Ancient Israelite Sion Theology, Judeo-Christian Apocalypticism, And Biblical (Mis)Interpretation: Potential Implications for the Stability of the Modern Middle East

Introduction There is a long history of apocalyptic fervor in the Judeo-Christian tradition. These notions often gain intensity during moments of social or political strife. However, the peace and security some theological notions offer, if misinterpreted or misapplied, may potentially help precipitate crises and conflicts that upset the stability of civilized society. This paper will explore a case from ancient Israel where the misinterpretation of an ancient theological notion may have contributed to the fall of Jerusalem. Then this paper will consider the role that modem Biblical (mis) readings and (mis)interpretations have upon Judeo-Christian apocalyptic thought as a contributor to social unrest and conflicts in volatile regions of the world, particularly in the Middle East. Between the years 597and 587 BCE the Neo-Babylonian Empire systematically dismantled and destroyed the Jewish society and civilization known as the Kingdom of Judah. In July 587 BCE, facing imminent destruction - the Babylonians had surrounded Jerusalem and famine had swept through the city - King Zedekiah fled by night with some of his military escort. Babylonian forces captured Zedekiah and his contingent and forcibly hauled them before Nebuchadnezzar's central Syrian military headquarters at Riblah. The last thing Zedekiah ever saw before his eyes were put out was the gruesome execution of his sons. In August, the Babylonians burned the city of Jerusalem, tore down its walls and destroyed the temple. They executed many of the remaining leaders of Judah and deported the citizenry to Babylon, leaving only the poorest of the poor in the land. What were the causes that led to this catastrophic defeat and destruction? Why did the Kingdom of Judah choose consistent rebellion and confrontation against such a fearsome foe? This paper will suggest that one of the contributing reasons to Judah' s recalcitrant stance towards Babylon had to do with the misinterpretation and misapplication of a popular theological notion, Zion theology, which led many of the leaders and people of Judah to believe that they were impervious to Babylonian threats. God was on their side; not even the Babylonians could assail such an awesome power. This misinterpretation of a theological concept contributed to Judeans severely misreading the political and military situation of their day and thus helped to precipitate the very crisis Zion theology ostensibly promised to avert. This catastrophic historical event - the fall of Judah - should give pause to any society today: Strident attachment to religious or ideological positions can blind us from critically assessing current events and making wise and informed decisions to steer civilization through potentially destructive crises. Specifically, the popular notion that the Bible functions as a single, coherent work of literature with a definite beginning and end has led many to misinterpret the Bible. These misinterpretations may unintentionally ignite explosive crises in volatile regions such as the Middle East, thus potentially bringing about the collapse of some aspects of civilization as we know it. This paper is divided into two parts. Part 1 is a case study, investigating the role of theology as a contributing cause to the fall of the Kingdom of Judah. The paper will provide a brief historical context for the fall of Judah; describe broadly the origin, development and interpretation of Zion theology in the society of Judah; and review how misinterpretation and misapplication of Zion theology contributed to the collapse of Judah. Part 2 takes its cue from the case study of Judah to explore potential misinterpretations and misapplications of the Christian Bible that could have negative effects in the current socio-political realm of the volatile Middle East. Part 1: Zion Theology and the Fall of Judah Brief Historical Context for the Fall of Judah. The Babylonians, together with their Median allies, knocked the Neo-Assyrian Empire out of power in a series of battles culminating in decisive victory at Nineveh (the Assyrian capital) in 612 BCE. …