It's a living

[dreamer_easy]

I assume Yahweh is referred to as "the living god" to contrast Him with lifeless idols. Now, my understanding is that the Hebrews were henotheists: their neighbours' gods existed, but were not to be worshipped, and in any case were subordinate to Yahweh. However, quick search turns up the first use of "the living god" in Deuteronomy. So now I'm wondering - did "living god" have a different meaning, for example, a deity without idols or images?

Comments

[thegameiam.livejournal.com]

An asherah as the word is used in the Bible, is a grove of trees sacred to the local pagans. The context used is of the "you will cut down their asheras..." or "do not go near their asheras".

There was a Canaanite deity named Asherah, who appears to have been a fertility goddess. Not so much is known about her.

I'm not sure what you mean by "She was supposed to be..." - supposed by whom?

[cedara]

I read somewhere (can't remember the source) that at one point, the deity named Ashera was said to be Yahweh's wife, thus implying, that at one point in their history, the Canaanites had a couple as their head god and goddess.

[thegameiam.livejournal.com]

Neal Stephenson postulated this in Snow Crash, but there was no source given there.

The little we know of Asherah the deity associates her with Ba'al Peor, not with the Hebrew God.

[kateorman.livejournal.com]

I've come across numerous references to Asherah as Mrs God in the scholarly literature, but I haven't yet had a chance to follow them up!