[b-hebrew] The Antiquity and Location of Yahwism

LM Barre l_barre at yahoo.com
Thu Feb 5 18:01:47 EST 2009


Theoplus Meek developed his "Kenite" hypothesis according to which he identified the center of early Yahwism.  Also, the name of Yahweh occurs in Egyptian sources placing Yahweh in the region of Seir.  Generally, Yahweh is associated with the Negev and the east Negev (Har Karkom).  Especially concentrated forms of Yahwism is found in the Old Negev discoveries along with Har Karkom:
 
http://net.lib.byu.edu/imaging/negev/Names.html
 
The statement in Judges 4 that Yahweh came from Seir thus appears supported by these archaological data.  Yahwism stems from the Shasu out of northwest Arabia with Midian being named in Yahwistic tradition as Jethro was a Medianite priest.
 
I wonder whether there was a conquest of the 12th century as the song of Deborah suggest that Yahweh (with his armies) came into the land for the first time.  Prior to that, it would seem that the Shasu peacefully settle down in the Central Highlands as their encampments show that they herded flocks in tents.  Thus, I am undecided as to whether there was a conquest at all prior to Deborah.  Still there are many details given in Joshua that do not allow me to let go completely of the idea of limited conquest prior to Deborah.
 
Lloyd Barré
http://freewebs.com/lmbarre
 


      


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