [[mercy]] of [[God]] as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel Samuel] had later conceived it. There was a steady drift back toward the [[recognition]] of other gods, despite the [[maintenance]] that [[Yahweh]] was above all. "Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all."

Line 39: Line 39:

==97:3. YAHWEH AND BAAL==

−

97:3.1 The long-drawn-out [[controversy]] between the believers in [[Yahweh]] and the followers of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal][~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_18] was a socioeconomic clash of [[ideologies]] rather than a [[difference]] in [[religious]] [[beliefs]].

+

97:3.1 The long-drawn-out [[controversy]] between the believers in [[Yahweh]] and the followers of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_18] was a socioeconomic clash of [[ideologies]] rather than a [[difference]] in [[religious]] [[beliefs]].

−

97:3.2 The [[inhabitants]] of [[Palestine]] differed in their [[attitude]] toward [[private]] ownership of [[land]]. The southern or wandering [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabian] tribes (the [[Yahweh]]ites) looked upon [[land]] as an inalienable—as a gift of [[Deity]] to the [[clan]]. They held that land could not be sold or mortgaged. "Yahweh spoke, saying, `The land shall not be sold, for the land is mine.'"[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Leviticus#Chapter_.25]

+

97:3.2 The [[inhabitants]] of [[Palestine]] differed in their [[attitude]] toward [[private]] ownership of [[land]]. The southern or wandering [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arabia Arabian] tribes (the [[Yahweh]]ites) looked upon [[land]] as an inalienable—as a gift of [[Deity]] to the [[clan]]. They held that land could not be sold or mortgaged. "Yahweh spoke, saying, `The land shall not be sold, for the land is mine.'"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Leviticus#Chapter_.25]

97:3.3 The northern and more settled [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanites] (the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baalites]) freely bought, sold, and mortgaged their [[lands]]. The word Baal means owner. The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] [[cult]] was founded on two major [[doctrines]]: First, the validation of [[property]] exchange, contracts, and [[covenants]]—the right to buy and sell land. Second, Baal was supposed to send rain—he was a god of [[fertility]] of the [[soil]]. Good crops depended on the [[favor]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal]. The [[cult]] was largely concerned with [[land]], its ownership and [[fertility]].

Line 49: Line 49:

97:3.5 Out of this basic [[difference]] in the regard for [[land]], there evolved the bitter [[antagonisms]] of [[social]], [[economic]], [[moral]], and [[religious]] attitudes exhibited by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanites] and the [[Hebrews]]. This socioeconomic [[controversy]] did not become a definite [[religious]] issue until the times of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah]. From the days of this aggressive [[prophet]] the issue was fought out on more strictly [[religious]] lines—[[Yahweh]] vs. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal]—and it ended in the triumph of [[Yahweh]] and the subsequent drive toward [[monotheism]].

−

97:3.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] shifted the [[Yahweh]]-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] [[controversy]] from the [[land]] issue to the [[religious]] aspect of [[Hebrew]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanite] [[ideologies]]. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] murdered the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naboth Naboths][~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_21] in the [[intrigue]] to get [[possession]] of their [[land]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] made a [[moral]] issue out of the olden land [[mores]] and launched his vigorous [[campaign]] against the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baalites]. This was also a fight of the [[Rural|country]] folk against [[domination]] by the [[cities]]. It was chiefly under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] that [[Yahweh]] became [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elohim Elohim]. The [[prophet]] began as an agrarian reformer and ended up by exalting [[Deity]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baals] were many, [[Yahweh]] was one —[[monotheism]] won over [[polytheism]].

+

97:3.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] shifted the [[Yahweh]]-[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] [[controversy]] from the [[land]] issue to the [[religious]] aspect of [[Hebrew]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanite] [[ideologies]]. When [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] murdered the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naboth Naboths][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=First_Book_of_Kings#Chapter_21] in the [[intrigue]] to get [[possession]] of their [[land]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] made a [[moral]] issue out of the olden land [[mores]] and launched his vigorous [[campaign]] against the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baalites]. This was also a fight of the [[Rural|country]] folk against [[domination]] by the [[cities]]. It was chiefly under [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] that [[Yahweh]] became [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elohim Elohim]. The [[prophet]] began as an agrarian reformer and ended up by exalting [[Deity]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baals] were many, [[Yahweh]] was one —[[monotheism]] won over [[polytheism]].

==97:4. AMOS AND HOSEA==

Line 61: Line 61:

97:4.4 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos] proclaimed [[Yahweh]] the "God of all nations" and warned the [[Israelites]] that [[ritual]] must not take the place of [[righteousness]]. And before this [[courageous]] teacher was stoned to [[death]], he had spread enough leaven of [[truth]] to save the [[doctrine]] of the supreme [[Yahweh]]; he had insured the further [[evolution]] of the [[Melchizedek]] [[revelation]].

−

97:4.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] followed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos] and his [[doctrine]] of a [[universal]] [[God]] of [[justice]] by the [[resurrection]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Mosaic] [[concept]] of a God of [[love]]. Hosea preached [[forgiveness]] through [[repentance]], not by [[sacrifice]]. He [[proclaimed]] a gospel of loving-kindness and [[divine]] [[mercy]], saying: "I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies. I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.2] " I will love them freely, for my anger is turned away."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.14]

+

97:4.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] followed [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos] and his [[doctrine]] of a [[universal]] [[God]] of [[justice]] by the [[resurrection]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Mosaic] [[concept]] of a God of [[love]]. Hosea preached [[forgiveness]] through [[repentance]], not by [[sacrifice]]. He [[proclaimed]] a gospel of loving-kindness and [[divine]] [[mercy]], saying: "I will betroth you to me forever; yes, I will betroth you to me in righteousness and judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies. I will even betroth you to me in faithfulness."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.2] " I will love them freely, for my anger is turned away."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.14]

−

97:4.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] faithfully continued the [[moral]] [[warnings]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos], saying of God, "It is my desire that I chastise them."[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/] But the [[Israelites]] regarded it as cruelty bordering on [[treason]] when he said: "I will say to those who were not my people, `you are my people'; and they will say, `you are our God.'[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.2] " He continued to preach [[repentance]] and [[forgiveness]], saying, "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely, for my anger is turned away."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.14] Always [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] proclaimed [[hope]] and [[forgiveness]]. The burden of his [[message]] ever was: " I will have mercy upon my people. They shall know no God but me, for there is no savior beside me. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.2]

+

97:4.6 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] faithfully continued the [[moral]] [[warnings]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos], saying of God, "It is my desire that I chastise them."[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/] But the [[Israelites]] regarded it as cruelty bordering on [[treason]] when he said: "I will say to those who were not my people, `you are my people'; and they will say, `you are our God.'[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.2] " He continued to preach [[repentance]] and [[forgiveness]], saying, "I will heal their backsliding; I will love them freely, for my anger is turned away."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.14] Always [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] proclaimed [[hope]] and [[forgiveness]]. The burden of his [[message]] ever was: " I will have mercy upon my people. They shall know no God but me, for there is no savior beside me. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Hosea#Chapter_.2]

97:4.7 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos] quickened the [[national]] [[conscience]] of the [[Hebrews]] to the [[recognition]] that [[Yahweh]] would not condone [[crime]] and [[sin]] among them because they were supposedly the [[chosen people]], while [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] struck the opening notes in the later [[merciful]] chords of [[divine]] [[compassion]] and loving-kindness which were so exquisitely [[sung]] by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] and his associates.

