Psalm 18

Today I read psalm 18 from the "Book of Psalms" as translated by Alter. This psalm portrays a very fierce and destructive god. This psalm has god being represented first as a preluding earth quake, then as a volcano. Then god tilts the heavens in order to descend to earth and fly around on an "cherub." A cherub is some sort of god like war horse from Canaanite mythology. God then proceeds to destroy David's enemies with hail, fire, arrows, lightning, and water. He rescues David then proceeds to bestow upon him fighting abilities so he can destroy his own enemies. Such as strength, speed, a bronze bow, a shield, and a fearsome god based battle cry.

Many of the images of god are based on pre-Israelite mythological poetry. With some other images coming from Canaanite mythology. Religions evolve in contact with other religions. I would expect images of god to come from different sources. Founders of pre-christianity may have been former pre-Israelites. It perfectly logical for images from the old beliefs to carry into the new ones. It helps to ease the transition for new comers to the religion. Converted Canaanites may have included images from their own mythology in the poetry they wrote. Over time peoples poetry influences the next generation of poetry. The new generation drawing on multiple influences, might very well create a hodgepodge of mythological references. I would be more surprised to see a lack of mythologies than a combination of many.

The image of an omnipotent god flying down from the heavens on a god like war horse, preluded by earth quakes and volcanoes, launching fire and lightning before him, and pushing back the seas is a terrifying image regardless of what your beliefs are. In times of war this exactly the image you would want for your troops. Belief that a massively powerful god will come to help destroy your enemies, or give you the power to destroy your enemies yourself is a great morale boost. Modern christian god is a bit on the tamer side and certainly more hands off than the god of old. I suppose since Christians started fighting Christians there are fewer reasons why one side should be supported over the other. David was saved by his firm belief in god and by following what god preached. That doesn't work as well when both sides are christian. Makes you wonder if truly religion based war broke out if violent imagery of god would resurface. I suppose historically non violent Islam is being reinvented by some to support fighting non muslims...