This was always such a weird passage for me, and many others I'm sure. It seems interpolated. It must've been what the Gnostics read when they split the god of the old and new testament apart. But you give it narrative context. You figure it in such a way that its strangeness seems ordinary, like a chance encounter walking home down the wrong alley with one's wife.
Interesting poem on a very intriguing and overlooked topic. Appreciate the commentary and explanatory notes as well. I have a forthcoming poem with a very similar title, based on a different OT scenario.
Every time I read the Old Testament it seems I stumble across another weird incident like this one that I have forgotten existed. The bits that don't get included in the lectionary cycle. I very much enjoyed your reading of it in this poem.
Brilliant poem. It is certainly uncomfortable, but it also elicits a deep sense of godly reverence and awe at the same time—a bit like your poem ‘God Eats’, which I love. Great job!
So I read this poem and explanation this morning and I've been thinking about it all day. Very powerfully capturing the unsettling, unsanitised parts of God as revealed in the OT. He is not a tame lion, and he is not positive vibes.
This was always such a weird passage for me, and many others I'm sure. It seems interpolated. It must've been what the Gnostics read when they split the god of the old and new testament apart. But you give it narrative context. You figure it in such a way that its strangeness seems ordinary, like a chance encounter walking home down the wrong alley with one's wife.
Interesting poem on a very intriguing and overlooked topic. Appreciate the commentary and explanatory notes as well. I have a forthcoming poem with a very similar title, based on a different OT scenario.
Every time I read the Old Testament it seems I stumble across another weird incident like this one that I have forgotten existed. The bits that don't get included in the lectionary cycle. I very much enjoyed your reading of it in this poem.
Thank you!
Brilliant. Very well written. I was transported to the moment of sacrifice. Thank you.
Thank you, brother.
Brilliant poem. It is certainly uncomfortable, but it also elicits a deep sense of godly reverence and awe at the same time—a bit like your poem ‘God Eats’, which I love. Great job!
So I read this poem and explanation this morning and I've been thinking about it all day. Very powerfully capturing the unsettling, unsanitised parts of God as revealed in the OT. He is not a tame lion, and he is not positive vibes.
Thank you for this.
You're welcome. I'm pleased the poem had such an effect.
"The god no longer laughed. He turned." Powerful line set well within this arresting poem.
Good poem and helpful explanation!
I was expecting an explanation about the laughter, honestly. That was the uncomfortable part haha
For sure. Everyone I read this too beforehand said the same thing. 😀
But the explanation is simply elucidation. There's no apologia pro poema mea!
An excellent poem in any case.
Good one.
Thanks!