Line 71: Line 71:

97:5.1 These were the times when some were [[proclaiming]] threatenings of punishment against [[personal]] [[sins]] and [[national]] [[crime]] among the northern clans while others predicted [[calamity]] in retribution for the transgressions of the southern kingdom. It was in the wake of this arousal of [[conscience]] and [[consciousness]] in the [[Hebrew]] nations that the [http://www.archive.org/details/fourprophetsamos012976mbp first Isaiah] made his [[appearance]].

−

97:5.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] went on to preach the [[eternal]] [[nature]] of [[God]], his [[infinite]] [[wisdom]], his unchanging [[perfection]] of reliability. He [[represented]] the [[God]] of [[Israel]] as saying: "Judgment also will I lay to the line and [[righteousness]] to the plummet."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.28] " The Lord will give you rest from your sorrow and from your [[fear]] and from the hard bondage wherein man has been made to serve."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.14] "And your ears shall hear a [[word]] behind you, saying, `this is the way, walk in it.' "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.30] " Behold [[God]] is my [[salvation]]; I will [[trust]] and not be afraid, for the Lord is my [[strength]] and my [[song]]. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.12] " `Come now and let us [[reason]] together,' says the Lord, `though your [[sins]] be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like the crimson, they shall be as wool.' "

+

97:5.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] went on to preach the [[eternal]] [[nature]] of [[God]], his [[infinite]] [[wisdom]], his unchanging [[perfection]] of reliability. He [[represented]] the [[God]] of [[Israel]] as saying: "Judgment also will I lay to the line and [[righteousness]] to the plummet."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.28] " The Lord will give you rest from your sorrow and from your [[fear]] and from the hard bondage wherein man has been made to serve."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.14] "And your ears shall hear a [[word]] behind you, saying, `this is the way, walk in it.' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.30] " Behold [[God]] is my [[salvation]]; I will [[trust]] and not be afraid, for the Lord is my [[strength]] and my [[song]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.12] " `Come now and let us [[reason]] together,' says the Lord, `though your [[sins]] be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like the crimson, they shall be as wool.' "

−

97:5.3 Speaking to the [[fear]]-ridden and [[soul]]-hungry [[Hebrews]], this [[prophet]] said: "Arise and shine, for your [[light]] has come, and the [[glory]] of the Lord has risen upon you. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.60] " The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good tidings to the [[meek]]; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to [[proclaim]] [[liberty]] to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] " I will greatly [[rejoice]] in the Lord, my [[soul]] shall be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of [[salvation]] and has covered me with his robe of [[righteousness]]. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] " In all their [[afflictions]] he was afflicted, and the [[angel]] of his [[presence]] saved them. In his [[love]] and in his pity he redeemed them. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.63]

+

97:5.3 Speaking to the [[fear]]-ridden and [[soul]]-hungry [[Hebrews]], this [[prophet]] said: "Arise and shine, for your [[light]] has come, and the [[glory]] of the Lord has risen upon you. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.60] " The spirit of the Lord is upon me because he has anointed me to preach good tidings to the [[meek]]; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to [[proclaim]] [[liberty]] to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] " I will greatly [[rejoice]] in the Lord, my [[soul]] shall be joyful in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of [[salvation]] and has covered me with his robe of [[righteousness]]. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.61] " In all their [[afflictions]] he was afflicted, and the [[angel]] of his [[presence]] saved them. In his [[love]] and in his pity he redeemed them. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.63]

97:5.4 This [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] was followed by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_(prophet) Micah] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Obadiah Obadiah], who [[confirmed]] and embellished his [[soul]]-satisfying gospel. And these two [[brave]] [[messengers]] boldly denounced the [[priest]]-ridden [[ritual]] of the [[Hebrews]] and fearlessly attacked the whole [[sacrificial]] [[system]].

−

97:5.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_(prophet) Micah] denounced "the rulers who [[judge]] for reward and the [[priests]] who teach for hire and the [[prophets]] who divine for [[money]]."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.2] He taught of a day of [[freedom]] from [[superstition]] and priestcraft, saying: "But every man shall sit under his own vine, and no one shall make him afraid, for all people will live, each one according to his [[understanding]] of [[God]]."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.4]

+

97:5.5 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_(prophet) Micah] denounced "the rulers who [[judge]] for reward and the [[priests]] who teach for hire and the [[prophets]] who divine for [[money]]."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.2] He taught of a day of [[freedom]] from [[superstition]] and priestcraft, saying: "But every man shall sit under his own vine, and no one shall make him afraid, for all people will live, each one according to his [[understanding]] of [[God]]."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.4]

−

97:5.6 Ever the burden of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_(prophet) Micah]'s [[message]] was: "Shall I come before God with [[Sacrifice|burnt offerings]]? Will the Lord be pleased with a thousand rams or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my [[body]] for the [[sin]] of my [[soul]]? He has shown me, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to [[love]] [[mercy]] and to walk [[humbly]] with your God."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.6] And it was a great age; these were indeed stirring times when [[mortal]] man heard, and some even believed, such [[emancipating]] [[messages]] more than two and a half [[millenniums]] ago. And but for the stubborn [[resistance]] of the [[priests]], these [[teachers]] would have overthrown the whole bloody [[ceremonial]] of the [[Hebrew]] [[ritual]] of [[worship]].

+

97:5.6 Ever the burden of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micah_(prophet) Micah]'s [[message]] was: "Shall I come before God with [[Sacrifice|burnt offerings]]? Will the Lord be pleased with a thousand rams or with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my transgression, the fruit of my [[body]] for the [[sin]] of my [[soul]]? He has shown me, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justly and to [[love]] [[mercy]] and to walk [[humbly]] with your God."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Micah#Chapter_.6] And it was a great age; these were indeed stirring times when [[mortal]] man heard, and some even believed, such [[emancipating]] [[messages]] more than two and a half [[millenniums]] ago. And but for the stubborn [[resistance]] of the [[priests]], these [[teachers]] would have overthrown the whole bloody [[ceremonial]] of the [[Hebrew]] [[ritual]] of [[worship]].

