`elyon as hypostasis of Ahura Mazda – a reading of Dt 32.8-9

Abstract

The paper postulates the hypothesis of reading of Dt 32.8-9 as monolatrous and post-exilic narrative, written in context of political and cultural subordination to the Persian hegemony, whose Empire depends relentlessly on the restoration and preservation of Judah. Dt 32,1-43 would answer for the sui generis characterization of the theology of the text that, despite the monolatrous theology embodied in the passage and the expressed horror at the idea of the nation of Yahweh to worship other gods. The textual composition is compelled to assume the thesis that Yahweh's exclusive ownership of Judahis due to the determination of `elyôn, which is then interpreted, as the hypostasis of Ahura Mazda and that, in geopolitical terms, embodies the very Persian Empire. It is assumed therefore that Dt 32.8-9 is a political-theological passage of legitimation of Judahite political-theological system in the light of the Persian geopolitical system.