More specifically, however, Israelite confidence in Yahweh was founded on an official orthodoxy, resting on four immutable propositions, four pillars of divine promise: the irrevocability of Yahweh’s covenant with Israel (Sinai), Yahweh’s ownership of the land of Canaan, Yahweh’s eternal covenant with David, and Yahweh’s residence in Jerusalem, the place he chose for his name to dwell (see fig. 1). The nearer the forces of Nebuchadrezzar came, the more the people clung to the promises of God. But
Page 8