Exile and Return was another insightful chapter by Armstrong. I come from a very non-religious background. My father is Catholic, while my mother is Jewish. However, we never grew up attending either Church or Temple. Because of that, this chapter jumped out at me because it made me realize how big an influence religion can have on a group of people. After the exiles had settled down in Babylon, they were shocked that they were encouraged to still "concentrate on the Law of Moses and the covenant that Yahweh had made with the people of Israel before they had ever heard of Jerusalem."Yahweh followed as the people of Israel fled to Babylon (neglecting the Judaeans who were still stationed in the city of Jerusalem). I though this was significant because without Yahweh "living in Zion, the destruction of Jerusalem was only a matter of time." It really showed me how big of an influence a hierarchical figure can have on a group of individuals.
Reading about Antiochus in Jerusalem was actually frightening. Can you imagine someone coming into your city (not just any city, but the Holy City) attempting to impose Greek Hellenism upon you? For this particular chapter I have compiled a list of questions. What was going through the people's mind when they became aware of Antiochus' emergence in Jerusalem? How many people fell victim to Antiochus' attempt to inflict Hellenism upon them? What were Antiochus' motives to take over and destroy the practice of Judaism?
When the Roman Hadrianus invaded Jerusalem he had big plans in mind. He was known for leaving some type of lasting impression at the places he visited. When Hadrianus came to Jerusalem he was going to "reward" the people with a new city. This man was going to invade Jerusalem and completely get rid of Jerusalem and Zion, two of the most holy and symbolic places to the entire Jewish heritage. They didn't care that a Roman presence may in fact bolster their economy and bring wealth to the area. Hadrianus was going to eliminate "circumcision-a barbaric practice, in his view-the oridnation of rabbis, the teaching of Torah, and public Jewish meetings were all outlawed." How can one city be put through so much turmoil time and time again, yet still be determined to regain their own image? Jerusalem is a Holy City, and much much more.
Hey Austin,
ReplyDeleteThe power that one well-known public figure can wield, potentially shifts the opinions of large segments of a given populous. Whether it be Ezekiel or Rush Limbaugh, everyone needs to engage critically with the information we consume. Our own moral compasses ought to guide us.
Even though I grew up in an ethnically Jewish, but somewhat agnostic and atheist family I was unfortunately circumcised. While nowhere near as cruel as female circumcision, I have to side with Hadrianus and agree that all circumcision is cruel and bizarre.