==97:6. JEREMIAH THE FEARLESS==

Line 87: Line 87:

97:6.2 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] fearlessly declared that [[Yahweh]] was not on the side of the [[Hebrews]] in their [[military]] struggles with other [[nations]]. He asserted that [[Yahweh]] was [[God]] of all the [[earth]], of all [[nations]] and of all peoples. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah]'s teaching was the crescendo of the rising [[wave]] of the [[internationalization]] of the God of Israel; finally and forever did this intrepid preacher proclaim that [[Yahweh]] was God of all nations, and that there was no [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osiris Osiris] for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptians], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bel_(god) Bel] for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonia Babylonians], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ashur_%28god%29 Ashur] for the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyria Assyrians], or [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dagon Dagon] for the [[Philistines]]. And thus did the [[religion]] of the [[Hebrews]] [[share]] in that [[renaissance]] of [[monotheism]] throughout the world at about and following this time; at last the [[concept]] of [[Yahweh]] had [[ascended]] to a [[Deity]] level of [[planetary]] and even [[cosmic]] [[dignity]]. But many of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah]'s associates found it difficult to conceive of [[Yahweh]] apart from the [[Hebrew]] [[nation]].

−

97:6.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] also preached of the just and loving [[God]] described by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah], declaring: "Yes, I have [[loved]] you with an everlasting [[love]]; therefore with loving-[[kindness]] have I drawn you."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.31] "For he does not afflict willingly the children of men."

+

97:6.3 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] also preached of the just and loving [[God]] described by [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah], declaring: "Yes, I have [[loved]] you with an everlasting [[love]]; therefore with loving-[[kindness]] have I drawn you."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.31] "For he does not afflict willingly the children of men."

−

97:6.4 Said this fearless [[prophet]]: "[[Righteous]] is our Lord, great in [[counsel]] and mighty in [[work]]. His eyes are open upon all the ways of all the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.32] But it was considered [[blasphemous]] [[treason]] when, during the siege of [[Jerusalem]], he said: "And now have I given these [[lands]] into the hand of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar], the king of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon], my servant."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.27] And when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] [[counseled]] the [[surrender]] of the [[city]], the [[priests]] and civil rulers cast him into the miry pit of a dismal dungeon.

+

97:6.4 Said this fearless [[prophet]]: "[[Righteous]] is our Lord, great in [[counsel]] and mighty in [[work]]. His eyes are open upon all the ways of all the sons of men, to give every one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.32] But it was considered [[blasphemous]] [[treason]] when, during the siege of [[Jerusalem]], he said: "And now have I given these [[lands]] into the hand of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nebuchadnezzar Nebuchadnezzar], the king of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon], my servant."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Jeremiah#Chapter_.27] And when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] [[counseled]] the [[surrender]] of the [[city]], the [[priests]] and civil rulers cast him into the miry pit of a dismal dungeon.

==97:7. THE SECOND ISAIAH==

Line 101: Line 101:

97:7.4 The [[Jewish]] [[priesthood]] made [[liberal]] use of these [[writings]] subsequent to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity the captivity], but they were greatly hindered in their [[influence]] over their fellow captives by the [[presence]] of a young and indomitable [[prophet]], [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm Isaiah the second], who was a full [[convert]] to the [[elder]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Isaiah]'s [[God]] of [[justice]], [[love]], [[righteousness]], and [[mercy]]. He also believed with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] that [[Yahweh]] had become the [[God]] of [[Internationalism|all nations]]. He preached these [[theories]] of the [[nature]] of [[God]] with such telling [[effect]] that he made converts equally among the [[Jews]] and their captors. And this young preacher left on [[record]] his teachings, which the hostile and unforgiving [[priests]] sought to [[divorce]] from all [[association]] with him, although sheer [[respect]] for their [[beauty]] and grandeur led to their incorporation among the [[writings]] of the earlier [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah]. And thus may be found the writings of this [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Isaiah second Isaiah] in the [[book]] of that name, embracing chapters [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Isaiah#Isaiah_40-55_.28Deutero-Isaiah.29 forty to fifty-five inclusive].

−

97:7.5 No [[prophet]] or religious teacher from [[Machiventa]] to the time of [[Jesus]] [[attained]] the high [[concept]] of [[God]] that [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm Isaiah the second] proclaimed during these days of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity the captivity]. It was no small, [[anthropomorphic]], man-made [[God]] that this [[spiritual]] leader [[proclaimed]]. " Behold he takes up the isles as a very little thing. "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40] " And as the [[heavens]] are higher than the [[earth]], so are my ways higher than your ways and my [[thoughts]] higher than your thoughts."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.55]

+

97:7.5 No [[prophet]] or religious teacher from [[Machiventa]] to the time of [[Jesus]] [[attained]] the high [[concept]] of [[God]] that [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm Isaiah the second] proclaimed during these days of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity the captivity]. It was no small, [[anthropomorphic]], man-made [[God]] that this [[spiritual]] leader [[proclaimed]]. " Behold he takes up the isles as a very little thing. "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40] " And as the [[heavens]] are higher than the [[earth]], so are my ways higher than your ways and my [[thoughts]] higher than your thoughts."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.55]

−

97:7.6 At last [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] beheld [[human]] [[teachers]] [[proclaiming]] a real [[God]] to [[mortal]] man. Like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] the first, this [[leader]] preached a [[God]] of [[universal]] [[creation]] and upholding. "I have made the [[earth]] and put man upon it. I have created it not in vain; I formed it to be inhabited."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45] " I am the first and the last; there is no God beside me."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45] Speaking for the Lord God of Israel, this new [[prophet]] said: " The [[heavens]] may vanish and the [[earth]] wax old, but my [[righteousness]] shall [[endure]] forever and my [[salvation]] from [[generation]] to generation."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45] " [[Fear]] you not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your [[God]]."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.41] " There is no [[God]] beside me—a just God and a Savior."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45]

+

97:7.6 At last [[Machiventa]] [[Melchizedek]] beheld [[human]] [[teachers]] [[proclaiming]] a real [[God]] to [[mortal]] man. Like [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] the first, this [[leader]] preached a [[God]] of [[universal]] [[creation]] and upholding. "I have made the [[earth]] and put man upon it. I have created it not in vain; I formed it to be inhabited."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45] " I am the first and the last; there is no God beside me."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45] Speaking for the Lord God of Israel, this new [[prophet]] said: " The [[heavens]] may vanish and the [[earth]] wax old, but my [[righteousness]] shall [[endure]] forever and my [[salvation]] from [[generation]] to generation."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45] " [[Fear]] you not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your [[God]]."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.41] " There is no [[God]] beside me—a just God and a Savior."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.45]

