The two foremost and challenging innovations of Israelite theology – the idea of divine intervention in history (evidenced by the Exodus), and the transformation of Israel into the people of YHWH (following the Sinai covenant) – are reanalyzed here. Concerning the Exodus, the Song of the Sea (Exodus 15) develops an interpretation of the miracle of the sea inspired by the purifying process of cupellation. The Sinai covenant appears as the climax of a process of metamorphosis of the Israelites beginning with the first Passover celebration, which is inspired by the rites of passage traditionally integrating the young petitioner within the esoteric society of metalworkers. In the Exodus epic, this initiation-like process culminates with the Decalogue apparently borrowed from esoteric metallurgical traditions. These findings confirm the reuse of the metallurgical traditions of ancient Yahwism in the construction of the Israelite identity and its early theology.

Spirituality/religion – and even the lack thereof – are integral elements of the human condition. Clinicians trained in child and adolescent mental health are in a unique position to understand religious and spiritual aspects of developmental, biological, psychological, sociological and family processes that inform psychopathology, multiple treatment modalities, coping and resiliency. Evidence-based studies of specific methods for integrating spirituality/religion into child and adolescent treatment are less robust than for adult patients, but spiritually sensitive therapy offers hope and healing for children, as it does for adults. Family therapy is also becoming a preferred treatment modality to address religious and spiritual concerns in multifaith, or conservative, families of diverse faith traditions, religious minorities, and with religious and spiritual issues arising with LGBT+ youth. All clinicians working with children and adolescents can benefit from understanding the role of spirituality in their lives and those of their families.

Chapter 8 explores the elusive representation of kin groups in decline, when association with powerful upcoming groups would be pursued. ANOC IV commemorates the union of a scribe and the daughter of the vizier's doorkeeper, demonstrating how marriage could be seen as survival strategy.

There is no evidence for preferential or prescriptive unions in ancient Egyptian sources, nor is there explicit evidence for any proscription. Incest as a regulation of abhorrent sexual behaviour is hence not applicable to ancient Egypt, and evidence for the existence of consanguineous marriages, particularly brother–sister marriages, is outlined. The importance of rank, hierarchy, identity and economic considerations need consideration when analysing marriage as a survival strategy.

The chapter finally discusses the role of rites of passage in the construction of individual identity, in the strengthening of existing social links and the creation of new groups. The socialising aspect of rites of passage is brought to the forefront when age groups are considered; these are difficult to identify in the ancient Egyptian sources, but they are a productive approach to assess the relational nature of personhood.