Israelite and Greek Mythology

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The Works and Days is a Greek myth containing an appropriated version of the Israelites Ten Commandments from The Bible. Throughout Works and Days, the myth constructs a virtually identical set of rules pertaining to moral conduct; all which, if disobey, are punishable by Zeus. Both the Israelites and the Greeks believe that their Lord (for the Greeks, specifically all powerful Zeus) distributes retribution to those who disobey these moral rules of conduct. In both texts, these guidelines for judgment are crucial because they give formal validity to the punishments that each god distributes. The similarities found are as a result of the Greek appropriation of the Israelites mythology, however, the differences and variations within the texts are essential in understanding the differences in their cultures. These differences include how the judgments were pronounced, what the consequences are, and who received retribution.

How the guidelines for retribution are described in The Bible and the Works and Days are in extremely different contexts. In The Bible, the Lord spoke these judgments: "And God spake all these words, saying...and keep my commandments" (The Bible, Exodus. 20. 1-7.). After the Lord had spoken these commandments to Moses, they were recorded on two stone tablets to share with the rest of the Israelite children. In contrast, the Works and Days myth appears to have a general audience. It is fair to say that The Works and Days was originally an oral myth giving advice to the audience. In contrast, The Bible is stated as a historical account.

The Greek mythology includes advice about things that one should do and things that one should not do. The mythology includes consequences as well as rewards:...

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...e entire city. The consequence of one person's actions is felt by the entire community. This type of judgment forms unity within a city and helps enforce the rule of the empire. The Israelites mythology however, is focused on the actions of the individuals. In the book of "Exodus", "the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book" (The Bible, Exodus. 32.33). In this context, the Lord is explaining that he shall only punish those who have done wrong. Unlike Zeus, the Lord will not punish the entire city, but only to those who deserve.

When comparing these two texts, the similarities are numerous. However, the differences between the texts speak enormous volumes. The fundamental morals that each culture has are the same, yet the way they are explained, enforced, and signified explain how each culture views itself.

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