Take, for instance, the wars in the ancient Near East. Here, gods were directly involved in the affairs of states. The Bible tells us of King David, a figure revered and yet complex. Among his many military exploits, one curious and somewhat unsettling account is his collection of Philistine foreskins. This act, seemingly bizarre to modern sensibilities, was a brutal symbol of victory and divine favor. It's a stark reminder of how religion and violence were intertwined, with physical proof of conquest seen as a testament to divine approval.