The way of imagination

       Why do the prophets so often portray Yahweh as being upset with his people? [1]   Is it the case that Yahweh is simply an emotionally unstable divinity who takes advantage of any pretext to smite his people in anger?   Many of us probably know people like this, and we (rightly) shudder to think that God should have such a volatile personality.   As we shall see, when it comes to Jeremiah, Yahweh’s “wrath” is that of a wounded lover, a passionate lover who has shown unfathomable love and generosity to a people who have spurned him, betrayed him and indeed, prostituted herself with other gods.   The “wrath of Yahweh” is the anguish of a betrayed husband, a spouse who had staked his reputation on his relationship with this people who was cursed with a wandering eye. A ROCKY RELATIONSHIP      There are many familial images for Yahweh’s relationship with his people.   Israel is called Yahweh’s: “firstborn son” (...

        This paper will contrast the account of the history of Numenor and the Second Age of Middle-earth as portrayed in Tolkien’s works vs. Season 1 of The Rings of Power .   Power has definitely taken liberties with the chronology of the Second Age. [1]   Episode 4 begins with Queen-Regent Miriel (daughter of King Tar-Palantir [2] ) having a dream/vision of the Great Wave that will eventually destroy Numenor.   Later in the episode, Galadriel is invited by Queen Miriel to look into the Palantir and also sees the Great Wave. [3]   In Power , Tar-Palantir and Miriel already believe Numenor to exist under the threat of judgment by the Valar.   The reason for this fear is described (vaguely) to be that of having “abandoned the old ways”.   Tar-Palantir was the leader of those “Faithful” to the Valar, and deeply regretted the rejection of the Valar which began among a majority of Numenoreans in the year 2221 SA.   This division of th...