The exaltation of Inanna

'The Exaltation of Inanna' is a Sumerian hymn attributed to Enheduanna, who is often cited as the earliest named author in history; the work addresses the goddess Inanna with vivid, powerful imagery.

In the podcast, John Dickson contrasts its tone and portrayal of deity with the more personal, covenantal relationship found in the Psalms.

The hymn exemplifies Mesopotamian religious literature, where gods are portrayed as mighty and often terrifying, differing from the biblical depiction of a transcendent yet personal God. Its historical significance lies in its age and authorship, illuminating ancient Near Eastern contexts relevant to biblical studies.

The episode uses it to highlight how biblical genres and expectations differ from neighboring cultures' writings.