The Assyrian and Hebrew Hymns of Praise

by Charles Gordon Cumming

The Supreme God as Powerful

The wise God is also the powerful God. The Assyrian deities, as well as Yahwe, are preëminently war gods. This fact is established by the astonishingly large number of references to their war activities. I will first cite examples to establish the fact that they are warriors:

O Shamash, warrior hero, be praised.

—Hymn to Shamash No. 4.

Destroyer of the enemy who in the midst of combat, amid the clash of weapons and confusion of battle, art fearless.

—Hymn to Marduk No. 1.

Mighty in battle whose attack is powerful.

—Hymn to Nusku No. 3.

Beside my father in battle I take my place;

Beside Bel in combat and battle I stand.