As monotheism prevailed, how did the Jews begin to view their relationship with Yahweh?
Responses
A They saw their relationship as a covenant between themselves and Yahweh.They saw their relationship as a covenant between themselves and Yahweh.
B Yahweh offered the Jews spiritual support they had never experienced before.Yahweh offered the Jews spiritual support they had never experienced before.
C The relationship evolved into one that reflected Yahweh as the master and the Jews his servants.The relationship evolved into one that reflected Yahweh as the master and the Jews his servants.
D The Jews were responsible for keeping Yahweh happy to avoid punishment through the forces of nature.
A They saw their relationship as a covenant between themselves and Yahweh.
A They saw their relationship as a covenant between themselves and Yahweh.
The correct answer is A: They saw their relationship as a covenant between themselves and Yahweh.
To understand how the Jews began to view their relationship with Yahweh as a covenant, we need to look at the historical context. The concept of monotheism, the belief in one God, began to prevail among the Jews during the period known as the Babylonian Exile (586-538 BCE) and continued to develop afterward.
During this time, the Jews were taken into captivity by the Babylonians, and their temple in Jerusalem was destroyed. In the face of adversity, the Jews grappled with understanding their relationship with Yahweh, the God of Israel.
The concept of a covenant, or a sacred agreement or contract, was not new to the Jewish people. In the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament), the narrative of God making covenants with individuals and the nation of Israel is prominent. These covenants established a special relationship between God and his chosen people, outlining their responsibilities and the blessings or consequences that would come with them.
With the increasing influence of monotheism, the Jews came to view their relationship with Yahweh as a covenant. They understood that they were a chosen people, and Yahweh had made a covenant with them. This covenant set forth the terms of their relationship, including their obedience to Yahweh's commandments and their commitment to worshiping Him alone.
By viewing their relationship with Yahweh as a covenant, the Jews recognized the importance of their role in upholding the covenant. They saw themselves as bound by a sacred agreement and understood that their faithfulness to Yahweh's commands was crucial in maintaining their special relationship with Him.
Therefore, option A, "They saw their relationship as a covenant between themselves and Yahweh," best reflects how the Jews began to view their relationship with Yahweh as monotheism prevailed.