Exploring the fluidity of Israelite belief in God's form. Ancient beliefs of gods manifesting in objects. Exploring local manifestations of Hashem. Perspectives on divine manifestation in the Hebrew Bible. Origins and consequences of divine embodiment in theology.
The concept of divine fluidity in ancient Israel allowed for a personal and emotional connection with God through local manifestations in different places.
The biblical authors conveyed the idea of a divine body that resembled male and female human beings, emphasizing the potential presence of God on Earth and the ability to relate to God in specific ways.
Deep dives
Fluidity of God in Ancient Israel
In this podcast episode, Dr. Somer discusses the concept of divine fluidity in ancient Israel. He explains that while the Israelites were monotheists, they believed in the possibility of God having local manifestations in different places. He refers to examples such as the presence of Hashem in Zion, Taiman, Shomeron, and Hevron. Dr. Somer suggests that these local manifestations allowed for a more personal and emotional connection with God. He also explores the idea of Malach Hashem, a small-scale earthly manifestation of God. While recognizing that biblical monotheism emphasizes God's radical difference from everything else, Dr. Somer argues that the concept of divine embodiment offers insights into the personal relationship between God and humanity.
The Nature of God's Body
Dr. Somer delves into the nature of God's body in the context of biblical monotheism. He explains that the biblical authors, although not fully understanding it, conveyed the idea of a divine body that was not made of matter but more of energy or light. This body had a form resembling that of male and female human beings and was intensely bright. However, it was not accessible to humans due to its overwhelming brightness and lethal nature. Dr. Somer compares this understanding to the theological debates within Judaism and highlights the tension between philosophical precision and the desire for a personal, concrete relationship with God.
The Significance of Biblical Embodiment
Dr. Somer reflects on the significance of the concept of divine embodiment in the Bible. He argues that even though the idea of a physical body for God may not be literally true, it conveys the important notion of God's potential presence on Earth and the ability to relate to God in specific ways. He suggests that engagement with these passages about divine embodiment, even in a metaphorical or non-literal sense, contributes to a deeper understanding of Jewish theology and the ongoing sacred conversation between the authors of the Bible. Dr. Somer emphasizes the value of continuing this conversation with respect and humility, even when there are disagreements.
Part 2 of the conversation between Dr. Benjamin Sommer and Dr. Yeshaya Gruber explores the idea of if the Israelites thought of God had fluidity like the polytheists thought their gods had. Perhaps different authors had differing views? What do we gain by exploring the ancient views of the body or form of the Divine?
