Period after Joshua’s death was very important in history of Israel. Unorganised tribes were been under influences of better-developed Canaanites and only begun to create more monolith society. Additional factors have been dangerous from outside and numerous invasions of enemies so sometimes Israel was a subordinate foreigner ruler. Overcoming particularisms and trying to set against this situations Israelites inducted kind of rulers governing of federations of few tribes, who Bible call “the Judges”. Etymology of this term and similar examples from another regions of ancient Near East sign its sacro-political character. Has been trust that appointed they God alone in answer of petitions of Israelites. Book of Judges mentions row of names but not much we know about these persons. However seem that much of they it’s possible to relate with priestly tribe of Levites. Situation becomes especially dangerous when Israelites have begun war with better-organised and armed Philistines. It was time of last and greatest judge, Samuel, who appointed first king of united state Israelites, Saul. He didn’t rule long and post successfully fights with Philistines was killed in battle. However earlier was happened something what caused Saul with Samuel and Yahweh “rejected” king. As his successor is induct David, who however got power just after Saul’s death. On time of first king of Israel is date beginning of Yahwism as a state-religion. It didn’t mean Israelites were become monotheists but it was first step of this process where faith of Yahweh been one of most important factors keeping the sense unity among the Israelites.Negative image of Saul in the Bible most probably created writers connected with later kings from David’s dynasty.
The history of Jerusalem is long and unclear. There are many doubts considering the city’s history before it was conquered by the Israelites. The only written source of information about it is the set of famed letters from Tell el-Amarna, six of which were written by Abdi-Hepa, the prince of Jerusalem. There is no detailed information about Abdi-Hepa available. However, his letters present him as an energetic politician. His actions made Jerusalem powerful in middle Canaan, and the neighboring countries accused him of hostility and attempts to take control over them. Unfortunately, archeological research does not confirm this theory. The findings show a relatively small town and no remains which could suggest the real size of the town were found. It gave rise to much controversy over the issue.
The mysterious term „marzeah” occurs twice in the Old Testament. In the Book of Amos it stands for an aristocratic feast, whereas in the Book of Jeremiah we read about „the house of marzeah” meaning a place used for mourning for the dead. The texts from Ugarit provide us with more information. Thorough analysis of the texts implies that „marzeah” was an institution assembling people representing upper social classes. At least one of its aims was cult of the dead. It clearly resembles mesopotamian „kipsu” – a ritual feast where people called their ancestors to „eat bread and drink water”. In the Bible it is a clear example of the trait of pagan beginnings of Israel, whose elements in their fragmentary form lasted until VI century B.C.
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