Uncovering the Ancient Roots of the Bible: 

How Sumerian and Canaanite Myths Shaped the Biblical Stories

How the Bible Borrowed from Ancient Myths and Legends

The Bible is the most influential book in human history, but how much do we really know about its origins and sources? 

In this article, we will explore some of the surprising connections between the biblical stories and the ancient myths and legends of Sumeria and Canaan.

The Bible and Sumeria

Sumeria was an ancient civilization that flourished in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) between 4000 BC and 2000 BC. It is considered one of the oldest and most advanced civilizations in human history. It developed writing (cuneiform), mathematics (base 60), astronomy (zodiac), law (Code of Hammurabi), literature (Epic of Gilgamesh), and religion (polytheism).

Some scholars have noticed some similarities or parallels between some stories in the Bible and some stories in Sumerian literature or mythology. For example:

The story of creation in Genesis 1-2 resembles some aspects of the Sumerian creation myth called Enuma Elish. In both stories, there is a primordial chaos of water, a separation of heaven and earth, a creation of light, and a formation of dry land. In both stories, there is also a conflict between the creator god and a sea monster. In Enuma Elish, the god Marduk slays the monster Tiamat and uses her body to create the world. In Genesis, God subdues the monster Leviathan and uses the waters to create the world.

The story of Noah's flood in Genesis 6-9 resembles some aspects of the Sumerian flood myth found in several texts such as Atrahasis Epic and Gilgamesh Epic. In both stories, there is a divine plan to destroy humanity with a great flood because of their wickedness. In both stories, there is a righteous man who is warned by a god to build an ark and save his family and animals. In both stories, there is a raven and a dove that are sent out to check for dry land. In both stories, there is a sacrifice after the flood that pleases the gods.

The story of Abraham's migration from Ur to Canaan in Genesis 11-12 may reflect some historical connection between Sumeria and Israel. Ur was one of the major cities of Sumeria, and Abraham is said to have come from there. Some scholars have suggested that Abraham may have been influenced by the Sumerian culture and religion, or that he may have been part of a group of migrants who left Sumeria after its decline.

The story of Joseph's interpretation of dreams in Genesis 37-50 may reflect some influence of Sumerian dream literature such as Zaqiqu. Zaqiqu was a Sumerian text that contained a collection of dream omens and interpretations. Some of the dreams in Zaqiqu are similar to those in Genesis, such as the dreams of Pharaoh's cupbearer and baker, or the dreams of Pharaoh himself.

These similarities or parallels indicate that the biblical stories are copied or derived from Sumerian sources and they may also indicate that both cultures shared some common themes or motifs that were widespread in the ancient Near East. 

They may also indicate that both cultures interacted or influenced each other in various ways, such as trade, migration, conquest, or cultural exchange.

The Bible and Canaan

Canaan was an ancient region that covered parts of modern Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan. It was inhabited by various peoples who spoke different languages but shared some cultural and religious features. The most prominent among them were the Canaanites, who were also known as Phoenicians or Sidonians.

The Canaanites were polytheists who worshiped many gods and goddesses, such as El, Baal, Asherah, Anat, Astarte, Yam, Mot, etc. They had a rich mythology that described the origins, deeds, and conflicts of their deities. Some of their myths were recorded in texts such as Ugaritic texts (found in Ugarit, Syria) or Phoenician texts (found in Byblos, Lebanon).

Some scholars have noticed some similarities or parallels between some stories in the Bible and some stories in Canaanite mythology. For example:

The story of Yahweh slaying the sea monster Leviathan in Psalm 74:13-14 and Isaiah 27:1 may be based on a story from the Canaanite pantheon where Baal slays Yam (or Lotan) the sea god. In both stories, there is a battle between a storm god and a sea god for supremacy over creation. In both stories, the storm god uses his weapon (thunderbolt or spear) to strike down the sea god and his allies (serpents or dragons). In both stories, the storm god is praised for his victory and his kingship.

