in the ancient Near East the gods willingly own their neediness and admittedly rely on human support. In Israel every aspect, however traditional, has an alternative rationale. The state religion highlights the needs of the people more than the needs of Yahweh. Reciprocity and mutual dependence have no place in the rhetoric. Whatever obligations Yahweh has to Israel come not because they serve his needs, but because of the covenant agreement. The people serve Yahweh by faithfulness to the covenant expectations.
