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The Hebrew Word
שְׁמוֹת [shemot] means "names". It is the plural form of the masculine Hebrew noun, שֵׁם [shem- Strong's #8034], which by implication can mean "honor", "authority", or "character". The word is used 852 times in 765 verses in the Tanakh.
First use in Scripture
The first time shem is used in Scripture is in Genesis 2.
The name of the first is Pishon; it flows around the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. (Genesis 2:11)
Last use in Scripture
The last time shem is used in Scripture is in Malachi 4.
"But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. (Malachi 4:2)
This is the same "last instance" verse as Parashah Vayetze.
Parashah Outline
- Israel Multiplies in Egypt - Exodus 1:1
- The Birth of Moses - Exodus 2:1
- Moses Escapes to Midian - Exodus 2:15
- The Burning Bush - Exodus 3:1
- The Mission of Moses - Exodus 3:10
- Moses Given Powers - Exodus 4:1
- Aaron to Speak for Moses - Exodus 4:14
- Israel's Labor Increases - Exodus 5:1
- G-d Promises Action - Exodus 6:1
Portraits of Messiah
As we saw in the previous parashyot, the life, character, and events surrounding Joseph presented some clear pictures of the Messiah. In an even greater manner, we will see in the remainder of the Torah that Moses presents a similar image. I've written a separate article that records some of the parallels between Moses and Yeshua.
Other Observations
Was Moses a Murderer?
At the beginning of chapter 2 (Exodus 2:11-15), we read that Moses took the life of an Egyptian in an apparent case of murder. Does this mean that G-d gave the Law through a law-breaker... a murderer?
Here are some observations:
The same word that is used to describe the manner in which the Egyptian was beating a Hebrew slave ( נכה - nakah) is used to describe the way Moses responded and beat the Egyptian. It was an equal measure of force: an "eye for an eye," so to speak.
Two specific points should be considered when evaluating the charge of "murder" against Moses.
- Nowhere in the whole of Scripture is Moses charged with murder by G-d or anyone else. However, this is an argument from silence.
- Genesis 9:6 tells us, "Whoever sheds man's blood, By man his blood shall be shed, For in the image of God He made man." Moses responded with a force equal to that which the Egyptian was using in obedience to the commandment to take the life of a murderer.
I AM WHO I AM
In this week's parashah, G-d's special Name י-ח-ו-ח (separated here by dashes out of reverence for the holiness of the Name), the Name by which G-d says He shall be remembered throughout all generations (Exodus 3:15) is made known to Moses. The true pronunciation of this name was lost (likely during the Babylonian captivity), and out of reverence for the holiness of this special name, we do not try to pronounce it but instead follow the tradition of saying Adonai (which is Hebrew for "Lord"). This is consistent with English translations of Scripture, which translate this special name as LORD (big capital "L" small capitals "ord"). When writing regarding this name, the Hebraic tradition is to use HaShem (literally "the name").
Moses mentions that the Israelites will ask him, "What is His name?" G-d's answer is often translated in the tradition of the King James Version: "I AM WHO I AM". Daniel Lancaster, in the Torah Club Volume 1 audio commentary, notes that the Hebrew words in this passage אהיה אשׁך אהיה [eh'yeh asher eh'yeh] are in the "imperfect tense" and might better be translated "I WILL BE THAT WHICH I WILL BE." Rather than just a statement of his existence ("I AM"), the Hebrew indicates G-d's unchanging and eternal character. He will be that which He will be... forever.
In this revelation of G-d's eternal, unchanging nature and character, we can find comfort and the certain knowledge that G-d will keep the covenants that He has made. It is in his very nature. If we somehow think that G-d is changing (in any regard), then it is likely our perception that has changed rather than G-d.
Yitro, Moshe's father-in-law
Several verses provide insight into Yitro and the various names that Scripture uses for him. I have compiled several observations regarding Yitro in this article.
Commandments In the Parashah
None of the traditional 613 commandments are found within this parashah.
Related Verses In the Torah
A list of the sons of Israel (Genesis 46:8-27).
Enumeration of the sons of Israel (Genesis 46:26-27, Deuteronomy 10:22).
Related Verses In the Prophets
Pending
Related Verses In the Writings
Pending
Related Verses In the Apostolic Writings
Pending
Appendix
765 verses that include shem (Strong's #8034)
View the list of verses on BlueLetterBible.com
