The Footprints of Nimrod inthe Ancient WorldThe Footprints of Nimrod inthe Ancient World
K. G. Powderly Jr.K. G. Powderly Jr.
When names move fromlanguage to language, certainrules generally apply...When names move fromlanguage to language, certainrules generally apply...
The hard consonants remain most stableThe hard consonants remain most stable
Followed by easily transformed “softer”consonants, like N to M, R to D, F to V—or P, Bto V—or D, or close hards like D to T,Followed by easily transformed “softer”consonants, like N to M, R to D, F to V—or P, Bto V—or D, or close hards like D to T,
Vowels and the softest consonants, like H, arelike silly puttyVowels and the softest consonants, like H, arelike silly putty
Nimrod’s name takes manyforms, some as titlesNimrod’s name takes manyforms, some as titles
Close association exists between the SumerianKing of Uruk (Erech), Enmerkar and the GenesisNimrod, in which there are more historicalsimilarities than theoretical problems...Close association exists between the SumerianKing of Uruk (Erech), Enmerkar and the GenesisNimrod, in which there are more historicalsimilarities than theoretical problems...
En-mer-kar has the same consonants (NMR) if youconsider that the “rolling R” had an RD effect that showsup elsewhere in Genesis 10-11 (Rhodanim is sometimesrendered Dodanim), then he also has the DEn-mer-kar has the same consonants (NMR) if youconsider that the “rolling R” had an RD effect that showsup elsewhere in Genesis 10-11 (Rhodanim is sometimesrendered Dodanim), then he also has the D
Kar is Sumerian for hunter, and may be a titleKar is Sumerian for hunter, and may be a title
En and Nim (or Nin) are both words for lord in the priestlyor deified sense (the name Ninurta means both fish andLord Who Completes the Foundation—the first being thename’s original meaning, the second what it later came tomean. The Hebrew form of it came to mean Let Us Rebel.)En and Nim (or Nin) are both words for lord in the priestlyor deified sense (the name Ninurta means both fish andLord Who Completes the Foundation—the first being thename’s original meaning, the second what it later came tomean. The Hebrew form of it came to mean Let Us Rebel.)
AncientUruk—theErech ofGenesis 10AncientUruk—theErech ofGenesis 10
A statuette ofone of Uruk’skings (right)A statuette ofone of Uruk’skings (right)
Striking similarities between Nimrod andEnmerkar...Striking similarities between Nimrod andEnmerkar...
Both are associated with the building of a “tower”
Both are in accounts (one Sumero-Akkadian, theother Hebrew) that describe the confounding oflanguages from a single original tongue
Both are described as “great hunters”Both are described as “great hunters”
Both are described as having been the ruler of Uruk(the Erech of Gen. 10) early in their careersBoth are described as having been the ruler of Uruk(the Erech of Gen. 10) early in their careers
Both are described as military expansionistsBoth are described as military expansionists
Both are associated with the goddess Inanna / Ishtarby Sumero-Akkadian myth and by Hebrew legendsBoth are associated with the goddess Inanna / Ishtarby Sumero-Akkadian myth and by Hebrew legends
Was the great warrior-hunter god Ninurtaa deified Enmerkar / Nimrod?Was the great warrior-hunter god Ninurtaa deified Enmerkar / Nimrod?
There are also some problems thatrequire adequate examination...There are also some problems thatrequire adequate examination...
Enmerkar is the 2nd King of Uruk in a 2nd post-Flood dynasty preceded by a long 1st DynastyEnmerkar is the 2nd King of Uruk in a 2nd post-Flood dynasty preceded by a long 1st Dynasty
Archeology seems to show evidence of lengthlyoccupation of Mesopotamia before EnmerkarArcheology seems to show evidence of lengthlyoccupation of Mesopotamia before Enmerkar
Archaeological evidence seems to suggest afairly wide human dispersion by Enmerkar’s timeArchaeological evidence seems to suggest afairly wide human dispersion by Enmerkar’s time
While it is impossible to harmonize all of thedocumentary evidence—much of it beingpolytheist historic revisionism—there is a needfor more robust YE Creationist historical modelsfor this periodWhile it is impossible to harmonize all of thedocumentary evidence—much of it beingpolytheist historic revisionism—there is a needfor more robust YE Creationist historical modelsfor this period
There are lines of inquiry that may helpexplain these problems in the future...There are lines of inquiry that may helpexplain these problems in the future...
