[CS-FSLUG] A Bible-study question

[Yama Ploskonka]

It is accepted by most scholars that most Bible books, the older the 
merrier, are compilations of several texts and probably multiple 
multiple scribes.  A classical example is the "double" "Creation of Man" 
in Genesis.  The multiple scribe approach explains many of the supposed 
contradictions in the Word, and as you mention in a different context, 
does "add spice" to its reading, since we cannot but wonder why God 
intended it that way.

Why multiple texts?  Beyond trying to second-guess the Author, there 
simply are different ways we understand things.  Else we would have no 
need for 4 Gospels - one would be plenty.

The change of Name can be a providential event, and as such was very 
significant in some contexts, but probably irrelevant in others, again 
drawing on the previous parallel, sort of looking at the Lamb from John, 
and the Teacher in the Synoptics.

Yama

Tim Young wrote:
> Hi there,
> Not sure how many Bible Scholars we have out there.  I have a question I 
> have been pondering for a while.
> 
> In short.  Many people in the Bible have their names changed for one 
> reason or other.
> Abraham was Abram.  For a short period he was called Abram, but for the 
> rest of the Bible he is called Abraham.
> Saul becomes Paul, and is from that point referred to as Paul...
> 
> The one that intrigues me, however, was Jacob, who became "Israel."  The 
> reason this intrigues me is that Jacob is still referred to as "Jacob" 
> at times after his re-naming.  There are times when he is referred to 
> Jacob and others when he is referred to as Israel.  My suspicion is that 
> it has something to do with the promise that "Israel" reflects.  
> Sometimes "Israel" refers to the individual, some times to the nation.  
> I was just wondering if anyone has any thoughts as to if there is a 
> reason one is used over the other?  (I have some pretty neat examples 
> for when God's many manes are used in the Bible.  Which name was used 
> when adds a little bit of spice to reading the Bible)
> 
>     - Tim Young
> 
> 
> 
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