Ancient Near-Eastern Hero Culture

Join us for a fascinating conversation on biblical imagery. Dr. Michael Seufert, pastor of Mission OPC in St. Paul, Minnesota, and author of the dissertation Of Beasts and Men: A Study of Genesis 49 in Light of Iconography, Metaphor, and Animal Studies, guides us through the rich tapestry of ancient Near Eastern hero culture and its implications for understanding Scripture.

We explore Genesis 49, Jacob’s poetic blessing, and its striking use of animal metaphors, unpacking themes of violence, power, and divine faithfulness. Dr. Seufert highlights the ambivalence in biblical heroism, contrasting the lion-like strength of Judah with the paradoxical power of the Lamb in Revelation.

Dan Svendsen, pastor of First OPC in South Holland, Illinois, also provides his perspective as a preacher immersed in the narratives of 1 Samuel. Together, we examine how the stories of David and Judah resonate with biblical themes of leadership, humility, and redemption, offering additional depth and richness to our understanding of hero culture in the Bible.

With insights into the cultural, theological, and practical applications of these themes, we discuss how the church today can embrace the counterintuitive way of weakness modeled by Christ. This collaborative discussion bridges rigorous scholarship and pastoral application, offering profound encouragement for the Christian life.

Watch on YouTube and Vimeo.

Chapters

• 00:00:07 Introduction
• 00:10:04 Michael Seufert’s Academic Journey
• 00:25:47 Understanding Hero Culture in Scripture
• 00:35:43 The Wilderness of Empire and Violence
• 00:38:58 Animal Imagery in Biblical Power Dynamics
• 00:41:29 The Complexity of Judah’s Legacy
• 00:48:20 Lessons from Jacob and David
• 00:59:16 Embracing Christ’s Path to Victory
• 01:09:23 Conclusion

Participants: Camden Bucey, Dan Svendsen, Michael Seufert