May the memory of Asshur be praised, his divinity be exalted,
So that the exaltation of Asshur, the lord of lords, may be known.
Common to these three compositions and of great interest to the Old Testament student is the appearance and message of the deity, since there are parallels to this in the Old Testament. Especially close is the parallel to the decree of Yahwe in Psalm 2, and the oracle of Yahwe in Psalm 110.
Chapter VIII
ASSYRIAN SELF-LAUDATIONS OF THE GODS
In addition to the hymnal introductions to prayers, and the antiphonal hymns, there was in Assyrian poesie a distinct and notable group of hymns in which the gods praise themselves. It is of course presupposed in the hymnal introductions that the gods desire and welcome the praise of men. The gods do praise one another. Enlil praised Ramman in the hymn to Ramman No. 2 which was discussed in the last chapter. Also Nusku praises Ninib in Ninib No. 4:
Nusku the lofty messenger of Bel in Ekur met him,
Unto Lord Ninib greeting he spoke:
Lord warlike art thou, perfect in understanding through thyself,
Ninib warlike art thou, perfect in understanding through thyself.
Thy dazzling brilliancy covers Bel’s house as a garment.