−

97:7.7 And it [[comforted]] the [[Jewish]] captives, as it has thousands upon thousands ever since, to hear such [[words]] as: " Thus says the Lord, `I have [[created]] you, I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine.' "[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] " When you pass through the [[waters]], I will be with you since you are precious in my [[sight]]."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] "Can a [[woman]] forget her suckling [[child]] that she should not have [[compassion]] on her son? Yes, she may forget, yet will I not forget my [[children]], for behold I have graven them upon the palms of my hands; I have even covered them with the [[shadow]] of my hands."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.49] " Let the [[wicked]] forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his [[thoughts]], and let him return to the Lord, and he will have [[mercy]] upon him, and to our [[God]], for he will [[abundantly]] pardon."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.55]

+

97:7.7 And it [[comforted]] the [[Jewish]] captives, as it has thousands upon thousands ever since, to hear such [[words]] as: " Thus says the Lord, `I have [[created]] you, I have redeemed you, I have called you by your name; you are mine.' "[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] " When you pass through the [[waters]], I will be with you since you are precious in my [[sight]]."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43] "Can a [[woman]] forget her suckling [[child]] that she should not have [[compassion]] on her son? Yes, she may forget, yet will I not forget my [[children]], for behold I have graven them upon the palms of my hands; I have even covered them with the [[shadow]] of my hands."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.49] " Let the [[wicked]] forsake his ways and the unrighteous man his [[thoughts]], and let him return to the Lord, and he will have [[mercy]] upon him, and to our [[God]], for he will [[abundantly]] pardon."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.55]

−

97:7.8 [[Listen]] again to the [[gospel]] of this new [[revelation]] of the [[God]] of [[Salem]]: "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his [[bosom]].[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40] He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might he increases [[strength]][~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40]. Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40]

+

97:7.8 [[Listen]] again to the [[gospel]] of this new [[revelation]] of the [[God]] of [[Salem]]: "He shall feed his flock like a shepherd; he shall gather the lambs in his arms and carry them in his [[bosom]].[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40] He gives power to the faint, and to those who have no might he increases [[strength]][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40]. Those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.40]

−

97:7.9 [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm This Isaiah] conducted a far-flung [[propaganda]] of the [[gospel]] of the enlarging [[concept]] of a [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]]. He vied with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] in the [[eloquence]] with which he portrayed the Lord [[God]] of [[Israel]] as the [[Universal]] [[Creator]]. He was [[poetic]] in his portrayal of the [[infinite]] [[attributes]] of the [[Universal Father]]. No more [[beautiful]] [[pronouncements]] about the [[heavenly Father]] have ever been made. Like the [[Psalms]], the [[writings]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] are among the most [[sublime]] and true presentations of the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [[God]] ever to greet the ears of [[mortal]] man prior to the arrival of [[Michael]] on [[Urantia]]. Listen to his portrayal of [[Deity]]: "I am the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.57] " I am the first and the last, and beside me there is no other God."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.44] "And the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.59] And it was a new [[doctrine]] in Jewry when this benign but commanding [[prophet]] [[persisted]] in the preachment of [[divine]] constancy, God's [[faithfulness]]. He declared that "God would not forget, would not forsake."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.49]

+

97:7.9 [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm This Isaiah] conducted a far-flung [[propaganda]] of the [[gospel]] of the enlarging [[concept]] of a [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]]. He vied with [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses Moses] in the [[eloquence]] with which he portrayed the Lord [[God]] of [[Israel]] as the [[Universal]] [[Creator]]. He was [[poetic]] in his portrayal of the [[infinite]] [[attributes]] of the [[Universal Father]]. No more [[beautiful]] [[pronouncements]] about the [[heavenly Father]] have ever been made. Like the [[Psalms]], the [[writings]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] are among the most [[sublime]] and true presentations of the [[spiritual]] [[concept]] of [[God]] ever to greet the ears of [[mortal]] man prior to the arrival of [[Michael]] on [[Urantia]]. Listen to his portrayal of [[Deity]]: "I am the high and lofty one who inhabits eternity."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.57] " I am the first and the last, and beside me there is no other God."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.44] "And the Lord's hand is not shortened that it cannot save, neither his ear heavy that it cannot hear."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.59] And it was a new [[doctrine]] in Jewry when this benign but commanding [[prophet]] [[persisted]] in the preachment of [[divine]] constancy, God's [[faithfulness]]. He declared that "God would not forget, would not forsake."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.49]

−

97:7.10 This daring [[teacher]] [[proclaimed]] that man was very closely related to [[God]], saying: "Every one who is called by my name I have created for my glory, and they shall show forth my praise. I, even I, am he who blots out their transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember their sins."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43]

+

97:7.10 This daring [[teacher]] [[proclaimed]] that man was very closely related to [[God]], saying: "Every one who is called by my name I have created for my glory, and they shall show forth my praise. I, even I, am he who blots out their transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember their sins."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.43]

−

97:7.11 Hear this great [[Hebrew]] demolish the [[concept]] of a [[national]] [[God]] while in [[glory]] he proclaims the [[divinity]] of the [[Universal Father]], of whom he says, "The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.66] And Isaiah's God was none the less [[holy]], majestic, [[just]], and unsearchable. The [[concept]] of the angry, vengeful, and [[jealous]] [[Yahweh]] of the [[desert]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouins] has almost vanished. A new [[concept]] of the [[supreme]] and [[universal]] [[Yahweh]] has appeared in the [[mind]] of [[mortal]] man, never to be lost to human view. The [[realization]] of [[divine]] [[justice]] has begun the destruction of [[primitive]] [[magic]] and [[biologic]] [[fear]]. At last, man is introduced to a [[universe]] of [[law]] and order and to a [[universal]] [[God]] of dependable and final [[attributes]].

+

97:7.11 Hear this great [[Hebrew]] demolish the [[concept]] of a [[national]] [[God]] while in [[glory]] he proclaims the [[divinity]] of the [[Universal Father]], of whom he says, "The heavens are my throne, and the earth is my footstool."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.66] And Isaiah's God was none the less [[holy]], majestic, [[just]], and unsearchable. The [[concept]] of the angry, vengeful, and [[jealous]] [[Yahweh]] of the [[desert]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bedouin Bedouins] has almost vanished. A new [[concept]] of the [[supreme]] and [[universal]] [[Yahweh]] has appeared in the [[mind]] of [[mortal]] man, never to be lost to human view. The [[realization]] of [[divine]] [[justice]] has begun the destruction of [[primitive]] [[magic]] and [[biologic]] [[fear]]. At last, man is introduced to a [[universe]] of [[law]] and order and to a [[universal]] [[God]] of dependable and final [[attributes]].

