I enjoyed your post very much! Even though my knowledge of Hebrew is limited, I did recognize most of the names of G-d that you've listed -- from prayers. Also noteworthy: another version of the unpronounceable name of G-d: "Jehovah." (There is no "J" in the Hebrew alphabet.) Good grief! 🔯
" textbook unabashedly named this “Yahweh” one among other ‘gods’ of foreign and long-gone nations within the same paragraph. "
What is wrong about it? If you read original Genesis in Hebrew it is what it says. Elohim YHWH created humans. Then the same Elohim YHWH made an agreement with Abraham. This is not your textbook, this is Torah.
Thanks for responding Marina. I may not have made myself clear, or maybe I don't understand your comment fully. My objection is not actually to the use of the word YHWH ---which I stated I don't even like the sound of YAWEH... (actually it is YHVH so the translation itself is off, there is no "W" sound in biblical Hebrew), my issue is with the academic language used. YHVH should not be dismissed or lumped together with other gods/deities of ancient civilizations. Yes, Torah is an ancient text, but is very much alive today....unlike any other ancient civilizations' sacred texts.
"YHVH should not be dismissed or lumped together with other gods/deities of ancient civilizations". Torah is what it is. I do not think we should edit it. I love original.
As a matter of fact, knowing that "Elohim" does not mean God, but "Elohim YHWH" means God, makes Torah much more meaningful, consistent. This is what I believe.
I enjoyed your post very much! Even though my knowledge of Hebrew is limited, I did recognize most of the names of G-d that you've listed -- from prayers. Also noteworthy: another version of the unpronounceable name of G-d: "Jehovah." (There is no "J" in the Hebrew alphabet.) Good grief! 🔯
Thank you for commenting. Yes! Agree totally…no “J” in Hebrew, not to mention the injunction in Judaism that YHVH is unpronounceable).
I created my own blog on Judaism abouttorah.substack.com
I extensively elaborate on the questions of God's name based on the "New Translation" by James Tabor.
" textbook unabashedly named this “Yahweh” one among other ‘gods’ of foreign and long-gone nations within the same paragraph. "
What is wrong about it? If you read original Genesis in Hebrew it is what it says. Elohim YHWH created humans. Then the same Elohim YHWH made an agreement with Abraham. This is not your textbook, this is Torah.
Thanks for responding Marina. I may not have made myself clear, or maybe I don't understand your comment fully. My objection is not actually to the use of the word YHWH ---which I stated I don't even like the sound of YAWEH... (actually it is YHVH so the translation itself is off, there is no "W" sound in biblical Hebrew), my issue is with the academic language used. YHVH should not be dismissed or lumped together with other gods/deities of ancient civilizations. Yes, Torah is an ancient text, but is very much alive today....unlike any other ancient civilizations' sacred texts.
"YHVH should not be dismissed or lumped together with other gods/deities of ancient civilizations". Torah is what it is. I do not think we should edit it. I love original.
As a matter of fact, knowing that "Elohim" does not mean God, but "Elohim YHWH" means God, makes Torah much more meaningful, consistent. This is what I believe.
Of course, no one is suggesting that Torah should be edited. Continue your learning!
Let us continue learning!