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

[adrian-middle.livejournal.com]

I must be way off then. My Biblical Timeline (Thos. Robinson) puts Ezra's mission to Jerusalem in 458 BC, but says the date is disputed, with alternatives of 428 or even 398 BC.

Cyrus conquered Babylon in 539 BC, and his edicts granting the Temple vessels confiscated by Nebuchadnezzar and allwing Shesh-Bezzar to return to Jerusalem were made the following year.

That's a gap of at least 80 years, and possibly as much as 141 years. I can't see how Ezra could possibly have led an influx under Cyrus.