“Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble, a place for planting vineyards. I will pour her stones into the valley and lay bare her foundations. All her idols will be broken to pieces; all her temple gifts will be burned with fire; I will destroy all her images. Since she gathered her gifts from the wages of prostitutes, as the wages of prostitutes they will again be used.” (Micah 1:6-7)

The god of Abraham and Moses was cherished in Samaria.

But the people also honored Ba'al, a god of fertility, son of El, creator of the universe.

In some readings, El becomes the biblical Yahweh.

The god of Abraham and Moses could at times seem distant, abstract, uncaring...

Ba'al was earthy, sensual, and responsive.

Where do we look for that which we do not find in our God?

Why do we want it? Do we need it? What will we give to get it?