Sacrifice in Israel and Canaan
Similarities and Differences Exposed
An Abstract by John Gray
Many similarities can be seen in the worship of ancient Israel and her neighbors. For example, both believed in divine beings, and both worshiped in temples with priests. Their use of sacrifices also exemplifies similarities among the peoples of the Ancient Near East. These similarities bring forth questions such as why Israel had similar worship practices to that of her neighbors and the origins of these practices. To provide possible answers to these questions, this paper will focus specifically upon the element of sacrifice in worship. First, I provide a brief literature review of previous major works pertinent to the topic. Second, to provide context, I explain the sacrificial systems of Israel and the Canaanites. Third, I compare their uses of sacrifices through analyzing similarities and differences. Lastly, I explain possible reasons that similarities occur. In this paper, I argue that the similarities in sacrifices between Israel and the Canaanites occurred because God created both with an intrinsic desire to worship. Further, I argue that the differences in their sacrificial practices are the product of the fall which marred the image of God in human beings.
The preceding was an abstract of a research paper written by John Gray as a part of MUMIN 7513 Research in Worship History: Old Testament, a Ph.D. Seminar in Worship at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. If this topic interests you, feel free to click the author’s name above and request a copy of the research paper.
