First what I would like to talk about is the assimilation of beliefs/religions to correspond with different one's. This is a part of religion that I find amazing. How most religions came from a polytheist, pagan background to end up as monotheist and they all correspond with an earlier "primitive" belief.

The assimilation of Baal and Yahweh was an interesting segment in the book. For example, they both were great men that lived on a mountain. They both had battle with a sea monster to save the world from the flooding chaos. Like Murduk, Yahweh split a monster to lay the new foundations of the world. Both of these "gods" were also called El Elyon at some point.
Then the point of wanting to get rid of pagan ideals, when in fact the buildings were started pagan and had pagan artifacts inside even while they had their monotheist worship.

Another idea I find interesting is using the religion until something more favorable arises or a better "option" may be seen. For example, the Kingdom of Judah and the vassal of Israel who both had different "religions". Yet, because if the treaty between these two were to be made then they could both fight Damascus. In order for this to happen Jehoram and Athaliah married to create this treaty.

The last idea is using your "god" as a war hero. I find this highly amazing and in a way contradictory. This was relevant in Joshua claiming his "god" giving him the right to use excessive force to take back the land. It is also seen when the Assyrians become plague ridden and Yahweh is praised for that action.

In general, I enjoyed these readings and find it an almost "everyman" aspect because these are seen in almost every history book. Whether it is assimilation of religions, religion for a business type venture or using your religion as more of a scare tactic then a way to live by. I just always see these ideas interesting and easily seen throughout history and really stood out to me while reading this book.