1. You are right, except that I would refrain from using
"predecessor", as it could imply an assertion for a linear
development of the Hebrew language, whereas we see internal evidence
(say in the equivalent verbal forms piel and hifil) that Hebrew
expanded in parallel strains.
2. I see the preposition L as a contracted adhered EL אל or AL על
Isaac Fried, Boston University
On Feb 15, 2012, at 10:57 PM, George Athas wrote:
The theoretical predecessor of the preposition ל was probably למו.