The story of Jacob is full of many astounding events. Jacob wrestling the angel, who stands for God, is probably greatest among them. But what I found most interesting about this episode is what happens after. For once the wrestling match is over, Jacob asks the man (whom he knows to be God), "Tell me by what name art thou called?" (Genesis 32:29). But God does not give an answer. Again I allude to the metaphor of the puzzle. Obviously this is one piece of the puzzle that God does not yet want to reveal. It is not until Exodus 6:3 ("...my name ADONAI I did not show them.") that God points us to Himself in a more specific way, by means of His Sacred Name. Throughout Genesis we know that there is One Supreme God Who is worshipped by Noah, Abraham, Isaac, and others. But we also know that most people worshipped many other gods. The One True God, to most people living in the days chronicled in Genesis, was just one of many gods. Very few understood Him to be the only God. When we start to learn clues as to the name of the One True God, we see a definite elucidation of monotheism. The issue of God's name has always fascinated me. I'm sure I'll be writing more on it as I go.
Good observations! I am enjoying reading your blog, and seeing the journey you are taking. I thought I might jump in on the whole "name of God" thing.
ReplyDeleteThe name given in your translation of Exodus 6:3 is not what is printed in the Hebrew. "Adonai" (ok, Hebrew fonts are not supported here) is a title which means "lord." What is really there is a word that is traditionally spelled in English YHWH. However, many translators see this name as being too sacred to say or even spell, so they insert Adonai instead. You can tell in most English translations when the Hebrew is using YHWH because the term "LORD" will be in all capital letters. This is a way for the translator to tell the reader that the actual name is being used.
As to the name itself, it can be loosely translated into "I am" or "I am what I am" (no Popeye reference intended). It is also where we get the name Yahweh for God (people inserted English vowels), and where Jehovah comes from (YaHoWaH).
I look forward to your next blog!
-Rob
Thanks for clearing that up. The commentary I've been reading did make mention of the fact that ADONAI was used as a signifier for "The Lord." So I probably should have included that in my post. My commentary also mentions the fact that apparently the proper pronunciation of the name of God has been lost due to disuse, which I find pretty interesting. The way it's written in my text is Jod, He, Vau, He -- which I'm assuming is what translates to "I AM WHO AM." But again, these are only the vowels of the actual name put together. What the actual name is I guess will remain a mystery.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're enjoying my blog! I hope you'll continue to provide insight as I go (I'm sure I'll need it!)