Feb. 1

On Tuesday, we finished talking about Josiah's Jerusalem and went on to talk about Jerusalem in exile.  When finishing up Josiah's Jerusalem, we learned about the Lachish letter 3.  This letter, dated to around 587 BCE, was written by a soldier in the army.  This letter gives us the idea that people back then were able to write, when previously we were unsure that they could.  The letter is evidence that soldiers were literate.  We also looked at the idea of "Why a Book?" on Tuesday.  Once information was written down, it could be discussed, argued, and different versions could be presented. People begin to analyze communication differently once it is written down. Scripture is seen as authoritative text that believers of that tradition do not argue.

Later during class we switched directions to talk about Jerusalem in exile.  Professor Cargill emphasized again that during the 2nd Babylonian exile, in 586 BCE, the temple was destroyed. I'm pretty sure that this is now a date that I will never forget because of how many times it has been repeated.  We are also brought to the idea of cognitive dissonance.  Josiah was said to be a good king, but then he died because Neco killed him.  Why did he die?  It was then explained in 2 Chronicles that Josiah died because he did not listen to Neco and Neco's command from God. The promise then needs redefining.