The bulk of the Bible, from generation to generation, was written when the weaknesses of state power were most apparent. The portable scroll-book became the countervailing force to the sword. Once that happened, the idea that Jewish life was Jewish words, and they could and would endure beyond the vicissitudes of power, the loss of land, the subjection of people, took off into history. Since other monotheistic book-faiths allied word and sword rather than divorced them, this would turn out to be a uniquely Jewish vision.
The core of the Bible was created during times when the frailty of state influence was clearly visible. This resulted in the development of the scroll-book, serving as a powerful alternative to military might. The realization that Jewish identity and existence were rooted in their sacred words allowed their enduring legacy to flourish, surviving through challenges such as land loss and oppression.
Unlike other monotheistic faiths that combined religious authority with political power, this distinctive Jewish perspective emphasized the separation of word and sword. Such a vision has been a significant aspect of Jewish history, highlighting the resilience of Jewish life and culture through the ages.