On the dynastic question, there are no hero epics ofthe 1st Dynasty, even though one king in it—Etanna—was said by the list to have been “taken into heaven”On the dynastic question, there are no hero epics ofthe 1st Dynasty, even though one king in it—Etanna—was said by the list to have been “taken into heaven”
Hero epics begin suddenly, and prolifically withMeshkiagashar, Enmerkar, Lugalbanda, Dumuzi andGilgamesh—the first 5 kings of the 2nd Uruk DynastyHero epics begin suddenly, and prolifically withMeshkiagashar, Enmerkar, Lugalbanda, Dumuzi andGilgamesh—the first 5 kings of the 2nd Uruk Dynasty
Some scholars suggest the 1st and 2nd Dynastieswere contemporary with each other because the 1stDynasty names are mostly Akkadian, while the 2ndDynasty names are Sumerian, which greatly shortensthe portrayed time between the Flood and EnmerkarSome scholars suggest the 1st and 2nd Dynastieswere contemporary with each other because the 1stDynasty names are mostly Akkadian, while the 2ndDynasty names are Sumerian, which greatly shortensthe portrayed time between the Flood and Enmerkar
More on Nimrod and Enmerkar...More on Nimrod and Enmerkar...
The fact that Genesis 10 does not list Nimrod withCush’s 5 other sons in verse 7, but only afterRaamah’s son’s (Cush’s grandsons), in a specialparenthetical verse, allows for the possibility thatNimrod was a grandson or great grandson of CushThe fact that Genesis 10 does not list Nimrod withCush’s 5 other sons in verse 7, but only afterRaamah’s son’s (Cush’s grandsons), in a specialparenthetical verse, allows for the possibility thatNimrod was a grandson or great grandson of Cush
Enmerkar’s father, Meshkiagasher, is also quitepossibly a Sumerian representation of Cush Enmerkar’s father, Meshkiagasher, is also quitepossibly a Sumerian representation of Cush
It is important to remember that the inspiredoriginal autograph of Genesis gives us true truth,but not often exhaustive detailed explanation—weneed to be conscious of the assumptions we carryto the text even as we seek to interpret itstraightforwardlyIt is important to remember that the inspiredoriginal autograph of Genesis gives us true truth,but not often exhaustive detailed explanation—weneed to be conscious of the assumptions we carryto the text even as we seek to interpret itstraightforwardly
Genesis on Nimrod
Gen 10:7 And the sons of Cush were Seba and Havilah, andSabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And Raamah's sons wereSheba and Dedan.Gen 10:7 And the sons of Cush were Seba and Havilah, andSabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtecha. And Raamah's sons wereSheba and Dedan.
Gen 10:8 And Cush fathered Nimrod; he began to be a mightyone in the land.Gen 10:8 And Cush fathered Nimrod; he began to be a mightyone in the land.
Gen 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah; so it is said,Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before Jehovah.Gen 10:9 He was a mighty hunter before Jehovah; so it is said,Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before Jehovah.
Gen 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, andErech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.Gen 10:10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, andErech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar.
Gen 10:11 From that land he went forth to Assyria and builtNineveh, and Rehoboth the city, and Calah,Gen 10:11 From that land he went forth to Assyria and builtNineveh, and Rehoboth the city, and Calah,
Gen 10:12 and Resen between Nineveh and Calah, which is agreat city.Gen 10:12 and Resen between Nineveh and Calah, which is agreat city.
