[Bible] Episode 306: Pete Enns & the Old Testament Nerds - Ask a Scholar Anything (About the Hebrew Bible)

The Enuma Elish is a Babylonian creation myth etched on seven clay tablets, recounting the struggle between cosmic order and chaos. It tells the story of Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon, who defeats the forces of chaos and establishes order in the world. The myth includes the creation of the heavens, earth, and humanity. The book, compiled and translated by L.W. King, includes detailed commentary, historical context, and comparisons with Hebrew scriptures. It also features additional Babylonian mythological accounts and an afterword discussing the impact of ancient Near Eastern mythology on the Hebrew Bible.

Ecclesiastes is a philosophical and theological reflection on human existence and the meaning of life. It is presented through the voice of Qohelet (the Preacher), who questions the doctrine of retributive justice and observes that human endeavors are often futile and temporary. The book emphasizes the inevitability of death, the limitations of human wisdom, and the dangers of materialism and hedonism. It concludes by advising readers to fear God and keep His commandments as the foundation of true happiness and purpose.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.