Final answer:
The discussion suggests that while the Hebrew Bible contains stories with similarities to Mesopotamian legends, it does not necessarily mean Israel borrowed directly from surrounding religions. The differences in narrative motivations and the role of these texts in society suggest a complex interaction that goes beyond mere borrowing.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question you've presented seems to be a part of a broader discussion about the influence of surrounding cultures on religious texts, specifically those of the Hebrew Bible. Based on the reference information, it is false that Longman considers mythological allusions in the Hebrew Bible as examples of Israel borrowing from surrounding religions. Instead, it suggests that while similarities exist between stories in the Hebrew Bible and earlier Mesopotamian legends, such analogies do not necessarily indicate direct borrowing. It is highlighted that the flood narrative in the Book of Genesis has parallels with the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh. Additionally, the account of Moses shares similarities with the story of Sargon the Great. Furthermore, the distinctive motivations of the deities in these stories indicate a divergence rather than a simple act of borrowing.
There is also an implication about the function of religious or mythological texts in society. These texts, whether from Ancient India, China, or the Jewish tradition, are intricately woven into the fabric of human societies, providing a framework for understanding life's purpose and the cosmos infused with supernatural significance. Some ancient cultures did adopt elements from others, as shown by the Greeks' adoption of the Phoenician alphabet, but simplistic claims of borrowing without methodological justification are critiqued.