Complimentary Story
Editor, Wisconsin Christian News:Proverbs 30 is probably not turned to very often in studying Christian doctrine, but verse 4 has something to say in that regard. Please, read that verse:
“Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? Who hath gathered the wind in His fists? Who hath bound the waters in a garment? Who hath established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?”
Here I will only set out the basics. Agur asks four “who” questions, that are best answered by “GOD.” The King James Bible translates a fifth question as, “What is His name and what is His Son’s name, if thou canst tell?”
The NIV has that last part as, “Tell me if you know?” However, my Interlinear Bible reads, “Surely you know,” and I’m inclined to agree with the latter. Please read further, at least through verse 9, a short of the Hebrew phrase may also be helpful.
Despite his professions of ignorance earlier, it seems Agur knew at least part of the answer. In an earlier letter to WCN (Volume 21, Issue 5, p. 20) titled “The Hallowed Name,” I wrote upon the topic. I’ll recap the basics.
When one delves into the early alphabet and the letter names, it may be seen that those spelling The Hallowed Name are translatable as, “Hand, Behold, Nail, Behold.” Immediately, I thought of the Thomas story in John 20:24-31. In an inset I offered examples of early pictographs that could have been used by Moses. It is my belief that is not merely coincidental, but GOD chose the letters foretelling the crucifixion. A sort of mini-prophecy within The Hallowed Name.
Here I will address The Son’s Name. Both Joseph and Mary received Divine instructions upon the matter (Matthew 1:19-25, Luke 1:28-33, 2:21). Peter, in Acts 4:12, says of The Son’s Name, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.”
Think about that the next time you hear someone carelessly talking about “Jesus.” HIS Name is important and was chosen long before Joseph and Mary, would hear it spoken by angels.
-William Behringer,
Oshkosh, Wis.
