An interesting thing I've learned and many probably have known for a long time is that in Torah the names of the books or scrolls come from the first words of the text. Unlike the Latin translations and English translations that have exercised more freedom in name choices.
As I completed reading Exodus this week I thought I would record an interesting teaching I received.
What importance is found in the restating names to start the book?
These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt
Exodus 1:1
We've seen this phrase before.
Now these are the names of the descendants of Israel who came into Egypt.
Gen 46:8
I am fairly certain the Hebrew is the same, but the English translators chose slightly different words.
Why repeat the list of names in the next book?
What seems to change is verse 7 in Exodus.
But the people of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong, so that the land was filled with them.
Gen 1:7 ESV
Since we've read all of Genesis we recognize a phrase and a promise. Genesis 1 and Genesis 15.
And he brought him outside and said, “Look toward heaven, and number the stars, if you are able to number them.” Then he said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
Gen 15:5
Abraham's offspring will be fruitful and multiply. So perhaps this is the reason to repeat the names of the children of Israel and to name the book Shemot, Names. God's word is trustworthy.
For God promised Abraham descendants as innumerable as the stars.
But there is more to that story as perhaps Abraham delays in walking the blood path covenant and God in turns accepts both parts of the covenant (another lesson to dive into).
Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years.
Gen 15:13-14
A warning that they will be sojourners and servants with 400 years of affliction.
The first paragraph of Exodus serves as a message to us the reader that God's word is true. We see that Abraham's offspring multiplying greatly.
And now we realize the foreshadowing. The names remind us of the covenants and promises of God.
Affliction is coming.
The title of the book and the first paragraph are a link to the past and foreshadowing the future promises to be fulfilled.
More to Learn
I am not yet seeing these links in the text on my own. I see the hints but I don't yet connect all the dots on my own without going to great teachers of the text to help uncover. The text is so rich and dense with history and lessons. Hopefully with continued reading, study, writing, and prayer I will begin to make connections on my own.
Breadcrumbs