−

97:7.12 And this preacher of a [[supernal]] [[God]] never ceased to proclaim this God of [[love]]. "I dwell in the high and [[holy]] place, also with him who is of a contrite and [[humble]] [[spirit]]."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.57 And still further [[words]] of [[comfort]] did this great [[teacher]] speak to his contemporaries: "And the Lord will [[guide]] you continually and satisfy your [[soul]]. You shall be like a watered [[garden]] and like a spring whose waters fail not. And if the enemy shall come in like a flood, the [[spirit]] of the Lord will lift up a [[defense]] against him."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.58] And once again did the [[fear]]-destroying gospel of [[Melchizedek]] and the [[trust]]-breeding [[religion]] of [[Salem]] shine forth for the [[blessing]] of [[mankind]].

+

97:7.12 And this preacher of a [[supernal]] [[God]] never ceased to proclaim this God of [[love]]. "I dwell in the high and [[holy]] place, also with him who is of a contrite and [[humble]] [[spirit]]."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.57 And still further [[words]] of [[comfort]] did this great [[teacher]] speak to his contemporaries: "And the Lord will [[guide]] you continually and satisfy your [[soul]]. You shall be like a watered [[garden]] and like a spring whose waters fail not. And if the enemy shall come in like a flood, the [[spirit]] of the Lord will lift up a [[defense]] against him."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.58] And once again did the [[fear]]-destroying gospel of [[Melchizedek]] and the [[trust]]-breeding [[religion]] of [[Salem]] shine forth for the [[blessing]] of [[mankind]].

97:7.13 The farseeing and [[courageous]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] effectively [[eclipsed]] the nationalistic [[Yahweh]] by his [[sublime]] portraiture of the [[majesty]] and [[universal]] [[omnipotence]] of the [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]], [[God]] of [[love]], ruler of the [[universe]], and [[affectionate]] [[Father]] of all [[mankind]]. Ever since those eventful days the highest [[God]] [[concept]] in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Occident Occident] has [[embraced]] [[universal]] [[justice]], [[divine]] [[mercy]], and [[eternal]] [[righteousness]]. In superb [[language]] and with matchless [[grace]] this great [[teacher]] portrayed the [[Omnipotent|all-powerful]] [[Creator]] as the all-loving [[Father]].

Line 127: Line 127:

97:8.2 In order to [[understand]] how the devastating [[pressure]] and the inescapable [[coercion]] of [[secular]] [[history]] so terrorized the captive and alien-ruled [[Jews]] that they attempted the complete rewriting and recasting of their [[history]], we should briefly survey the [[record]] of their perplexing [[national]] [[experience]]. It must be remembered that the [[Jews]] failed to [[evolve]] an adequate nontheologic [[philosophy]] of life. They struggled with their [[original]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Egyptian_religion Egyptian concept] of [[divine]] rewards for [[righteousness]] coupled with dire punishments for [[sin]]. The [[drama]] of [[Book of Job|Job]] was something of a [[protest]] against this erroneous [[philosophy]]. The frank pessimism of [[Book of Ecclesiastes|Ecclesiastes]] was a worldly [[wise]] [[reaction]] to these overoptimistic [[beliefs]] in [[Providence]].

−

97:8.3 But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity five hundred years of the overlordship] of alien rulers was too much for even the [[patient]] and long-suffering [[Jews]]. The [[prophets]] and [[priests]] began to cry: "How long, O Lord, how long?"[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.6] As the [[honest]] [[Jew]] searched the [[Scriptures]], his [[confusion]] became worse confounded. An olden [[seer]] promised that God would protect and deliver his "[[chosen people]]." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_(prophet) Amos] had threatened that God would abandon [[Israel]] unless they re-[[established]] their [[standards]] of [[righteousness]]. The scribe of [[Book of Deutoronomy|Deuteronomy]] had portrayed the ''Great Choice''—as between the [[good]] and the [[evil]], the [[blessing]] and the [[curse]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] the first had preached a [[beneficent]] [[king]]-deliverer. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] had [[proclaimed]] an era of inner [[righteousness]]—the [[covenant]] [[written]] on the tablets of the [[heart]]. The [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm second Isaiah] talked about [[salvation]] by [[sacrifice]] and redemption. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel Ezekiel] proclaimed deliverance through the [[service]] of [[devotion]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra Ezra] [[promised]] [[prosperity]] by adherence to the [[law]]. But in spite of all this they lingered on in bondage, and deliverance was deferred. Then [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel] presented the [[drama]] of the impending " [[crisis]] "—the smiting of the great image and the [[immediate]] [[establishment]] of the everlasting reign of [[righteousness]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_prophecy#Messianic_prophecies_in_Judaism Messianic kingdom].

+

97:8.3 But [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylonian_captivity five hundred years of the overlordship] of alien rulers was too much for even the [[patient]] and long-suffering [[Jews]]. The [[prophets]] and [[priests]] began to cry: "How long, O Lord, how long?"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.6] As the [[honest]] [[Jew]] searched the [[Scriptures]], his [[confusion]] became worse confounded. An olden [[seer]] promised that God would protect and deliver his "[[chosen people]]." [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos_(prophet) Amos] had threatened that God would abandon [[Israel]] unless they re-[[established]] their [[standards]] of [[righteousness]]. The scribe of [[Book of Deutoronomy|Deuteronomy]] had portrayed the ''Great Choice''—as between the [[good]] and the [[evil]], the [[blessing]] and the [[curse]]. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] the first had preached a [[beneficent]] [[king]]-deliverer. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeremiah Jeremiah] had [[proclaimed]] an era of inner [[righteousness]]—the [[covenant]] [[written]] on the tablets of the [[heart]]. The [http://girardianlectionary.net/res/bvs_2nd-isaiah.htm second Isaiah] talked about [[salvation]] by [[sacrifice]] and redemption. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel Ezekiel] proclaimed deliverance through the [[service]] of [[devotion]], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezra Ezra] [[promised]] [[prosperity]] by adherence to the [[law]]. But in spite of all this they lingered on in bondage, and deliverance was deferred. Then [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel] presented the [[drama]] of the impending " [[crisis]] "—the smiting of the great image and the [[immediate]] [[establishment]] of the everlasting reign of [[righteousness]], the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_prophecy#Messianic_prophecies_in_Judaism Messianic kingdom].

−

97:8.4 And all of this false [[hope]] led to such a [[degree]] of racial [[disappointment]] and frustration that the [[leaders]] of the [[Jews]] were so [[confused]] they failed to [[recognize]] and accept the mission and [[ministry]] of a [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS divine Son] of [[Paradise]] when he presently came to them in the likeness of [[mortal]] flesh—[[incarnated]] as the Son of Man.

