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Hey FHC... dont know if there's much more to discuss...
the only remaining issue i think... is the importance. because you dont seem to attach much to it... but I see it as a fundamental building block :)
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07-13-2007, 10:31 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-13-2007, 10:33 AM by wel_mel_2.)
Bismillah: Assalamo Alikum.
Just wanted to share this with you all.
I got in touch with Rabbi Aaron Parry, and I asked him few questions about the term "Elohim" and why "US" and "WE" were used when God refered to Himself in the OT. And this was his reply:
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Shalom Wael,
Thank you for your question. The exact meaning of the
word Elohim is a bit complex, for in the Torah we find
it used in at least 3 contexts, it can mean God (as
the judge or strict creator of the world), it can
connote an angel (as we find by Abraham and Moshe and
Aaron when they come be for the Pharoah), and it can
mean a judge. The root is the word El, which means
"mighty."
Eventhough the name Elohim appears to be in the
plural, <b>it should not be construed to have anything to</b>
do with the Trinity as it is understood by most of
Christianity. It merely means that God has many
attributes.
When for instance, however, such as in Genesis 1:26
where God says "let us (or shall we) create man in our
image," the Jewish sages explain that God was speaking
to none other than His own created being, the angelic
forces. He was essentially teaching humility, implying
that it is appropriate for someone of highter
authority to take counsel with someone beneath him.
God certainly didn't need any help from angels to
create man - He wanted to demonsrate humility. <b>It</b>
never implies that He was consulting beings of equal
status as his.
May Elohim bless us in our effort to understand His
truth.
Shalom,
rabbi aaron parry ravparry@yahoo.com
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I also asked him the followings:
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Dear Rabbi Aaron, Assalamo Alikum.
What do you say of those who interpret the words "US" and "WE" as plural of majesty? Is there any plural of majesty/respect found in the Hebrew language as it is found in Arabic? Could you please provide some examples from the OT or from the Hebrew language in general?
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but i got no reply yet. insh a Allah will share with you his view point when i receive his response.
Salam :)
Wael.
