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Babylonian exile – important time for the writing of texts.

Babylonian Exile

Were the power at the time, their empire.
The Jewsz revolted against Babylon and their rule. Leaders were taken into exile.
The temple was essential, (was destroyed) very vital of the writing of texts.
Impressive place – hanging gardens – exiles were impressed by the splendour and wealth of Babylon.
Exiles decide that Babylonian gods and goddesses are more powerful then their god Yahweh.
Risk- The exiles might be persuaded to worship the Babylonian deities eg the sun moon and stars.
Crisis - Yahweh abandoned the chosen people.
- Acknowledged that other gods existed, but still believed in their god.
- God’s sacred temple has been destroyed
- The people have no identity outside of their land, they identify with the land. The Promised Land. Traditionally god had given them this land.

GENESIS

INTRO
– first book in bible
– Meaning origin, hewbrew name means IN A BEGINNING
– It has two basic sections \
- Genesis 1-11= pre-history
• Primeval History
• Contain symbolism
• Wordplay
• Metaphor
• Tower of babel, flood
• Mythos – Story
• Myth: A story that uses symbolism and imaginative language to express the truths and values of a people
• Not to be dismissed lightly
• Don’t make sense as historical fact
o Creation Stories 1-2 written in different styles with different theological messages
o The Fall 3, the snake and the garden of Edan
o Cain and Abel 4 – two brothers, sibling rivalry, Why do we kill each other? Should we kill each other?
o The Flood 6-9 – Noah and the ark.
o The tower of Babel 11 – image of God isn’t that good in this story.
- Genesis 1
• An ordered account
• A poem to creation
• A liturgical...