+

97:8.4 And all of this false [[hope]] led to such a [[degree]] of racial [[disappointment]] and frustration that the [[leaders]] of the [[Jews]] were so [[confused]] they failed to [[recognize]] and accept the mission and [[ministry]] of a [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:6._THE_MORTAL-BESTOWAL_CAREERS divine Son] of [[Paradise]] when he presently came to them in the likeness of [[mortal]] flesh—[[incarnated]] as the Son of Man.

−

97:8.5 All [[modern]] [[religions]] have seriously blundered in the attempt to put a [[miraculous]] [[interpretation]] on certain [[epochs]] of [[human]] [[history]]. While it is true that [[God]] has many times thrust a [[Father]]'s hand of [[providential]] [[intervention]] into the [[stream]] of human affairs, it is a mistake to regard [[theologic]] [[dogmas]] and [[religious]] [[superstition]] as a [[supernatural]] sedimentation appearing by [[miraculous]] [[action]] in this [[stream]] of [[human]] [[history]]. The [[fact]] that the "[[Most Highs]] rule in the kingdoms of men"[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_4] does not convert [[secular]] history into so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_history sacred history].

+

97:8.5 All [[modern]] [[religions]] have seriously blundered in the attempt to put a [[miraculous]] [[interpretation]] on certain [[epochs]] of [[human]] [[history]]. While it is true that [[God]] has many times thrust a [[Father]]'s hand of [[providential]] [[intervention]] into the [[stream]] of human affairs, it is a mistake to regard [[theologic]] [[dogmas]] and [[religious]] [[superstition]] as a [[supernatural]] sedimentation appearing by [[miraculous]] [[action]] in this [[stream]] of [[human]] [[history]]. The [[fact]] that the "[[Most Highs]] rule in the kingdoms of men"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Daniel#Chapter_4] does not convert [[secular]] history into so-called [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_history sacred history].

−

97:8.6 [[New Testament]] [[authors]] and later [[Christian]] [[writers]] further complicated the [[distortion]] of [[Hebrew]] [[history]] by their well-meant attempts to [[transcendentalize]] the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets Jewish prophets]. Thus has [[Hebrew]] [[history]] been disastrously exploited by both [[Jewish]] and [[Christian]] writers. [[Secular]] [[Hebrew]] [[history]] has been thoroughly [[dogmatized]]. It has been [[converted]] into a [[fiction]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_history sacred history] and has become inextricably bound up with the [[moral]] [[concepts]] and religious teachings of the so-called [[Christian]] [[nations]].[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Zionism]

+

97:8.6 [[New Testament]] [[authors]] and later [[Christian]] [[writers]] further complicated the [[distortion]] of [[Hebrew]] [[history]] by their well-meant attempts to [[transcendentalize]] the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Hebrew_Prophets Jewish prophets]. Thus has [[Hebrew]] [[history]] been disastrously exploited by both [[Jewish]] and [[Christian]] writers. [[Secular]] [[Hebrew]] [[history]] has been thoroughly [[dogmatized]]. It has been [[converted]] into a [[fiction]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_history sacred history] and has become inextricably bound up with the [[moral]] [[concepts]] and religious teachings of the so-called [[Christian]] [[nations]].[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christian_Zionism]

97:8.7 A brief recital of the high points in [[Hebrew]] [[history]] will [[illustrate]] how the [[facts]] of the [[record]] were so altered in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon Babylon] by the [[Jewish]] [[priests]] as to turn the everyday [[secular]] [[history]] of their people into a [[fictitious]] and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sacred_history sacred history].

Line 139: Line 139:

==97:9. HEBREW HISTORY==

−

97:9.1 There never were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites#The_Twelve_Tribes twelve tribes of the Israelites]—only three or four [[tribes]] settled in [[Palestine]]. The [[Hebrew]] nation came into being as the result of the [[union]] of the so-called Israelites and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanites]. "And the children of [[Israel]] dwelt among the Canaanites. And they took their daughters to be their [[wives]] and gave their daughters to the sons of the Canaanites."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Judges#Chapter_.3] The [[Hebrews]] never drove the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanites] out of [[Palestine]], notwithstanding that the [[priests]]' [[record]] of these things unhesitatingly declared that they did.[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Numbers#Chapter_.21]

+

97:9.1 There never were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites#The_Twelve_Tribes twelve tribes of the Israelites]—only three or four [[tribes]] settled in [[Palestine]]. The [[Hebrew]] nation came into being as the result of the [[union]] of the so-called Israelites and the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanites]. "And the children of [[Israel]] dwelt among the Canaanites. And they took their daughters to be their [[wives]] and gave their daughters to the sons of the Canaanites."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Judges#Chapter_.3] The [[Hebrews]] never drove the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanites Canaanites] out of [[Palestine]], notwithstanding that the [[priests]]' [[record]] of these things unhesitatingly declared that they did.[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Numbers#Chapter_.21]

97:9.2 The Israelitish [[consciousness]] took [[origin]] in the hill country of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephraim Ephraim]; the later [[Jewish]] [[consciousness]] originated in the southern [[clan]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah Judah]. The [[Jews]] (Judahites) always sought to defame and blacken the [[record]] of the northern [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites Israelites] (Ephraimites).

Line 159: Line 159:

97:9.10 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] sought to build himself up [[politically]] by first [[marrying]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul Saul]'s daughter, then the [[widow]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nabal Nabal] the rich [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edom Edomite], and then the daughter of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Talmai Talmai], the king of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geshur Geshur]. He took six wives from the [[women]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jebus Jebus], not to mention [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathsheba Bathsheba], the [[wife]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hittite Hittite].

