The debate is whether אל is being used as a common or proper noun. It appears
to be an attributive construction, but the phrase itself often functions as
though it's a proper noun.
Not sent from my iPad (coz I don't have one)
GEORGE ATHAS
Director of Postgraduate Studies,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia
Karl is correct, that the word אל is a common noun for 'deity'. However, it
is often used practically as a Proper Name for the president or father of the
gods in the Canaanite pantheon. This is confirmed in Ugaritic, for example.
However, in Hebrew, it is very rarely used that way, if ever (it's
occasionally debated, though).
GEORGE ATHAS
Director of Postgraduate Studies,
Moore Theological College (moore.edu.au)
Sydney, Australia
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