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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:Fear God, Honor the King: The Use of Biblical Allusion in Ethiopian Historical Literature, Part One
Author:Pankhurst, RichardISNI
Year:1986
Periodical:Northeast African Studies
Volume:8
Issue:1
Pages:11-30
Language:English
Geographic term:Ethiopia
Subjects:political ideologies
monarchy
History and Exploration
Religion and Witchcraft
Peoples of Africa (Ethnic Groups)
Literature, Mass Media and the Press
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/43660191
Abstract:Ethiopian chronicles of the medieval period and later abound in scriptural allusions to the State. They indicate that Ethiopia, according to the 'Kebrä Nägäst' (Glory of Kings) the resting place of the Ark of the Covenant, was thought to have been especially blessed of God; its rulers, who claimed descent from the biblical kings of Israel and were said to be of the Tribe of Judah, were likened to both God and Christ, as well as to the Good Shepherd of Holy Writ. Monarchs were moreover considered instruments of the Almighty and endowed by the Lord with almost invincible power. Their enemies were seen as resembling the ungodly against whom the children of Israel had waged war. The ideal society was conceived as both hierarchical and static. It was governed by the Almighty, the omnipotent God of war and the champion of Ethiopian Christendom, who had created ruler and ruled, master and servant, husband and wife. Obedience to authority, according to the chronicles, was in this manner ordained by the Lord, and it was His injunction, binding on all, to 'fear God' and 'honour the King'. App. (chronicles and other texts citing the Bible; biblical references cited), bibliogr., notes, ref.
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