−

97:9.11 And it was by such [[methods]] and out of such people that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] built up the [[fiction]] of a [[divine]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah kingdom of Judah] as the successor of the [[heritage]] and [[traditions]] of the vanishing northern kingdom of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ephraim Ephraimite] [[Israel]]. David's [[cosmopolitan]] tribe of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah Judah] was more gentile than Jewish; nevertheless the oppressed [[elders]] of Ephraim came down and "anointed him [[king]] of [[Israel]]." After a [[military]] threat, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] then made a compact with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jebusites Jebusites] and [[established]] his [[capital]] of the united kingdom at Jebus ([[Jerusalem]]), which was a strong-walled [[city]] midway between Judah and Israel. The [[Philistines]] were aroused and soon attacked [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]. After a fierce battle they were defeated, and once more [[Yahweh]] was established as "The Lord God of Hosts."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.5]

+

97:9.11 And it was by such [[methods]] and out of such people that [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] built up the [[fiction]] of a [[divine]] [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah kingdom of Judah] as the successor of the [[heritage]] and [[traditions]] of the vanishing northern kingdom of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Ephraim Ephraimite] [[Israel]]. David's [[cosmopolitan]] tribe of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_Judah Judah] was more gentile than Jewish; nevertheless the oppressed [[elders]] of Ephraim came down and "anointed him [[king]] of [[Israel]]." After a [[military]] threat, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] then made a compact with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jebusites Jebusites] and [[established]] his [[capital]] of the united kingdom at Jebus ([[Jerusalem]]), which was a strong-walled [[city]] midway between Judah and Israel. The [[Philistines]] were aroused and soon attacked [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]. After a fierce battle they were defeated, and once more [[Yahweh]] was established as "The Lord God of Hosts."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.5]

−

97:9.12 But [[Yahweh]] must, perforce, [[share]] some of this [[glory]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanite_religion Canaanite gods], for the bulk of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]'s army was non-Hebrew. And so there appears in your [[record]] (overlooked by the Judahite [[editors]]) this telltale [[statement]]: "Yahweh has broken my enemies before me. Therefore he called the name of the place Baal-Perazim."[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.5] And they did this because eighty per cent of David's soldiers were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baalites].

+

97:9.12 But [[Yahweh]] must, perforce, [[share]] some of this [[glory]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanite_religion Canaanite gods], for the bulk of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]'s army was non-Hebrew. And so there appears in your [[record]] (overlooked by the Judahite [[editors]]) this telltale [[statement]]: "Yahweh has broken my enemies before me. Therefore he called the name of the place Baal-Perazim."[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.5] And they did this because eighty per cent of David's soldiers were [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baalites].

97:9.13 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] explained [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul Saul]'s defeat at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saul#Battle_of_Gilboa_and_the_death_of_Saul Gilboa] by pointing out that Saul had attacked a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanite Canaanite city], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibeon_(ancient_city) Gibeon], whose people had a [[peace]] treaty with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephraim Ephraimites]. Because of this, [[Yahweh]] forsook him. Even in Saul's time David had defended the Canaanite [[city]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keilah Keilah] against the [[Philistines]], and then he located his [[capital]] in a Canaanite city. In keeping with the [[policy]] of [[compromise]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canannites Canaanites], David turned seven of Saul's descendants over to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gibeon Gibeonites] to be hanged.

−

97:9.14 After the defeat of the [[Philistines]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] gained [[possession]] of the "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark_of_the_Covenant ark of Yahweh],"[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.6] brought it to [[Jerusalem]], and made the [[worship]] of [[Yahweh]] official for his kingdom. He next laid heavy tribute on the neighboring tribes—the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edom Edomites], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab Moabites], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammon Ammonites], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syrians].

+

97:9.14 After the defeat of the [[Philistines]], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David] gained [[possession]] of the "[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ark_of_the_Covenant ark of Yahweh],"[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Second_Book_of_Samuel#Chapter_.6] brought it to [[Jerusalem]], and made the [[worship]] of [[Yahweh]] official for his kingdom. He next laid heavy tribute on the neighboring tribes—the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edom Edomites], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moab Moabites], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ammon Ammonites], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syria Syrians].

97:9.15 [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David David]'s corrupt [[political]] [[machine]] began to get [[personal]] [[possession]] of [[land]] in the north in violation of the [[Hebrew]] [[mores]] and presently gained [[control]] of the caravan tariffs formerly collected by the [[Philistines]]. And then came a series of atrocities climaxed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uriah_the_Hittite murder of Uriah]. All [[judicial]] [[appeals]] were [[adjudicated]] at [[Jerusalem]]; no longer could " the [[elders]] " mete out [[justice]]. No [[wonder]] [[rebellion]] broke out. Today, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Absalom Absalom] might be called a [[demagogue]]; his [[mother]] was a [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canaanite Canaanite]. There were a half dozen contenders for the throne besides the son of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathsheba Bathsheba]—[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solomon Solomon].

Line 177: Line 177:

97:9.19 New trouble started when [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab King Ahab] tried to buy [[land]] from [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naboth Naboth]. His [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenicia Phoenician] [[wife]] forged Ahab's name to papers directing that Naboth's [[land]] be confiscated on the charge that he had [[blasphemed]] the names of " [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elohim Elohim] and the [[king]]." He and his sons were promptly executed. The vigorous [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah] appeared on the scene denouncing [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ahab Ahab] for the murder of the Naboths. Thus Elijah, one of the greatest of the [[prophets]], began his teaching as a defender of the old [[land]] [[mores]] as against the land-selling [[attitude]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baalim], against the attempt of the [[cities]] to dominate the country. But the reform did not succeed until the [[Rural|country]] landlord [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehu Jehu] joined forces with the [[gypsy]] chieftain [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehonadab Jehonadab] to destroy the [[prophets]] (real estate agents) of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] at [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria].

−

97:9.20 New life appeared as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehoash_of_Judah Jehoash] and his son [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeroboam Jeroboam] delivered [[Israel]] from its enemies. But by this time there ruled in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] a [[Crime|gangster]]-[[nobility]] whose depredations rivaled those of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David Davidic] [[dynasty]] of olden days. [[State]] and [[church]] went along hand in hand. The attempt to suppress [[freedom]] of speech led [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] to begin their [[secret]] [[writing]], and this was the real beginning of the [[Hebrew Bible|Jewish]] and [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Christian_Bible Christian] [[Bible]]s.

+

97:9.20 New life appeared as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehoash_of_Judah Jehoash] and his son [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeroboam Jeroboam] delivered [[Israel]] from its enemies. But by this time there ruled in [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samaria Samaria] a [[Crime|gangster]]-[[nobility]] whose depredations rivaled those of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David Davidic] [[dynasty]] of olden days. [[State]] and [[church]] went along hand in hand. The attempt to suppress [[freedom]] of speech led [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elijah Elijah], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amos Amos], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hosea Hosea] to begin their [[secret]] [[writing]], and this was the real beginning of the [[Hebrew Bible|Jewish]] and [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Christian_Bible Christian] [[Bible]]s.

97:9.21 But the northern kingdom did not vanish from [[history]] until the [[king]] of [[Israel]] [[conspired]] with the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Egypt king of Egypt] and refused to pay further tribute to [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assyria Assyria]. Then began the three years' siege followed by the total [[dispersion]] of the northern kingdom. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ephraim Ephraim] ([[Israel]]) thus vanished. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Judah Judah]—the Jews, the " remnant of Israel "—had begun the [[concentration]] of land in the hands of the few, as [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Isaiah Isaiah] said, " Adding house to house and field to field. " Presently there was in [[Jerusalem]] a [[temple]] of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baal Baal] alongside the temple of [[Yahweh]]. This reign of [[terror]] was ended by a [[monotheistic]] revolt led by the boy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jehoash_of_Israel king Joash], who [[crusaded]] for [[Yahweh]] for thirty-five years.

