The Hebrews and their conquerors, such as the Assyrians and the Babylonians, had vastly different religious and cultural belief systems. The Hebrews’ belief in God’s direct intervention in their history was profound. They viewed their conquerors not as mere adversaries, but as part of a divine plan orchestrated by God. Their covenant with God was the cornerstone of their faith, and they believed that God, not their own military might, was their source of victory. This belief, that God would fight for them (Exodus 14:14), was a testament to the intensity of their faith.
The Archaeology of Israel: Constructing the Past, Interpreting the Present by Neil Asher Silberman and David B. Small highlight religion’s significance in shaping historical narratives and perspectives on the topic. According to Deuteronomy 5:8, the Hebrews, for whom the Bible was their primary source, were not allowed to draw any images of the heavens, the sea, or the earth below. Hence, they do not have any photos to prove anything.
In contrast, the Assyrians and the Babylonians viewed historical events through a different lens. Their interpretation was often a testament to their unwavering trust in their military powers and the superiority of their gods. They recorded their conquests and victories in inscriptions and monuments, not just to glorify their kings but also to honour their deities. Their trust in their gods was so profound that they even warned the Israelites not to trust their king, who kept saying the God of Israel would fight for them.
Despite the differences, these two have something in common. They all trusted their God or gods to bring them victory. They all saw themselves as instruments their powers would use to fight their enemies. They all brag about their deity’s power over the enemy.
The main difference is that while the Hebrews relied on the invisible source of power and victory, the Assyrians and the Babylonians depended on the gods of this world. They relied mostly on most of their military strength, while Israel depended on their God. The other major difference was the cultural and religious backgrounds. While the Hebrews did not have any images, their enemies put up a lot of monuments and inscriptions
I agree, the hebrews viewpoint on their conquers as a part of God’s divine plan strikes them as very unique compared to other empires and tribal movements. Even when their situation puts them in high pressure situations that could lead them to give up their faith they persisted, attributing their military success to God rather unlike the conquers habit of praising the military leadership as well as earth bound gods who would often (from their perspective) aid the military.
The hebrews inability to have physical media of their past is a brilliant example of their trust put onto God, but demonstrates how different they where to the conquering empires surrounding them.
Unlike the Assyrians and Babylonians for example, they kept records in the form of drawing, statue, monument; for them it’s a mark of pride and success to have a legacy preserved in art and media.
Your analysis of the differences is very well thought out, both Hebrews and conquer had a unwavering dedication to their faiths, with two differences in how they present it.
I agree with your analysis, the Hebrews had a dedication to a monotheistic God whose power relied on faith and adherence even in times of hardship. Rather than the Babylonians and Assyrians who put more dedication into specific and varied gods and military strength.
Perhaps there could have been more differences and similarities throughout history to analyse, but the Hebrews main difference in keeping drawings and physical media of their past can hinder this, however even in depictions of the Hebrews done by their conquering empires their faith and wholehearted commitments is shown.
This commentary if I may say so, explains well how the Hebrews trusted God while the Assyrians and Babylonians relied on their armies and gods. Both believed they were chosen and were on the right side of history. I am here pondering if you think not having images affected Hebrew history? I will like to know your thoughts please
Quite interesting read Stephen. You have tackled a complex, interesting and historic topic with clarity and depth. I honesty like your take on how the Jews relied on God’s power for victory while the Assyrians and the Babylonians depended on the earthly gods.
Stephen, this is a another great post. I see some very original insights and analysis here.
You’ve said: ‘They viewed their conquerors not as mere adversaries, but as part of a divine plan orchestrated by God.’ I would encourage you to nuance this statement a bit more. Defeat at the hands of the enemy was not part of a ‘fore-ordained’ plan for the nation of Israel. Deut 28 makes it very clear that Israel had the opportunity to be feared and respected by the surrounding nations. Defeat was only presented as a consequence of unfaithfulness (Deut 28:25).