more from Isaiah

Single Idea 7343

[catalogued under 28. God / A. Divine Nature / 1. God]

Full Idea

I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.

Gist of Idea

Beside me there is no God

Source

Isaiah (23: Book of Isaiah [c.680 BCE], 44.06)

Book Reference

'The Bible', ed/tr. the Church [Collins 1950], p.350


A Reaction

This seems to be the first clear statement (c. 680 BCE) of monotheism, certainly preceding any Greek views on the subject (cf. Idea 2629,Idea 7347). It is not just an arrogant assertion by the jews, but a humble sacrifice, donating their god to humanity.

Related Ideas

Idea 2629 Anaxagoras was the first to say that the universe is directed by an intelligence [Anaxagoras, by Cicero]

Idea 7347 Zoroastrians believed in one eternal beneficent being, Creator through the holy spirit [Johnson,P]