In the ancient Near East, kings were frequently seen as superhuman beings superior to ordinary mortals since they completed monumental tasks that no ordinary person could complete. One of the images used by the Sumerian kings was an animal-like symbol named ‘Lamassu,’ which served as a symbol of protection. The sculpted reliefs served as the Assyrian king’s image of authority. These representations reassured the populace that their king was competent to defend them. The Persians governed using monumental images and stone carvings as one of their leadership styles. The Hebrews used a stunningly symmetrical image of Yahweh, the king in heaven, and David, the king on earth. Egyptian kingship was based on the idea that the pharaoh, the king, was a superhuman governed by God’s laws.
Comparison and Contrast of visions of Oppression and Caring for the Weak
Creation and Legal Materials
The books agree that there is an excellent relationship between God and His people. On creation, when God created man, He gave him powers to conquer the world and punished him when he disobeyed, but according to psalms, the lord rises to defend against the oppression of the weak. On law matters, the Bible is clear that God commanded fair verdicts without favoritism. In Exodus and Leviticus, God punished those that did not obey him, but in Deuteronomy, the Israelites were given the authority not to spare any wrongdoer.
Prophetic Examples, Kingship, and the fall of Israel and Judah and Exile
Isaiah and Amos have prophecies centered on the rebellion and the punishment outcome. However, most of Isaiah’s prophecies were filled with hope, unlike Amos, referred to as ‘the prophet of doom.’ According to the books, God chose a king whom a prophet would anoint to rule. Due to disobedience and oppression, God rejected Saul as king. King Ahaz refused his leadership’s Godly ways, leading to his nation’s oppression. His reign ended badly, and he became the worst king to have ruled Judah.
Conclusion
It has been shown historically and Biblically that the introduction of the kingship in Israel was a transformation brought about by the foreign customs of the ancient Near Eastern countries. Moreover, in the modern world, oppression and favoritism are very evident from political and religious leaders. Even when kings no longer have any relevance to modernity, the images of God as king and sovereign shepherd nonetheless have a strong emotional impact.