No abstract

The introduction of the idea of "intercession" in the relationship between the three gods, besides not being exceptional (as Zimmern himself recognizes), is due to the prominence given to the function of the earthly priest as "interceder." In the combination M arduk, Ea, and Gibil-Nusku there is not a "trinity" corresponding in any way to "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," but only a duality-a superior god and one who, in the capacity of son or messenger, occupies or once occupied a lower rank. G i b i 1-N u s k u, when added to Marduk and Ea, does not introduce a new idea or a third factor, but only a modification of an idea already existing. Gibil-Nusku, like Marduk, is a "mediator," and the mediation in his case, as in the case of Marduk, is due to the recasting and combination of old rituals to make them conform to the dignity accorded to the head of the Babylonian pantheon.The combination of gods into a triad or trinity is of course well known in the Babylonian religion. For the older period, we have Anu, Bel, and Ea; for a later period, Sin, Samas, and Ramman. A reference to the former triad may perhaps be seen in the protest of the decalogue (Ex. 20:4), but there are triads of gods among other nations -notably Egypt and India -and there certainly does not appear to be any warrant for regarding Marduk, Ea, and C-ibilNusku as a triad in this sense. The importance of the issue raised by Professor Zimmern justifies this rather extended notice of his little pamphlet. While scholars will be grateful to the learned Leipzig professor for his suggestive essay, it remains to be seen whether many will be found who will agree with the rather startling deductions made by him from the existing and rather scanty material. The introduction of the idea of "intercession" in the relationship between the three gods, besides not being exceptional (as Zimmern himself recognizes), is due to the prominence given to the function of the earthly priest as "interceder." In the combination M arduk, Ea, and Gibil-Nusku there is not a "trinity" corresponding in any way to "Father, Son, and Holy Ghost," but only a duality-a superior god and one who, in the capacity of son or messenger, occupies or once occupied a lower rank. G i b i 1-N u s k u, when added to Marduk and Ea, does not introduce a new idea or a third factor, but only a modification of an idea already existing. Gibil-Nusku, like Marduk, is a "mediator," and the mediation in his case, as in the case of Marduk, is due to the recasting and combination of old rituals to make them conform to the dignity accorded to the head of the Babylonian pantheon.The combination of gods into a triad or trinity is of course well known in the Babylonian religion. For the older period, we have Anu, Bel, and Ea; for a later period, Sin, Samas, and Ramman. A reference to the former triad may perhaps be seen in the protest of the decalogue (Ex. 20:4), but there are triads of gods among other nations -notably Egypt and India -and there certainly does not appear to be any warrant for regarding Marduk, E...