The Other Cities of NimrodThe Other Cities of Nimrod
Kalhu (Calah in Genesis)Kalhu (Calah in Genesis)
Ziggurat at NinevehZiggurat at Nineveh
Akkad as a city is undiscovered, but it is likely a regionname rather than a city. Calneh has not been identifiedAkkad as a city is undiscovered, but it is likely a regionname rather than a city. Calneh has not been identified
Rehoboth means room orspace—likely the expandedpart of Nineveh. Resen is anoutpost on the road to KalhuRehoboth means room orspace—likely the expandedpart of Nineveh. Resen is anoutpost on the road to Kalhu
Babel or Bab-ilu means “Gate of God” in Akkadian—theearliest known Semitic Language. It was virtually synonymous to theTemple of Etemenanki, “The Foundation of Heaven and Earth”Babel or Bab-ilu means “Gate of God” in Akkadian—theearliest known Semitic Language. It was virtually synonymous to theTemple of Etemenanki, “The Foundation of Heaven and Earth”
The Sumerian term Etemenankiwas used to describe both theziggurat temple at Eridu andthe later great Babyloniantemple of Marduk. This mightmean the original Babel is atEridu, Sumer’s 1st city, insteadof Babylon—or it may be thatthe reconstructed Babylontotally excavated the originalaway, but that would be mostuntypical because allMesopotamians built over andincluded their older templeswhen they expandedThe Sumerian term Etemenankiwas used to describe both theziggurat temple at Eridu andthe later great Babyloniantemple of Marduk. This mightmean the original Babel is atEridu, Sumer’s 1st city, insteadof Babylon—or it may be thatthe reconstructed Babylontotally excavated the originalaway, but that would be mostuntypical because allMesopotamians built over andincluded their older templeswhen they expanded
Nun-Ki Ziggurat at Eridu
“The more the gods become like men, theeasier it is for men to believe the gods.When both have only human appetites, thenrogues may worship rogues...” Miller 1977
As for the archaeological suggestions of longpost-Flood human habitation and dispersal...As for the archaeological suggestions of longpost-Flood human habitation and dispersal...
The questions should be studied by YEC archaeologists indetail, though tentative possibilities are...The questions should be studied by YEC archaeologists indetail, though tentative possibilities are...
That what are often taken for hundreds or more years ofprevious habitation may actually represent rebuilding andremodeling over a much shorter time...That what are often taken for hundreds or more years ofprevious habitation may actually represent rebuilding andremodeling over a much shorter time...
Especially with immediate post-Flood longevity and rapidpopulation growthEspecially with immediate post-Flood longevity and rapidpopulation growth
Some human expanse beyond Mesopotamia is notunthinkable—refusal to “scatter abroad” could have beendriven by Nimrod’s propaganda magnifying dangers tosmall clans that had already moved away, and it is not clearthat lack of dispersal was the heart of the revolt anywaySome human expanse beyond Mesopotamia is notunthinkable—refusal to “scatter abroad” could have beendriven by Nimrod’s propaganda magnifying dangers tosmall clans that had already moved away, and it is not clearthat lack of dispersal was the heart of the revolt anyway
Enmerkar’s Grandson Gilgamesh Slays theFlood-sending Monster “Hu-Wa-Wa”Sumer’s Revisionist Theo-history:Enmerkar’s Grandson Gilgamesh Slays theFlood-sending Monster “Hu-Wa-Wa”
Hu-Wa-Wa is described as ahumaniform monster (not adinosaur) who dwelt west ofMesopotamia in the cedar forestsof what is now Lebanon. Sumerstill feared himHu-Wa-Wa is described as ahumaniform monster (not adinosaur) who dwelt west ofMesopotamia in the cedar forestsof what is now Lebanon. Sumerstill feared him
(This doesn’t mean that Nimroddidn’t hunt dragons too)(This doesn’t mean that Nimroddidn’t hunt dragons too)
Hu-Wa-Wa sent floodsHu-Wa-Wa sent floods
Is Hu-Wa-Wa a post-Babelmockery of Noah’s God Ya-Ha-WaH?Is Hu-Wa-Wa a post-Babelmockery of Noah’s God Ya-Ha-WaH?
Sumerian depictions ofHu-Wa-Wa
A Temporary Historical Backlashor Son Nimrod Sacks Papa CushA Temporary Historical Backlashor Son Nimrod Sacks Papa Cush
Shem temporarily gains an upper hand in Akkad andexiles Nimrod with his father Cush, or...Shem temporarily gains an upper hand in Akkad andexiles Nimrod with his father Cush, or...
