Can anyone help me interpret this poem/prayer? What does it reveal about Mesopotamian religious beliefs and practices?
Thanks!!
May the wrath of the heart of my god be pacified!
May the god who is unknown to me be pacified!
May the goddess who is unknown to me be pacified!
May the known and unknown god be pacified!
May the known and unknown goddess be pacified!
The sin which I have committed I know not.
The misdeed which I have committed I know not.
A gracious name may my god announce!
A gracious name may my goddess announce!
A gracious name may my known and unknown god announce!
A gracious name may my known and unknown goddess announce!
Pure food have I not eaten,
Clear water have I not drunk.
An offense against my god I have unwittingly committed.
A transgression against my goddess I have unwittingly done.
0 Lord, my sins are many, great are my iniquities!
My god, my sins are many, great are my iniquities! . . .
The sin, which I have committed, I know not.
The iniquity, which I have done, I know not.
The offense, which I have committed, I know not.
The transgression I have done, I know not.
The lord, in the anger of his heart, hath looked upon me.
The god, in the wrath of his heart, hath visited me.
The goddess hath become angry with me, and hath grievously stricken me.
The known or unknown god hath straitened me.
The known or unknown goddess hath brought affliction upon me.
I sought for help, but no one taketh my hand.
I wept, but no one came to my side.
I lamented, but no one hearkens to me.
I am afflicted, I am overcome, I cannot look up.
Unto my merciful god I turn, I make supplication.
I kiss the feet of my goddess and [crawl before her] . . .
How tong, my god . . .
How long, my goddess, until thy face be turned toward me?
How long, known and unknown god, until the anger of thy heart be pacified?
How long, known and unknown goddess, until thy unfriendly heart be pacified?
Mankind is ed and has no judgment.
Of all men who are alive, who knows anything?
They do not know whether they do good or evil.
0 lord, do not cast aside thy servant!
He is cast into the mire; take his hand.
The sin which I have sinned, turn to mercy!
The iniquity which I have committed, let the wind carry away.
My many transgressions tear off like a garment!
My god, my sins are seven times seven; forgive my sins!
My goddess, my sins are seven times seven; forgive my sins!
Known and unknown god, my sins are seven times seven; forgive my sins
This poet believes that his illness or misfortune was ordered by the gods or goddesses. He doesn't know which of the many deities are responsible, but he's imploring any and all of them to relieve his suffering. He believes he must have done something to offend them. He doesn't know what sins he committed, so he's begging to be forgiven for anything he's done.
This shows that he believes misfortune is punishment from the deities for the sinning of humans.
This poem/prayer gives us insight into Mesopotamian religious beliefs and practices. In Mesopotamia, it was believed that gods and goddesses held power over various aspects of life and had the ability to bring blessings or curses upon individuals. Therefore, it was important to appease these deities and seek their forgiveness for any sins or transgressions committed.
The repeated phrase "May the [known and unknown] god/goddess be pacified" reflects the desire to calm the anger and wrath of the deities. It suggests that the people believed their sins and misdeeds had offended the gods and that they were seeking forgiveness and mercy.
The speaker acknowledges that they are unaware of the specific sins they have committed, indicating a recognition of human fallibility and limited self-awareness. This highlights the belief that even unintentional transgressions could result in divine punishment.
The plea for a "gracious name" to be announced by the gods and goddesses suggests a desire for their favor and protection. It could also imply that the speaker seeks a divine intervention to reveal their sins so that they can be properly addressed and atoned for.
Mention of not eating pure food and not drinking clear water might indicate a recognition of impurity or contamination, both physically and spiritually. This could be seen as a further expression of the speaker's acknowledgment of guilt and a desire to cleanse oneself.
The request for help and the lamentation of being unheard and afflicted reflect a belief in the personal relationship between humans and the deities. It suggests that individuals had the ability to directly seek divine assistance and intervention, but the speaker laments that their pleas have gone unanswered.
The repetition of the question "How long?" emphasizes the speaker's desperation and longing for the gods and goddesses to turn their favor towards them. It reflects the belief that divine anger and punishment could be prolonged but also implies that forgiveness and mercy could eventually be granted.
In summary, this poem/prayer reveals Mesopotamian religious beliefs in the power and capriciousness of the gods and goddesses, the importance of seeking their forgiveness and appeasement, and the belief in the possibility of divine intervention and mercy.