Big Ideas · 13 · Ezra

A new kind of icon

The Torah scroll in Ezra's hands resembles the processions of divine statues at festivals. But unlike an idol, it could be copied anywhere.

A reproducible sacred object.

Dig deeper

Making temple icons required secret priestly knowledge. The scroll made the esoteric public, ideally inscribed on the heart.

Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 207–208

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