Nimrod

Seeker4

In an earlier discussion on this board about whether the NWT mistranslated the verse in Genesis about Nimrod being "a might hunter in opposition to Jehovah," there was some really interesting research material presented. As I read it I began to realize that there seems to be a central reason why Nimrod has been presented as one of the truly evil men of human history.

The Witnesses emphasize that he was the one who started war, becoming a killer and tyrant. But in one of the quotes, there is a more likely reason for Nimrod being vilified and demonized. Josephus wrote of Nimrod:
“He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, . . . but to believe that it was their own courage that procured their happiness."

Nimrod's real sin was that he was a freethinker, a man who questioned god in a world dominated by religion and superstition. Whatever other sort of person Nimrod was, he seems to have been an intellectual not just years, but millenieums ahead of his time! No wonder the Jews, in their holy writings, made Nimrod out to be a monster - can't have a freethinker questioning the idea of a god in the middle of a theocracy now, can we? Take away the power of god in such a time would really result in tyranny, wouldn't it?

The full quotes, from a post by Earnest in that thread, are below(with my thanks to Earnest):

" *** w64 5/15 312 United Rebellion Against God Breaks Down ***
The Jerusalem Targum, a Jewish interpretative translation of the Bible, says of Nimrod: “He was powerful in hunting and in wickedness before the Lord, for he was a hunter of the sons of men, and he said to them, ‘Depart from the judgment of the Lord, and adhere to the judgment of Nimrod!’”

Both the Targum of Jonathan and the historian Flavius Josephus agree with this, Josephus saying: “He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, . . . but to believe that it was their own courage that procured their happiness. He also gradually changed the government into tyranny, . . . Now the multitude were very ready to follow the determination of Nimrod, and to esteem it a piece of cowardice to submit to God; and they built a tower.”—Antiquities of the Jews, Book 1, chapter 4, paragraphs 2, 3, translation by Wm. Whiston, 1737 C.E., revised by Dr. Sam. Burder."

S4

picosito

Thanks, Seeker4.

It's refreshing to have a look at Nimrod in a new and different way. It stimulates my thinking. It's really nice to be able to think again.

Seeker4

Picosito -

Yeah, that's exactly the way it hit me when I read it. A different way to see something I'd been conditioned to see in just one light.

So many people have written on this board that the nicest thing about leaving the Witnesses was the freedom to think and ask questions without fear.

S4

Pierced Angel

It's such a change to be looking at some of these characters in a new light. Thanks for the observations Seeker4, very thought provoking stuff!

Anne

Guest 77

Free-thinkers in different tongues!

Guest 77

Sargon

Good points Seeker,
I've been trying to find out about Nimrod too, since that thread started. I read somewhere that his name in Hebrew means "let us revolt" and that in Babylonian Nimr means "leopard" and rod "to subdue". It is reported that he had tamed a wild leopard and took it with him when hunting.
Nimrod established the first post flood empire. It included Babel, Erech, Akkad and Calmeh. He then invaded Assyria and built Ninevah, Rehoboth, Calah and Resen. He is supposed to be the original builder of The tower of Babel, which was called Etemenanki by the Babylons.
These seem like pretty powerful acheivments, for one lifetime. I could see his acheivements alone putting him 'in opposition' to Yahweh, as the Hebrews of this time were basically shepherd/farmers.

I'm still looking, so if I find anything else of interest i'll let you know.

Imagination is more important than Knowledge. Albert Einstein

julien

Ponder Nimrod and his accomplishments while listening to Elgar's 9th variation "Nimrod" from Variations on an Original Theme (aka Enigma).. beautiful piece of music..

It's good to see you are getting the message about Nimrod. Yes a ruthless and unique Pagan of his time.
You may like to look at some of the freethinking subjects I have posted on threads within this site that being about activating a Magical Order to destroy the Watchtower Society.(Nimrod)

Ps: This message has been posted from the computer of Refiner's Fire.

Sargon

Hey Nimrod,
They don't need a 'Magical Order', they're already on autopilot to self-destruct.

Imagination is more important than Knowledge. Albert Einstein

teejay

can't have a freethinker questioning the idea of a god in the middle of a theocracy now, can we? – Seeker4
“He persuaded them not to ascribe it to God, . . . but to believe that it was their own courage that procured their happiness. — Antiquities

Interesting to look at Nimrod a little differently!

We know how the authors of the WTS besmirch the character and reputations of those that don't fall in line with its viewpoints. Makes sense that early historians that the Jews used to compile their illustrious history would do the same.

*I* could have been a "nimrod." Oh wait! I *am* a Nimrod!!

Nimrod - the original freethinker?

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