The influence of the Babylonian exile on the Hebrew religion

Abstract

[PREFACE] It is the purpose of this paper to discuss the influence of the Babylonian Exile on the Hebrew religion. However we do not regard it expedient to plunge at once into the major portions of our theme, To do so would be like trying to view, with ease of mind, a scene, in the midst of total ignorance as to the nature of the lay of the land behind one. Therefore, with our first three chapters, we purpose to construct a background for our main matter, so that we shall have at least, a general idea of the historical and literary setting for the subject of our direct consideration. In developing this Thesis, we shall strive to study, in a more general way, the influences of the Exilic period on the Religion of Israel. The field is very large. And almost any one of its particular phases would lend itself to an extensive study. We may note, in going over the literature of our day, written on any peculiar subject regarding the Hebrew Religion, such as, Messianic Hope, The Rise of Personalism, The development of the Universal God idea, and ect., that one is almost sure to find a chapter devoted exclusively to the Exilic Period, as it is related to the particular theme under discussion. It is quite obvious, that the inclusive character of our subject will not permit us to dwell long on any one phase, but rather, requires us to pass on, along the whole line, and as well as we may, to point out the main features.