372-415

Η σημασία του Αριήλ κατά την Π.Δ. και επί της στήλης του Μεσά, The meaning of «Ariel» according to the Old Testament and the Mesha stele

• Petzold, Hilarion

In this study, all the etymological and historical research to date concerning the term «Ariel» in accordance with the various interpretations taken from the books of the Old Testament are given in summary. Other interpretations of this term, e.g. the worship of Nergal, which arise from a comparative religious study of the environment of Israel are also given. Until now the exact meaning of «Ariel» or «the Ariel» has not yet come to light, and this is so because the basic idea of «Ariel» or «the Ariel» has not been sought for in the Old Testament. Herein, the author feels, lies the solution to the problem. Thus, all the symbolic meanings attributed to the term «Ariel», e.g. banner of a lion, ephod, companion of Yahweh, etc., all terminate in and point to the idea of the city of Jerusalem, which is understood to be the acropolis and bastion of Yahweh. Although the interpretation of the term «Ariel» is one of the secondary problems in the field of Old Testament studies, it nevertheless provides interesting facts in general concerning the institutions of worship and war amongst the ancient Semites. In its attempt to solve the problem of the meaning of the term «Ariel», this present work also sheds light upon the various conditions and ways of life during Old Testament times.

• Philosophy, Ethics and Religion

• Θεολογία

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