Death & Afterlife: The Ancient Hebrew View

Here is the first in a series of studies on idea of death, afterlife, and the future in the ancient Western world--The Ancient Hebrew View.

Here is the link for a PDF of article I mention in the video that I am asking you all to at least begin reading. Enjoy!!

“What the Bible Really Says About the Future,” in What the Bible Really Says, edited by Morton Smith and Joseph Hoffmann (Buffalo: Prometheus Books, 1989 (Harper & Row paperback, 1990), pp. 33-51.

On-line Course: Creating Jesus--Why Mark's Gospel was Forgotten

LinkedIn:

[JamesTaborVideos]

Hey everyone, I wanted to clarify, as I can see many are not getting this...this series has NOTHING to do with what I believe, you might believe, or even should believe. I am a historian of religions, not a theologian--the main thing I deal with is the "history of ideas." That history is what it is. It is really ignorant for someone to say--Hey, Tabor's video is "false, " unless that person is thinking I got some facts wrong--which I am quite certain I did not...And if so I would be glad to correct. The whole series is the same...we are looking at what these periods and cultures BELIEVED...it is called "education." Enjoy!

P.S. At the end of the lecture I said the Hebrew view might be seen as depressing--and that was my intention. Let me explain briefly. In this Biblical view death is DEATH--not life. It is terminal, for all--the small and the great. It is the great "equalizer." There is nothing about judgement, heaven, hell...these ideas come in much later. To really understand the Hebrew view of things, one has to realize that--so that eternal life is a gift, something allowed by the Creator, not something inherent in the creation of humankind--even in the image of God. This was the view of Abraham, Moses, all the Prophets. It is stark, realistic, and death is an absolute REVERSAL of Genesis 2:6. Without that perception, the later views of resurrection of the DEAD...make no sense. We will cover this in detail but I wanted to offer this very brief explanation here.

Another, P.S. Please hold your horses on the full Hebrew view as it unfolds. Of course I know about Enoch and Elijah, as well as the seance from the medium of Endor...and Job's wish for a "Redeemer, " but all of this is coming as we delve into things more fully--and include later texts. What I presented in this video was the fundamental ground work and concepts of death and Sheol.

[RuckReaper]

Dr. Tabor, I’ve just discovered this. As a young man (24) that knows the common way is not the only way, I praise any teacher that lays out the facts without a hidden agenda. Your efforts will help me find my path, thank you and keep up the great work.

[elizabeth_]

Dr. Tabor, there are many foreign bots, and critics, and especially critical are people without the prerequisite knowledge of how education works. I absolutely appreciate the wonderful scholarship you share with those of us who DO understand and appreciate your expertise. I was unable to take classes from you as my Prof, yet I know a great one when I hear a lecture. I’ve had some extraordinary Professors of history, and you are extremely professional in how you teach ABOUT religion…..a very delicate subject indeed. Therein lies the distinction in simple terms. Teaching religion in a seminary is much different than teaching about a particular religion in its historical context. Please don’t be deterred from continuing this wonderful and intellectually inspiring lecture series. I am truly grateful to you. Thank you ever so much. 🤓

[cracker]

Dr. Tabor, words can't express how happy and grateful I am for this series. I've wanted to study under you for a couple of decades now but life has always prohibited it. Now I get my chance. Thank you so much!

[Yabroproductions]

Your patience with all the chatter in comments is commendable. Thank you.

[aprilparker]

My husband and I can't wait to go through this with Mr. Tabor. Looking forward to a great study on death and afterlife.

[RevelationGenisis]

I saw it when I had flatlined in 2017!! Our planet is flat!.... the two large pillars on each side and "Sheol" was dark and shaped like a cone... I will never forget that rubber band pull !!! The experience brought me to the book of Genesis and my life began 🙏❤️ TY YAHUA for your grace!!! .. and thank you Dr. Tabor, it is so lovely finding your channel 🙏

[amyeck]

Thank you Dr. Tabor! Love your material! I listen to you while working and sleeping! You’re up there with Derek and Neal! ❤

[OffRampTourist]

Thanks for a great video to start another thought provoking series.

[ChristianCarrizales]

Excellent video Dr. Tabor! Great analysis of the historical ideas of death and afterlife of the Hebrews/Israelites. Looking forward to further releases in this series!

[GeldardtheGrey]

Absolutely fascinating and informative, as usual.

[soundman]

Very good explanation, very few people spend the time for this education, but will feverishly debate these topics. So easy to get caught up in the emotional sphere for the massess.

[UnmaskingJesusChrist]

Dr, Tabor
Thank you for your insight on death in the ancient times.
I love to listen to truth regarding history of our ancestors the knowledge that you learn is so insightful. Just listening an learning how far this world has come is magnificent in itself. Thanks again for your time you have took to study to engaged us on the after life. I am excited to watch this intriguing video that you uploaded. I love all things biblical especially Yawweh❤ Amen.

[ZATL]

Anyone else ever died before?
I've died and darkness was mostly a view.
Yet when I heard a Voice speek.
"It's Not Your Time"
I felt a pressure on my chest.
In my spirit pressed back into my body.
And waking up in the hospital.
After a week of being hit by a car.

[denisereneec]

Great video Dr Tabor I really enjoyed it! Looking forward to your next video coming up in the series!

[ItsAllAboutFuzzy]

Dr. Tabor, That was one of the best and most accurate explanations of the ancient Hebrew view of death that I’ve seen from someone that wasn’t a JW. 😂Impressed that you brought out Ecclesiastes chapter 3 which most Christians or Jews either completely ignore or don’t even know it exists. We all share but one spirit or breath of life and there is no superiority of man over beast for they all die the exact same way, they simply return to the dust. The hope of a resurrection however is held out in the book of Job here;

“If a man dies, can he live again? I will wait all the days of my compulsory service Until my relief comes. 15 You will call, and I will answer you. You will long for the work of your hands.”-Job 14:14-15

The idea of soul sleep, as presented in the Hebrew scriptures, is quite clear and it’s even repeated by Jesus when he discusses the death of Lazarus and likens his death to that of sleep from which he was going to awaken him.

I didn’t hold out much hope that you were going to get this right since the predominant view is so often regurgitated without thought. I was pleasantly surprised!

[jeanettecarlisle]

This is a very interesting series you are starting and I am very excited to see it. There is one thing that complexes me and I was wondering if you could maybe do a video on it in the future. Sacrifice. Where did that come from? Why did so many ancient religions around the world practice sacrifice? Even Jesus was a sacrifice. Thank you for your videos and sharing your knowledge with us.

[georgemoore]

Great material 👍
Very good presentation.

[BonestheOfficial]

Thanks for breaking this down, And it didn’t feel like you were preaching, but actually teaching. That’s important to me

[OliveRetreat]

Thank you so much. I never got to study this at uni and you answer questions I had for decades. So grateful🙏💖