Hebrew Bible

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of death.

G-d is the central character of the Hebrew Bible narrative, appearing in the texts from beginning to end, and all other figures are assessed in their relation to G-d. G-d is presented as a personal being—not a theological abstraction or nebulous spiritual force but a divine person characterized by vast power, goodness, and wisdom. In contrast to many divine figures in other ancient Near Eastern texts, G-d does not make humans to be an enslaved race or regard them as mere pawns but crafts humanity in the divine image. Further, G-d seeks to enter into relationships with human beings to pour out love on them and draw them into ever greater holiness and truth. One of the Hebrew Bible’s most common refrains about G-d upholds the patience and faithfulness of the divine character, declaring that G-d is “slow to anger and abounding in kindness” (Numbers 14.18; cf. Exodus 34.6; Nehemiah 9.17; and Psalms 86.15, 103.8, 145.8). In traditional Jewish doctrine, G-d is the uncreated creator, the sole cause of all that exists, and the summit of all virtues. He is omnipotent,