Nimrod sacks Cush himself, and sends him, with hisother sons, and troublesome ancestors into exile by seaNimrod sacks Cush himself, and sends him, with hisother sons, and troublesome ancestors into exile by sea
Meshkiaggasher the father of Enmerkar “vanished intothe sea” according to the Sumerian accountsMeshkiaggasher the father of Enmerkar “vanished intothe sea” according to the Sumerian accounts
Gilgamesh later finds the Sumero-Akkadian “Noah” onDilmun, on or near the Island of BahrainGilgamesh later finds the Sumero-Akkadian “Noah” onDilmun, on or near the Island of Bahrain
This “Noah” may be Ham, or possibly Noah, or Shem—people politically troublesome to Nimrod’s revisionisthistory and his claims as God-King, but who would evenbe more troublesome as martyrs if executedThis “Noah” may be Ham, or possibly Noah, or Shem—people politically troublesome to Nimrod’s revisionisthistory and his claims as God-King, but who would evenbe more troublesome as martyrs if executed
Advantages of the “TemporarySemitic Backlash” Hypothesis:Advantages of the “TemporarySemitic Backlash” Hypothesis:
It gives Shem and Japheth a window to bring enough short-livedorder to the post-Babel chaos to divide the lands to the 70 originaltribes of Genesis 10, as it is hard to imagine how they could do thiswithout holding Nimrod back in some wayIt gives Shem and Japheth a window to bring enough short-livedorder to the post-Babel chaos to divide the lands to the 70 originaltribes of Genesis 10, as it is hard to imagine how they could do thiswithout holding Nimrod back in some way
The mythologies of Sumer, Canaan, and Egypt are defined bycentral “mother-son” deities in which the “son” is in some sensethe return of a “father” either killed or in some other way lost—inEgypt the myth takes the form of an “avenging son” of Osirus—Horus “Aha” the FalconThe mythologies of Sumer, Canaan, and Egypt are defined bycentral “mother-son” deities in which the “son” is in some sensethe return of a “father” either killed or in some other way lost—inEgypt the myth takes the form of an “avenging son” of Osirus—Horus “Aha” the Falcon
These myths differ as they spread—they are not “resurrectedgods”—Osirus remains in the underworld as its god, Sumer’sDumuzi (Tammuz) is returned from Underworld without dying at theplea of his grieving wife Inanna (Akkadian Ishtar)These myths differ as they spread—they are not “resurrectedgods”—Osirus remains in the underworld as its god, Sumer’sDumuzi (Tammuz) is returned from Underworld without dying at theplea of his grieving wife Inanna (Akkadian Ishtar)
Like the reforms of Josiah in Judah, this temporary victory did nothave popular support—a “son of Nimrod” overthrew it quicklyLike the reforms of Josiah in Judah, this temporary victory did nothave popular support—a “son of Nimrod” overthrew it quickly
The ‘Exodus’ of Cush and NimrodThe ‘Exodus’ of Cush and Nimrod
Dilmun
Ninurta = “fish” in Assyrian, while Narmer = “catfish” inEgyptianNinurta = “fish” in Assyrian, while Narmer = “catfish” inEgyptian
Earliest Pharaohnic Dynasty comes from CushEarliest Pharaohnic Dynasty comes from Cush
“This Falcon tribe (of Horus) had certainly originated in Elam (Susiana), as indicatedby the hero and lions on the Araq knife handle. They went down the Persian Gulf andsettled in ‘the horn of Africa.’ There they named the ‘Land of Punt,’ sacred to laterEgyptians as the source of the race. The Pun people founded the island fortress ofHa-fun which commands the whole of the coast, and hence came the Punic or Phenicpeoples of classical antiquity. ... Those who went up the Red Sea formed the dynasticinvaders of Egypt entering by the Kuseir-Koptos road. Others went on to Syria andfounded Tyre, Sidon and Aradus, named after their home islands in the Persian Gulf.”Legend―the Genesis of Civilisation, David Rohl, 1998, pp. 304-305
Boat petroglyphs from southern Egypt—Invaders fromacross the Red Sea into a “New Cush” colonyBoat petroglyphs from southern Egypt—Invaders fromacross the Red Sea into a “New Cush” colony
Rohl’s Migration MapRohl’s Migration Map
