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Laura Bartnick - Psalm Hymns's avatar

History repeats itself, is this your point? Greenland, debased silver coinage, American economy and politics... hmm. Should we start the communal economic integration of God's people again, Pinky?

David Millward's avatar

Another interesting angle is the Roman legion present in Judah was the 10th legion whose emblem was a boar.

Jeremy Prince's avatar

That’s a fascinating connection, @David Millward! I always presumed the Tenth got their “spirit animal” directly from Caesar when he raised the force ca. 60 BCE in Gaul. But maybe there’s more to it?

David Millward's avatar

My take also is that Yeshua casted the demons into pigs for various reasons - one of which being the 10th Roman legion had the symbol of a boar and He was implying He could cast the 10th Roman legion into the water if He wished.

About "I am legion" reference there was an ancient Jews custom that the demons were described as a legion of hobgoblins.

This transferred through the ages and Dickens' character Ebenezer Scrooge [an obvious Jewish moneylender] stated when confronted by a spirit that he would eat a toothpick and be tormented by a legion of hobgoblins.

Another ancient Jewish belief was that demons liked to live in water.

Jeremy Prince's avatar

I have a very interesting take on what the story in Gerasa signifies as well. I don’t take it literally at all.

David Millward's avatar

My question is whether the "sacrifices" representing Roman provided animals would have included swine or other prohibited animals.

Jeremy Prince's avatar

From the sources I have read, yes: the sacrifices included unsanctioned animals to be sacrificed.

This was already common in the Land, particularly in the Hellenized and Roman-Herodian-built cities like Caesarea Maritima, Sepphoris, Tiberius, and zones like the Decapolis (like in the incident with the Gerasene ‘Legion’).

Six's avatar

Always a blast to read the Parthian Connection! Are you planning on publishing this series in book form, as well?

Jeremy Prince's avatar

You know... that's not a terrible idea.