Ethiopia and Zion

If, like we postulated in class on Wednesday, the Kebra Negast was written in order to build community pride and unity, the writers did a very good job. Especially in Part II of the reading, many passages proclaimed Ethiopia's privileged status in God's eyes. First, the merchant Tamrin counters an Israelite's claim that the promised land is much better than Ethiopia, saying that the only thing Ethiopia lacks that the Israelites have is wisdom (44-45). This passage surprised me quite a bit, actually, because the Bible does describe Canaan as the land of milk and honey (although I don't remember the exact reference right now), and it seems arrogant of the Ethiopians to say that their country is even better than that. However, such a belief works very well in giving the Ethiopians something to be proud of. In the course of this story, though, they get something much more impressive even than that--Zion (the ark of the covenant). Not only do they bring Zion (and therefore God's dwelling place and presence) into Ethiopia, but they also are escorted by an angel. Their whole caravan is lifted off the ground as they travel, and they make such good time that wise Solomon doesn't believe it at first (78-79, 87). How much more blessed could they be than that? This whole incident follows an extended description of the great and numerous blessings that God bestows on those kings who please him by following his word (56-58). Later in the reading, Solomon confesses to God that he has not been following the word and this is the cause of his misfortune, but the Ethiopians apparently have been diligent and therefore are reaping the benefits (93).

In a dream on the night of his son's conception, Solomon saw a bright sun rise up, leave Israel forever, and settle in Ethiopia (35). Although he didn't realize it at the time, this sun is Zion, and Israel loses its privilege forever when Zion leaves the country. Ethiopia then can make a valid claim as the most blessed nation. Ethiopia had already been granted all the land East to India (and even further than that), so with this considerable territory coupled with God's very presence with them through Zion, it's no surprise that they developed a belief of their nation's superiority (53). I'd personally be interested in learning more about Ethiopian Christianity, so isolated as to allow--presumably--for exaggerated claims of its own uniqueness. The idea that Ethiopia is so special and privileged doesn't seem to gel very easily with the rest of the Bible and its continued discussion of Israel's chosen status as far as I can tell. But I don't know a lot about the issue, so I'm in no position to judge it.