INTERPRETATION OF HOS.2 IN THE CONTEXT OF RELIGIOUS POLEMIC WITH THE CANAANITE CULT Cover Image

TУМАЧЕЊЕ ОС 2 У КОНТЕКСТУ РЕЛИГИЈСКЕ ПОЛЕМИКЕ СА ХАНАНСКИМ КУЛТОМ
INTERPRETATION OF HOS.2 IN THE CONTEXT OF RELIGIOUS POLEMIC WITH THE CANAANITE CULT

Author(s): Branislav Ivić
Subject(s): Jewish Thought and Philosophy, History of Judaism
Published by: Centar za empirijska istraživanja religije (CEIR)
Keywords: Yahweh; Baal; Hosea; fertility cult; the Canaanite religion; syncretism

Summary/Abstract: The Article deals with the explanation of Hos.2 in the context of religious polemic with the Canaanite cult. First of all, the Article deals with the cult of Baal that is related to fertility cult. The Article is trying to explain the way prophet Hosea presents the relationship of Yahweh and Israel, through metaphor of marriage as a dominant theme through the first three chapters of the book. He is comparing Yahweh with the loyal husband and Israel is presented as a deceitful woman who takes pleasure in relations with different lovers, namely with Baal(s) as an exponent of the Canaanite religion. The text takes two key narratives when speaking about the fertility cult КТU 1.16 III.2-8 and KTU 1.5-1.6, comparing them with Hos. 2 as a manifesto of the Book of the Twelve. Instead of appointing all the earthly goods to Yahweh, they are giving their gratitude to Baal. As consequence of its complexity the questions related to the fertility cult stay overlooked. The history or reception (Wirkungsgeschichte) by studying Hos.2 tried to get a trace of sacral prostitution and other sexual activities with practical sacral aspects. Further on that subject, on another occasion.

  • Issue Year: 19/2021
  • Issue No: 35
  • Page Range: 117-133
  • Page Count: 17
  • Language: Serbian