Assignment task 1: On pages 409-419, Stiebing and Helft present various types of evidence for Yahweh's identity with the Canaanite gods, El and Ba'al, as well as crucial moves made under King Josiah of Judah in the 7th century BCE to disassociate Yahweh from other deities and make him the exclusive focus of worship among the Judeans.
Describe one line of reasoning that leads scholars to accept the identity of Yahweh and El or Ba'al and explain why you find it convincing or unconvincing.
Assignment task 2: One line of reasoning that leads scholars to accept the identity of Ba'al is he was considered a true and or real person with the first name Hadad Ba'al. It was said that Ba'al was actually a title meaning lord or master, according to the text on page 410. However, it was noted that Ba'al was the son of El. El's name was commonly used in reference to God. With this being said, and artifacts founds by archaeologist it is convincing that they can accept the identity of Ba'al. I would have to agree with the scholars and accept the identity of Ba'al providing them with a first name is for me convincing enough.
What do you think Josiah gained by promoting the cult of Yahweh?