The fullest explanation of the theology of the new religion comes from a hymn carved on the walls of several tombs at Amarna. The most elaborate version is incorporated in the west wall of the tomb of Aye, a favorite courtier of Akhenaten. All indications are that Akhenaten himself composed it. Although written centuries before the Old Testament, it has a similar tone. In fact, scholars find resemblances to Psalm 104.
Splendid you rise in heavens lightland,
O living Aten, creator of life!
When you have dawned in eastern lightland,
You fill every land with your beauty.
Your are beauteous, great, radiant,
High over every land;
Your rays embrace the lands,
To the limit of all that you made.
Reign Re, you reach their limits,
You bend them (for) the sons whom you love;
Though you are far, your rays are on earth,
Though one sees you, your strides are unseen . . .
How many are your deeds,
Though hidden from sight,
O Sole God beside whom there is none!
You made the earth as you wished, you alone,
All peoples, herds, and flocks:
All upon earth that walk on legs,
All on high that fly on wings,
The lands ofKhor and Kush,
The land of Egypt.
You set up every man in his place,
You supply their needs;
Everyone has his food,
His lifetime is counted.
Their tongues differ in speech,
Their skins are distinct,
For you distinguished the peoples . . .
You are in my heart,
There is no other who knows you,
Only your son, Nefer-khepru-re, Sole one of Re,
Whom you have taught your ways and might.
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