Religion and War in Israel

Abstract

Yahweh was always thought of in Israel as supplying all the needs of his people. NAt that there were never any other gods recognized within the social group. Quite the contrary; for until a relatively late period deities of many names functioned in Israel. They were looked upon as protectors of various family, individual, and special interests within the Israelitish circle. But they were all subordinate gods, operating each in his own sphere within the nation and in no real sense rivals to Yahweh whose function it was to preside over the national fortunes and destiny as a whole. In this sphere he brooked no opposition. To be sure, Yahweh kept encroaching upon the domains of these specialized gods and in course of time displaced and expelled them all. In the early days of national life, the felt needs of Israel as a whole were relatively few and simple and, such as they were, they were met by the grace of Yahweh.