The Tabernacle Pre-figured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus

by L. Michael Morales

In the ancient Near East, where cosmos and cult were of a piece, temples were the architectural embodiment of the cosmic mountain. This monograph explores how the mountain narratives of the Hebrew Bible canonically preceding the establishment of the tabernacle cultus may therefore serve to prefigure that cultus. Examining the creation, deluge, and exodus accounts in light of cosmic mountain ideology, the study develops a cosmogonic pattern of being delivered through the waters to the mountain of God for worship. As a symbol for approaching the divine Presence, this pattern is ultimately cultic, and includes a gate liturgy running as an undercurrent through each narrative. Moses alone, for example, is permitted ascent to the summit of Sinai, a role later mimicked by the high priest’s annual entrance into the holy of holies. From Adam’s descent of the holy mountain to the high priest’s “ascent” of the architectural mountain of God, The Tabernacle Pre-Figured makes a compelling case that to dwell in the divine Presence via the tabernacle cultus presents a mediated return to the original telos of the cosmos.

Genres: Theology, Biblical Studies, Spirituality

345 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Eric Chappell · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you take 15 pages of notes and would buy a book strictly on the merits of its extensive bibliography, you know you've discovered a gem. L. Michael Morales' work on cosmic mountain ideology in Genesis-Exodus is such a book. From start to finish, this book was amazing. In my opinion, this is biblical theology at its best: thoroughly and richly exegetical, attentive to ANE context, aware of the historical and contemporary scholarship. In his own words, that's what Morales is attempting to do: "present the theology of the Bible within the dust of its own history" (282).

It's impossible for me to layout all my thoughts on this immensely significant treatment of cosmic mountain ideology. Briefly, Morales seeks to show that the creation, deluge, and exodus accounts exhibit a cosmogonic pattern of going through the waters to the mountain for worship. Because temples in the ANE were the architectural embodiment of the cosmic, primal mountain, the mountain narratives in Genesis-Exodus function to explain the rational and need for the tabernacle cultus, especially as it mediated God's Divine Presence. The cosmic mountain was thus a symbol for ascending to and approaching God. Thus, significant to each narrative is the function of the Gate Liturgy encapsulated by the Psalmist's question in Pss. 15 and 24: "Who shall ascend the mount of Yahweh?" Each chapter is structured along this movement from the waters to mountain through the gate for worship.

As I've said, the book is delightfully rich and rewarding. That said, it requires some effort to move through it. Morales offers detailed footnotes, lots of interaction with the Hebrew text, and expects a high knowledge of the biblical story. However, the payoff is huge. If you are interested in digging deeper into the Genesis and Exodus narratives, love biblical theology, are a huge fan of Kline and Har Magedon, you will love this book. Now the question is: how can I get my own copy that doesn't cost 80 Euro from a European publishing house?

[JonM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic. Expensive, but worth three times it's published price. Buy a copy. You won't regret it.

[David Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful introduction to the concept of the Cosmic Mountain omnipresent within Ancient Near Eastern cultures and elsewhere throughout the world and how it relates to the mountains of the bible: Sinai, Horeb, Zion, Tabor, and Eden. Morales does a wonderful job of balancing traditional Christian biblical teaching with current anthropology and comparative world religions to make the subject fresh and inviting.

[Rebecca Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the conclution is littered with byas the mountin of work itself is exquisite.