Line 199: Line 199:

==97:10. THE HEBREW RELIGION==

−

97:10.1 Their [[leaders]] had taught the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites Israelites] that they were a [[chosen people]], not for special indulgence and [[monopoly]] of [[divine]] [[favor]], but for the special [[service]] of carrying the [[truth]] of the one God over all to every [[nation]]. And they had [[promised]] the [[Jews]] that, if they would fulfill this [[destiny]], they would become the [[spiritual]] [[leaders]] of all peoples, and that the coming [[Messiah]] would reign over them and all the world as the [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 Prince of Peace].

+

97:10.1 Their [[leaders]] had taught the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israelites Israelites] that they were a [[chosen people]], not for special indulgence and [[monopoly]] of [[divine]] [[favor]], but for the special [[service]] of carrying the [[truth]] of the one God over all to every [[nation]]. And they had [[promised]] the [[Jews]] that, if they would fulfill this [[destiny]], they would become the [[spiritual]] [[leaders]] of all peoples, and that the coming [[Messiah]] would reign over them and all the world as the [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Isaiah#Chapter_.9 Prince of Peace].

−

97:10.2 When the [[Jews]] had been freed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews#Babylonian_captivity Persians], they returned to [[Palestine]] only to fall into [[bondage]] to their own [[priest]]-ridden code of [[laws]], [[sacrifices]], and [[rituals]]. And as the [[Hebrew]] [[clans]] rejected the [[wonderful]] [[story]] of [[God]] presented in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses#Death farewell oration of Moses][~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy] for the [[rituals]] of [[sacrifice]] and [[penance]], so did these remnants of the [[Hebrew]] nation reject the magnificent [[concept]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Isaiah#Isaiah_40-55_.28Deutero-Isaiah.29 second Isaiah] for the rules, regulations, and [[rituals]] of their growing [[priesthood]].

+

97:10.2 When the [[Jews]] had been freed by the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews#Babylonian_captivity Persians], they returned to [[Palestine]] only to fall into [[bondage]] to their own [[priest]]-ridden code of [[laws]], [[sacrifices]], and [[rituals]]. And as the [[Hebrew]] [[clans]] rejected the [[wonderful]] [[story]] of [[God]] presented in the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Moses#Death farewell oration of Moses][https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Book_of_Deutoronomy] for the [[rituals]] of [[sacrifice]] and [[penance]], so did these remnants of the [[Hebrew]] nation reject the magnificent [[concept]] of the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Isaiah#Isaiah_40-55_.28Deutero-Isaiah.29 second Isaiah] for the rules, regulations, and [[rituals]] of their growing [[priesthood]].

97:10.3 [[Nationalism|National]] [[egotism]], false [[faith]] in a misconceived promised [[Messiah]], and the increasing bondage and [[tyranny]] of the [[priesthood]] forever silenced the [[voices]] of the [[spiritual]] [[leaders]] (excepting [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel Daniel], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel Ezekiel], [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haggai Haggai], and [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Malachi Malachi]); and from that day to the time of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_the_Baptist John the Baptist] all [[Israel]] experienced an increasing [[spiritual]] [[retrogression]]. But the Jews never lost the [[concept]] of the [[Universal Father]]; even to the [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/20th_century twentieth century] after Christ they have continued to follow this [[Deity]] [[conception]].

Line 213: Line 213:

97:10.7 The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Judaism Jewish religion] [[persisted]] also because of its [[institutions]]. It is difficult for [[religion]] to [[survive]] as the [[private]] [[practice]] of isolated [[individuals]]. This has ever been the error of the [[religious]] [[leaders]]: Seeing the [[evils]] of [[institutionalized]] [[religion]], they seek to destroy the [[technique]] of [[group]] functioning. In place of destroying all [[ritual]], they would do better to reform it. In this respect [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ezekiel Ezekiel] was wiser than his contemporaries; though he joined with them in insisting on [[personal]] [[moral]] [[responsibility]], he also set about to [[establish]] the [[faithful]] observance of a superior and [[purified]] [[ritual]].

−

97:10.8 And thus the [[successive]] [[teachers]] of [[Israel]] accomplished the greatest feat in the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] ever to be effected on [[Urantia]]: the [[gradual]] but continuous [[transformation]] of the [[barbaric]] [[concept]] of the savage [[demon]] [[Yahweh]], the [[jealous]] and cruel spirit god of the fulminating [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sinai Sinai] volcano, to the later exalted and [[supernal]] [[concept]] of the [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]], [[creator]] of all things and the [[loving]] and [[merciful]] [[Father]] of all [[mankind]]. And this Hebraic [[concept]] of [[God]] was the highest [[human]] [[visualization]] of the [[Universal Father]] up to that time when it was further enlarged and so exquisitely amplified by the [[personal]] [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus teachings and life example] of [~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD his Son], [[Michael]] of [[Nebadon]].

+

97:10.8 And thus the [[successive]] [[teachers]] of [[Israel]] accomplished the greatest feat in the [[evolution]] of [[religion]] ever to be effected on [[Urantia]]: the [[gradual]] but continuous [[transformation]] of the [[barbaric]] [[concept]] of the savage [[demon]] [[Yahweh]], the [[jealous]] and cruel spirit god of the fulminating [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Sinai Sinai] volcano, to the later exalted and [[supernal]] [[concept]] of the [[supreme]] [[Yahweh]], [[creator]] of all things and the [[loving]] and [[merciful]] [[Father]] of all [[mankind]]. And this Hebraic [[concept]] of [[God]] was the highest [[human]] [[visualization]] of the [[Universal Father]] up to that time when it was further enlarged and so exquisitely amplified by the [[personal]] [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents#Part_IV._The_Life_and_Teachings_of_Jesus teachings and life example] of [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_20#20:5._BESTOWAL_OF_THE_PARADISE_SONS_OF_GOD his Son], [[Michael]] of [[Nebadon]].

97:10.9 Presented by a [[Melchizedek]] of [[Nebadon]].

−

<center>[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_98 Go to Next Paper]</center><center>[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_96 Go to Previous Paper]</center>

+

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_98 Go to Next Paper]</center><center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_96 Go to Previous Paper]</center>

−

<center>[~~http~~://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

+

<center>[https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=The_Urantia_Text_-_Contents Go to Table of Contents]</center>

[[Category: PART III: The History of Urantia]]

Mywikis

Bureaucrats, Administrators

13,094

edits