The Characterization of the Deity Yahweh

Chapter Eight intentionally juxtaposes Yahweh as Warrior and Yahweh as Parent. In the ancient world gods were perceived as and needed to be powerful—to right the wrongs, protect one’s crops and vanquish one’s enemies. Moreover, the notion of Yahweh as Divine Warrior transcended the mundane to include what has been labelled “cosmic” warfare where a super-endowed deity could vanquish seven-headed dragons who threatened society at large. Alternative voices provided a counter narrative that God is a force of peaceful existence. Thus Chapter Eight balances tales of divine warfare with powerful rhetorical aspirations of disarmament. According to the prophet Isaiah, people can choose to beat their swords into plowshares, to learn of war never more. Using the language of family religion, this chapter describes the compassionate side of divinity, how Yahweh is portrayed as a caring father to Israel his child, like a mother nourishing her newborn.