Tang Kei Lun

HH205P: Discussion on Hebrews

Indeed, there are many links between the Hebrews, the Greeks and the Romans:

• Taking King David of the Hebrew Bible for instance- Like the Greek gods of the Iliad, there is no historical proof of a Hebrew King named David beyond the Biblical texts.
• Also, King David’s portrayal in the Bible almost makes him a legendary figure

- For eg. He is presented as a singer of songs and a doer of deeds, who leaves behind a parade of lovers and a trail of decapitated victims in his wake, and is perhaps most well-known for his battle against Goliath.

- Similarly, such feats of heroism in battle and showcases of superhuman strength are idealized and held in high regard in the Iliad, as well as portrayed in the Roman gods like Hercules, Jupiter and Mars.

· King David’s military exploits closely parallel that of a Greek hero, while his relationship with Jonathan, the son of Saul, resembles the intimate relationship between Achilles and Patroclus in the Iliad.

· Even his end takes on Greek-like tragic proportions, when his power and pride lead him to commit adultery and murder.

Q) Despite these similarities, there is an underlying, essential difference between the Hebrew God and the Greek/Roman gods.

While the Hebrews believed in a single God (monotheism), the Greeks and Romans had multiple gods (polytheism). The belief in a single God is embodied in the First Commandment (Deuteronomy): “You shall have no other gods before me”.

Yahweh, in the Hebrew Bible, is also held up as an omnipotent Being – He is not part of nature but entirely outside of it. He can therefore be understood only in purely intellectual/abstract terms, entirely separate from the natural world He has created. He issues commandments and warns the people of the consequences of not abiding by them, but advocates free will, and does not seek to interfere with the actions of His people.

The Greek gods in the Iliad as well as the Roman gods, however, take on human forms, play active roles in human wars and often influence outcomes by taking sides. They also possess human qualities and emotions, like anger and jealousy, and even fight amongst themselves. Far from the belief in a single, omnipotent God, ‘half-gods’ like Achilles and Hercules also exist.

Q) Although we can all agree that the Bible, the Iliad and the Roman Virtues and Vices of Sallust seek to provide guidelines for people to follow, what makes the Bible different in terms of method of instruction?

While the Hebrew Bible tells the individual the “shall not's” (for eg. “Thou shall not kill…commit adultery…steal…bear false witness”), the Greeks and Romans center on the state’s/nation’s welfare, and focus on the ‘do’s’ instead of the ‘don’ts’, namely that of the need to be courageous, honorable and loyal.