Biblical Hebrew Forum

["Rev. Bryant J. Williams III" <bjwvmw AT com-pair.net>]

Dear Cornelius,

 

I would think that the issue of "name" is much more broad than how we understand it in English. In fact, Shem = Name is not really that close since Shem has a much broader connotation in Hebrew than is normally found in English.

 

I would probably indicate that the Israelites were going to ask not only about the "name" as we understand in English, but also the "character, nature, reputation" of God. Thus, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" would not only indicate to the Israelite the eternality of God, but the stories about the founding Patriarchs of the Israelites would also know about His omnipotence, etc. Thus, when Moses asks regarding what name is he going to tell the Israelites, then God answers with 'EHYH 'ASHER 'EHYH...'EHYH (LXX: EGW EIMI hO WN...hO WN).

 

Cornelius asked:

And why exactly do they need the divine name in their particular situation?

 

Bryant responds:

I would say that the Israelites have been praying to God for a long time. God in Exodus 3 has said that He has heard their prayers. Furthermore, it would seem to the Israelites after praying for more than 400 yrs, that their God was impotent, deaf, dumb, blind to their situation? Most likely, knowing the frailties of the human condition and nature especially of those who have been bondage for 400 yrs.

 

Who is this God that you say has sent you Moses? Is He able to change our situtation? You get the picture. All of these questions and more are behind the question of Moses about the Name of the God who sent him. Subsequent events would prove to the Israelites who YHWH would be. Even in their unbelief later, did God prove who He is.

 

Rev. Bryant J. Williams II