Astrology in the Ancient Near East and Judea

Despite Old Testament injunctions against astrology and astrolatry (Deuteronomy 4:19; Isaiah 47:13-15), the Jews of the Hellenistic and Roman period were certainly familiar with the symbols and practice of astrology. This is testified in various texts (notably in the Dead Sea Scrolls from Qumran and in the Talmud) and in archaeological finds such as the mosaic zodiac in the synagogue at Beth Alpha.


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