Ra vs. Shem

Attribute	Ra	Shem
God of	Sun	Heaven
Symbol	Sun disk	Unknown
Role	Creator and ruler of the universe	God of the sky and creator of the earth
Worshiped in	Ancient Egypt	Ancient Mesopotamia

Origins

Ra, the ancient Egyptian sun god, is one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. He is often depicted as a man with the head of a falcon and a sun disk on his head. Ra was believed to have created himself out of the primordial chaos and then created all other gods and beings. He was considered the ruler of the gods and the bringer of light and warmth to the world.

Shem, on the other hand, is a figure from the Bible, specifically from the Book of Genesis. He is one of the sons of Noah and is said to be the ancestor of the Semitic peoples. Shem is not a god like Ra, but rather a human figure who played a significant role in the biblical narrative of the Great Flood and the survival of humanity.

Attributes

Ra is associated with the sun and is often depicted as a powerful and majestic figure. He is considered the creator of all life and the ruler of the gods. Ra is also associated with order and justice, as he was believed to maintain balance in the world. Followers of Ra would often pray to him for protection and guidance.

Shem, on the other hand, is portrayed as a more humble and obedient figure in the Bible. He is depicted as a righteous man who obeyed the commands of God and was rewarded for his faithfulness. Shem's descendants were said to have been blessed by God and given a special place in the world.

Roles

Ra's role in Egyptian mythology was that of the supreme deity who created and maintained the world. He was responsible for the rising and setting of the sun, which was seen as a daily cycle of death and rebirth. Ra was also believed to protect the pharaoh and ensure the prosperity of Egypt.

Shem's role in the Bible was that of a survivor of the Great Flood and the ancestor of many nations. He was seen as a link between the past and the future, connecting the pre-flood world with the post-flood world. Shem's descendants were believed to have spread out and populated the earth, fulfilling God's command to be fruitful and multiply.

Legacy

Ra's legacy can be seen in the continued worship of the sun in various cultures around the world. The ancient Egyptians built temples and monuments to honor Ra, and his influence can still be felt in modern-day beliefs and practices. Ra's image as a powerful and benevolent deity has endured through the centuries.

Shem's legacy is more tied to his descendants and their impact on history. The Semitic peoples, believed to be descended from Shem, have played a significant role in the development of Western civilization. The Abrahamic religions, including Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, trace their origins back to Shem and his family.