A "Marvel" is something that causes wonder, admiration, or astonishment; a wonderful thing.
"But Moses said to the people,
“Don’t be afraid! Stand still,
and see the salvation of ADONAI,
which He will perform for you today. You have seen the Egyptians today, but you will never see them again, ever! ADONAI will fight for you,
while you hold your Shalom (peace).”
- Exodus 14:13-14 TLV
The New Testament used the word “marvel” to describe a person's reaction to seeing God's supernatural activity.
Luke 24, "Peter marveled at the empty tomb."
Superman is the first comic book superhero, a cultural icon and an archetype for those that came after him. Superman, the Mensch of Steel, is a Jewish response of Jews needing a Messiah when Hilter and the Nazis were seemingly taking over the world. If there wasn't so much antisemitism, Clark Kent and Superman would have been openly Jewish. Superman, like many Jews, hid his Jewish past. The creators of the Superman character new that for commercial success a Jewish Superman was not a winning formula.
Many have traded the Bible stories for Marvel superheroes. Marvel comics was founded in 1939 by a young Jew named Martin Goodman as "Timely Comics," and by 1951 had generally become known as Atlas Comics.
Almost all of Marvel’s superheroes were co-created by Jews, including Captain America, Fantastic Four, Hulk, Thor, Ant-Man, Iron Man, Avengers, X-Men, Silver Surfer, Black Panther and many others. And they were more than just playful fantasies—they were wish-fulfillment avatars of their creators, drawing on Jewish culture and folklore to fight Nazis, bigotry and intolerance.
Speaking of comics, the first "comic relief" was also in the bible. Genesis 18.12 -- "And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have become worn out, will I have smooth flesh? And also, my master is old." Genesis 17.19 -- And God said, "Indeed, your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you shall name him Isaac," (He will laugh).
Jews have been on the lookout for the Messiah for thousands of years. Christians found the Messiah in the "Son of David."
The Truth is that fictitious "superheroes" won't save the world. Only the One True God and the Messiah will. There is no substitute Messiah. Only a relationship with God will enable us to "hold your peace." Abide in Adonai -- Putting our faith in worthless idols is fools play.
Jonah 2.8 puts it best. It has been translated several ways but the meaning is the same:
- "They who cling to empty folly Forsake their own welfare." Sefaria
- "They that observe lying vanities forsake their own mercy." KJV
- "Those who cling to worthless idols turn away from God’s love for them." NIV
The Jewish Messiah Isn't in a comic strip!
SHALOM
P.S. Here is a prior blog post I wrote about Superman as savior.