Genesis 13 – Names
Dear Ones, The Torah’s portrayal of Abram is fascinating. For 98 years, he was known as Abram; then, on his 99th birthday, the Lord appeared to him and changed his name to Abraham. From Genesis 11.26 – Genesis 17.5, he was known as Abram and, after that, as Abraham. At the same time, his wife, Sarai’s name, was changed to Sarah. For the Lord to Change, One’s name is uncommon. It is the exception! Later on in the Holy Scriptures, Abraham’s grandson, Jacob’s name was changed to Israel by the Lord. The Lord changed the name of three individuals from the same family.
Esau became known as Edom. Joseph was known as Zaphenath-paneah to Pharoah and the Egyptians. Hagar changed her name to Keturah. These are not the same as the Lord changing one’s name.
Holy Scripture States, ‘Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God,’ Genesis 6.9. Later the Torah states, the Lord said to Abraham, ‘I am Almighty God; walk before me, and be perfect,’ Genesis 17.1.
Even though Abraham’s father, Tara, was an idol maker who raised Abraham to worship idols, Abraham discovers the Lord God. Abraham lived during Noah, Shem [aka Melchizedek], and Eber’s lives. He learned Torah Observances from them. Perhaps we should reflect on how unique it was for Abraham to study with Noah, Shem [aka Melchizedek], and Eber. Abraham received firsthand information about life before the flood, during the flood and after the flood from Noah and Shem. Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk, My Bible Journal (Cedar Hill, Missouri – B’nai Noach Torah Institute, LLC Publishers, 2013) p 42
After the flood had passed, Noah builds an altar and offers burnt sacrifices to the Lord God. Holy Scripture Informs us that Abraham did likewise. Abraham Journeyed down to Egypt. It’s like Abraham got off course for a short time. Genesis 13 Informs us that Abraham returned to the place where he built his first altar. There Abraham called in the name of the Lord. Abraham recognized the Lord as God.
The Name of The Lord is HOLY! How Holy is The Name of The Lord? His Name is Holier than words can express. I am speaking of the two-letter name of the Lord – Yud Kay and the four-letter name of the Lord – Yud Kay Vav Kay. We who are mortals do not know the degrees of holiness for these Names of the Lord. That is why some write L-rd and G-d with a dash in place of the o.
The Lord God Says, ‘I Am Holy’ in Leviticus 11.45. The Word Holy is Kadosh, meaning Separate. We are to keep the Lord’s name separate from all other names. Also, some use HaShem AdoShem Adonia instead of Lord. These are customs some choose to follow.
As we learned in the two previous discussions, the words we choose are important. Our country is in turmoil. That is in part due to the horrible words politicians use and their self serving actions. We need spiritual people to be spiritual. We need modern-day leaders and teachers like Noah, Sarah, Abraham, and Israel to step up. Holiness is severely lacking in our world. For our world to be a better, safer place, we must step up. We must answer the call.
Good Sabbath! A Happy, Joyful, Peaceful, and loving Sabbath.
Blessings and peace,
Dr. Akiva Gamliel Belk
