The Assyrian and Hebrew Hymns of Praise

by Charles Gordon Cumming

Both Assyrian and Hebrew war god use fire as a weapon:

Nusku who burns up and overpowers the foe.

—Hymn to Nusku No. 3.

A fire goeth before him and burneth his enemies round about.

—Psalm 97:3.

The Assyrian hymns emphasize the impossibility of escape from the sight and power of the god:

Thy glance who avoids it,

Thy attack who escapes it?

—Hymn to Sin No. 4.

Thou gazest upon all inhabited places;