The story of Yahweh's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15 may be based on a ritual practice from the Canaanite culture where a suzerain (overlord) and a vassal (subject) would make a treaty by cutting animals in half and walking between them. In both cases, the ritual symbolized the binding agreement between the parties and the consequences of breaking it. In both cases, the suzerain would promise protection, blessing, and land to the vassal, while the vassal would promise loyalty, obedience, and tribute to the suzerain.

The story of Yahweh's confrontation with Baal in 1 Kings 18 may be based on a polemic (criticism) against the Canaanite religion and its influence on Israel. In this story, Elijah challenges the prophets of Baal to a contest on Mount Carmel to prove whose god is the true god. In this story, Yahweh demonstrates his power by sending fire from heaven to consume Elijah's sacrifice, while Baal fails to respond to his prophets' cries. In this story, Yahweh proves his superiority over Baal and his followers are killed.

These similarities or parallels indicate that the biblical stories are borrowed or adapted from Canaanite sources and they may also indicate that both cultures had some common roots or influences that shaped their worldviews and expressions. They may also indicate that both cultures had some conflicts or interactions that challenged or changed their beliefs and practices.

The Bible and Egypt

The Bible is not the only source of information about Jesus and his teachings. There are also other ancient texts that claim to contain secret or alternative accounts of his life and message. 

• These texts are often called apocryphal or gnostic gospels, because they were rejected or hidden by the mainstream church as heretical or false. 
  
  
• Some of these texts were discovered in 1945 near Nag Hammadi, Egypt. They include texts such as the Gospel of Thomas, the Gospel of Philip, and the Gospel of Judas.
  
  
• These texts are very different from the canonical gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) that are accepted by most Christians as authentic and inspired. 

The apocryphal or gnostic gospels often present Jesus as a divine teacher who reveals secret knowledge (gnosis) to his followers about their true nature and destiny. 

They also often challenge or contradict some of the orthodox doctrines and practices of Christianity, such as the resurrection, baptism, communion, and so on.

Some scholars have suggested that these texts reflect some of the diversity and controversy that existed among early Christians in the first few centuries after Jesus' death. 

They may also reflect some of the influences of other religions or philosophies that were popular at that time, such as Judaism, Platonism, Zoroastrianism, and so on.

However, other scholars have argued that these texts are not reliable sources of historical information about Jesus or his original message. 

They may have been written much later than the canonical gospels (possibly in the second or third century AD), by authors who used pseudonyms or false attributions to gain credibility or authority. They may also have been influenced by later developments or debates within Christianity or Gnosticism that were not relevant to Jesus' historical context.

Conclusion

The Bible is a complex and fascinating book that contains many stories and teachings that have shaped human history and culture. 

However, it is not an isolated or unique book that has no connection to other sources or traditions. Rather, it is a book that reflects and interacts with its ancient context and environment.

By exploring some of the surprising connections between the biblical stories and the ancient myths and legends of Sumeria and Canaan, we can gain a deeper understanding of the origins and meanings of the Bible. 

By comparing and contrasting the biblical stories with other ancient texts that claim to reveal information about Jesus and his teachings, we can gain a broader perspective of the diversity and controversy of early Christianity.

The Bible is not a simple or literal account of historical events, but a complex and symbolic expression of faith, theology, and morality. The Bible uses various literary genres and forms, such as narrative, poetry, prophecy, law, wisdom, and so on, to convey its message and meaning. The Bible also reflects the cultural and historical context of its authors and audiences, who lived in different times and places.

Therefore, to understand the Bible properly, one needs to use various methods and tools of analysis, such as historical criticism, literary criticism, textual criticism, source criticism, form criticism, redaction criticism, and so on. These methods help to identify the sources, genres,

forms, structures, themes,

purposes,

and meanings

of

the biblical texts.

They

also

help

to compare

and contrast

the biblical texts

with other ancient texts

from

the same

or different cultures.

I hope this article helps you understand how the Bible borrowed from ancient myths and legends