Biblical Hebrew Forum

[George Athas <George.Athas AT moore.edu.au>]

James,

I agree that a polytheistic reading of these verses goes largely against the 
grain of the Pentateuch. However, this does not mean that the words could not 
have been adapted from an original polytheistic setting and 'baptised' into 
orthodox Yahwism. After all, we do know that many Israelites worshipped 
Yahweh within the context of a pantheon (cf. Kuntillet Ajrud, Elephantine, 
etc.).


GEORGE ATHAS
Moore Theological College (Sydney, Australia)
www.moore.edu.au