Power, sexual status, and religion in the 'Promised Land'

Abstract

According to the biblical narratives, the Israelites had wonderful expectations of the Promised Land which was to be theirs. The land was visualised as a land of plenty, God's gift to Israel, who would enjoy its fruits and all good things (cf. Deut 8:7, 8). This idyllic picture contrasts vividly with later conditions. Unfortunately a lot of blood and tears had to be shed first. In the first chapter of the book of Judges we encounter a situation of war or coexistence, feudal relationships or shared power with the enemy. Shows of power, violence and civil wars were the order of the day. Society decides upon certain boundaries within which people must operate, or else have to face hostile emotions and even violence. In more than one way the three indicators of these boundaries, power, sexual status and religion, were violated during the times of the Judges. Power, sexual status and religion are analyzed in the two formal institutions of the Mediterranean biblical world: politics and kinship. All ideologies are initially founded upon a firm religious base, yet, we also experience frustration over Paradise Lost, because liberation never equals freedom.