David Rohl is NOT a YE Creationist oreven a Supernaturalist, but he favorsa corrected Egyptian chronology thatfits the Old Testament much betterthan Manetho’s “Long Chronology”David Rohl is NOT a YE Creationist oreven a Supernaturalist, but he favorsa corrected Egyptian chronology thatfits the Old Testament much betterthan Manetho’s “Long Chronology”
Boats were sacred to the pharaohs of theEgyptian “Old Kingdom,” particularly the 1stDynasty though to that of Pyramid-builder KhufuBoats were sacred to the pharaohs of theEgyptian “Old Kingdom,” particularly the 1stDynasty though to that of Pyramid-builder Khufu
Unlike theEgyptian-typeboats (left & right)Earlier boats, likeearlier pyramidshad a much moreSumerian styleUnlike theEgyptian-typeboats (left & right)Earlier boats, likeearlier pyramidshad a much moreSumerian style
The earlier Sumerian-styled square-hulledboat in a Southern Egyptian petroglyphThe earlier Sumerian-styled square-hulledboat in a Southern Egyptian petroglyph
Egypt’s earliest pyramidEgypt’s earliest pyramid
The 1st Pharaoh, Horus-Aha (a.k.a. Menes), son ofNarmer, united Upper & Lower Egypt with aSumerian-styled “pear-shaped” maceThe 1st Pharaoh, Horus-Aha (a.k.a. Menes), son ofNarmer, united Upper & Lower Egypt with aSumerian-styled “pear-shaped” mace
The Gebel el-Arak Knife, found in “Upper(Southern) Egypt,” has square-hull ships,Sumerian dogs, and a “beast-master” cladin Sumerian hair-style and long coat
The “Narmer Pallette” shows Narmerexecuting his foes with a pear-shaped mace.Note the long-necked animals looping necksin a common Sumerian motif
The Footprints of Nimrod appearon 2 levels: historical & mythicalThe Footprints of Nimrod appearon 2 levels: historical & mythical
In Egypt he shows mythically as Osirus, but historically as NarmerIn Egypt he shows mythically as Osirus, but historically as Narmer
Both myth systems should be read as hostile revisionist theo-history to the God of NoahBoth myth systems should be read as hostile revisionist theo-history to the God of Noah
In Sumer he appears mythically as the war-god Ninurta, buthistorically as EnmerkarIn Sumer he appears mythically as the war-god Ninurta, buthistorically as Enmerkar
Osirus is “deceived” by his “evil” uncle/brother Set, killed, anddismembered to prevent any “magical reanimation” (one wonders if“Set” might not be a title of Shem as the appointed “Son of Seth”)Osirus is “deceived” by his “evil” uncle/brother Set, killed, anddismembered to prevent any “magical reanimation” (one wonders if“Set” might not be a title of Shem as the appointed “Son of Seth”)
Osirus’ wife Isis hid their son Horus while she chased down theseparated pieces of Osirus’ corpse, sewed them back together(except the phallus, which was eaten by fishes), and re-animatedhim to become God of the Underworld—not a resurrected god whomade appearances “to over 500 people” in the world of the livingOsirus’ wife Isis hid their son Horus while she chased down theseparated pieces of Osirus’ corpse, sewed them back together(except the phallus, which was eaten by fishes), and re-animatedhim to become God of the Underworld—not a resurrected god whomade appearances “to over 500 people” in the world of the living
Egypt’s religious ritual is modeled on this entire accountEgypt’s religious ritual is modeled on this entire account
Nimrod is the prototype “god-emperor”Nimrod is the prototype “god-emperor”
Osirus (green because he’s dead) and Isis blessing a falcon-headed pharaoh entering the UnderworldOsirus (green because he’s dead) and Isis blessing a falcon-headed pharaoh entering the Underworld
As such, he has set themold for humanhistory—at least as farback as extra-Biblicalsources can go. Onlythe Bible goes “outsidethe box” to give us thefreedom & clarity toescape the abyss ofthat tyrannyAs such, he has set themold for humanhistory—at least as farback as extra-Biblicalsources can go. Onlythe Bible goes “outsidethe box” to give us thefreedom & clarity toescape the abyss ofthat tyranny
Incurably religious Humanity—even in America—has yet to outgrow this mold on its ownIncurably religious Humanity—even in America—has yet to outgrow this mold on its own
