Introduction:
In the previous essay (here), we explored the rise of Ancient Israel. We discussed two distinct paths to achieving national unity: the path of unity through ignorance, which involves self-abnegation in submission to a higher authority, and the path of unity through knowledge, which involves self-actualization through understanding and personal growth. Since the path of unity through ignorance proved too demanding for the masses, the latter path, centered on a comprehensive understanding of the one true God, became the foundation embraced by the ancient nation.
The path of knowledge was initially successful in fostering strength and cohesion. Israel rose. However, it eventually failed, and Israel experienced a downfall. In this sequel, we will analyze the weaknesses of this approach and its ultimate deterioration. As we shall see, the decline of Israel illustrates how metaphysical beliefs can influence social cohesion, how social disunity in turn can corrupt metaphysical beliefs, and how the acceptance of errant metaphysics can invite the enemy within and lead to a nation’s demise.
Metaphysics and Social Cohesion:
Metaphysics played a crucial role in fostering social cohesion within the people of Israel. Their unity was rooted in the pursuit of knowledge and a coherent understanding of the one true God. This cardinal notion was not merely an abstract theological concept but a guiding principle that permeated their society, weaving the very fabric of their lives and guiding their actions. For the unity of God implies a unity in His world, a notion from which follows an optimistic, comprehensive and constructive approach to being. In a unified world, one seeks his place within the unit of which he is but a part, and values cohesion and harmony in place of discord and dissonance.
Belief in the one true God provided a common framework of understanding and purpose for the Jewish nation. It established a shared foundation for moral and ethical principles, unifying the people despite their diverse backgrounds. This belief kept Israel united and strong, rendering them impervious to enemies who worshipped other gods – deities representing partial and incomplete notions of divinity. The unity and purity of knowledge and action centered around the concept of one God acted as a formidable defense against external adversaries, engendering a sense of identity and resilience among the Jewish people.
The Erosion of the Ideal:
Nonetheless, like any society, Israel experienced internal conflicts and disputes. They encountered the usual challenges of petty disputes and infighting that beset human communities. They were pursuing knowledge, not ignorance, and therefore didn’t suspend their self-interest before the Law, but rather sought to actualize their selves through knowledge: In order to restore harmony, the parties to a disagreement would need to find a common ideal of justice upon which they agreed. When that failed, the parties opposed in a petty matter were drawn to opposing ideologies, seeking to differentiate themselves from each other and bolster their positions on minor issues through recourse to divisive ideologies, as people are wont to do. This growing social disunity eroded the ideal of unified knowledge, as the focus shifted from a shared, united understanding of the divine to individual pursuits of self-interest.
Power struggles and ideological divisions arose, and the once united pursuit of knowledge fragmented, leading to a weakening of the collective identity and social cohesion that had once made the nation strong.
The Emergence of Idolatry:
As internal divisions deepened, the allure of idolatry began to entice the ancient Israelites. Idolatry thrives on fragmented beliefs and the rejection of unified knowledge, enticing individuals and groups to adopt false gods and deficient ideals that cater to divergent, self-centered interests. This corrupted metaphysics found fertile ground, tempting some away from the central tenet of the one true God. The pursuit of personal gain and self-interest allowed idolatry to spread among the people, and the spread of idolatry furthered pursuit of personal gain and self-interest, in a destructive feedback loop.
Idolatry led to further moral and spiritual decay. The one true God is undifferentiated, and knowing Him doesn’t allow for divisive personal interests that don’t incorporate the interests of one’s fellow man. The same base instincts that draw men to their selfish interests lure them away from the true god to idolatry, and idolatry draws men further to their selfish interests. In the fractured world of idolatry, man is pitted against man just as god is pitted against god.
Inviting the Enemy:
With their internal divisions weakening their collective identity and unity, the Jewish people became vulnerable to external threats. No longer high-minded, proud and self-assured, the nation became weak and exposed. The enemies of Israel – idolaters themselves – perceived this opportunity to exploit the divisions and infiltrate the weakened society. Familiar with the idols and practices adopted by the disunited factions, the enemies found common ground and used it to their advantage.
The convergence of social disunity, the appeal of idolatry, and the enemy's manipulative tactics led to the downfall of Israel. The nation that once thrived through unity in knowledge succumbed to the divisive influences that corrupted their metaphysical beliefs, which further corrupted their society. The absence of a strong, shared and superior identity made them susceptible to external pressures, culminating in their defeat.
Conclusion:
The history of Ancient Israel serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance required to maintain unity within a diverse society. While the pursuit of unified knowledge initially forged a strong and resilient nation, the erosion of this ideal through infighting along with the lure of idolatry proved to be its undoing. The fall of Israel offers valuable lessons for the Jewish nation today, underscoring the critical importance of upholding a shared vision and fostering social cohesion to ensure the nation's survival and prosperity. The insights gained from the decline of Ancient Israel demonstrate the need for the Jewish nation to remain united in their collective pursuit of knowledge and identity, and provide a vision for a unified people, under God. By learning from the mistakes of the past and fostering unity in knowledge, the Jewish nation will have the ability to navigate contemporary challenges with strength and resilience.
Concepts:
Idolatry/עבודה זרה
Sources and References:
Deuteronomy 1
Isaiah 1
2 Kings 20:12-19