Parasha 14: From Abram to Abraham

From Abram to Abraham

Introduction:

Why do some people change their names? Does it have a benefit? Why did Adonai sometimes change a person's name in the Bible?

Once again, Adonai appeared to Abram, but this time as "El Shaddai," which means God Almighty. He instructed Abram to walk with Him. Abram must be faithful and allow Adonai to guide his journey. Additionally, Abram must be blameless. The Hebrew word for "blameless" is "Tamin," which means sincere or perfect. Adonai was calling Abram to be sincere in obeying Him.

In verse 5, Adonai changed Abram’s name to Abraham. Why? In Genesis 12:2, Adonai said He would make Abram into a great nation. By verse 5, He promised to make his name great. Then in Genesis 15:5, He brought Abram outside and told him to look toward heaven and count the stars, signifying that his descendants would be innumerable. Abram’s new name, Abraham (meaning "father of many nations"), symbolized his new identity based on Adonai's promise of seed.

Abraham’s new name reveals that Adonai was about to fulfill His promise and plan. Not only would Abraham become the father of many nations, but he would also bear a son through Sarai, whom they would name Isaac. Isaac would go on to bear two sons (Esau and Jacob) through Rebecca. Jacob, in turn, would have twelve sons through Rachel, forming the twelve tribes of Israel. Moreover, through Abraham, the nations of the world would be blessed. This blessing would ultimately come through the Messiah Yeshua, who, as a descendant from the tribe of Judah in Abraham’s lineage, would reconcile the nations to Adonai YHVH.

Adonai also changed Sarai’s name ("my princess") to Sarah ("princess"), affirming to Abraham that Sarah would bear a son.

When Adonai changes a name, it signifies that something significant is about to happen. It symbolizes a new character, relationship, or life for that person. As Revelation 2:17b says, "And I will give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name written which no one knows except him who receives it." Similarly, Revelation 3:12 states, "I will write on him the name of My God, and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name." Yeshua will give us a new name by which we will know Him.

Significantly, after Abram’s name was changed, Adonai gave him the sign of the covenant. Since the covenant was tied to offspring, Adonai placed the sign of His covenant on Abraham’s private part through circumcision.

Regarding the Covenant:

1. As for Adonai (vv. 7-8):

• He would establish His covenant with Abraham and his descendants, promising to be their God.
• He would give Abraham and his descendants the land of Canaan as an everlasting possession.

2. As for Abraham (vv. 9-15):He and his descendants were to keep Adonai's covenant throughout their generations.

• Every male, including those not born in his house but bought with money, was to be circumcised at eight days old.

3. As for Sarah (vv. 15-16):

• She would bear a son and become a mother of nations.

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In this portion, Isaiah reminds Israel of their rebellion and rejection of Adonai. Despite their actions, Adonai remained faithful to His covenant.

In every generation, Adonai preserves a remnant for Himself (cf. Isaiah 10:22; Romans 9:27). Isaiah’s prayer reflects this hope and faithfulness. This prayer is prophetically placed in the mouth of one of Judah’s Babylonian exiles. Despite expressing agony, the praying one begins by mentioning the lovingkindnesses of Adonai. This Hebrew word, "hesed," refers to covenantal love, which can also be translated as "steadfast love."

Verses 15-19 reveal that the chosen people recognized their broken relationship with Adonai. Isaiah praised Adonai for His loving acts, reminding Israel of all the good He had done for them. Adonai saved them, redeemed them, and carried them in the days of old. However, they rebelled and grieved Him. Despite this, they remembered the time when Moses led them through the desert without stumbling, guided by Adonai. In verse 17, Israel pleaded with Adonai to turn back to her for the sake of His servants.

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In the Apostolic writings, Apostle Paul demonstrates that circumcision confirmed Abraham’s righteousness, which was obtained through faith even before circumcision (v. 11). Paul emphasizes that circumcision did not make Abraham righteous; rather, it served as confirmation of the righteousness he already had through faith.

Adonai gave the sign of circumcision because Abraham would be the father of all who believe, both Jews and Gentiles (Goyim). Regardless of background, anyone who puts their trust in Messiah Yeshua for salvation becomes a child of Abraham. What a marvelous truth! Jews remain Jews, and Gentiles remain Gentiles, but we are united in the Lord. Our identity transcends our earthly circumstances of birth. As Abraham’s children, we walk the way of faith in Messiah, and through this faith, Messiah’s righteousness is credited to us.

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As believers given a new name and identity in Messiah, we are called to live a life that reflects His righteousness, faithfulness, and purpose. Walk blamelessly, trust His promises, and let your new character shine as a testimony of His transforming power. Let your life be a living covenant with Adonai.

2 Corinthians 5:17

"Therefore, if anyone is in Messiah, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"

Ephesians 4:24

"And to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."

Galatians 2:20

"I have been crucified with Messiah and I no longer live, but Messiah lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me."

The parasha emphasizes the importance of having a new character in obeying Adonai:

• In the Torah portion, Adonai gave Abram a new name, Abraham, to signify a new character. Abraham obeyed by following Adonai’s covenant, being circumcised, and leading his household in covenantal obedience.
• In the Haftarah portion, Israel rebelled against Adonai. They needed a new character to obey Him.
• In the Apostolic portion, Abraham did not waver in faith at Adonai’s promise but was strengthened, giving glory to Adonai—a demonstration of his new character.

Conclusion:

Returning to the introduction, when Adonai changes a person’s name, it signifies a new beginning or direction in life. He transforms a destiny, creates a new character, and establishes His covenant with us. Our faith in Him opens the door to righteousness and a secure place in His eternal plan."

Proverbs 22:1 says, "A good name is to be more desired than great wealth; favor is better than silver and gold."

Revelation 2:17 says,"To the one who is victorious, I will give some of the hidden manna. I will also give that person a white stone with a new name written on it, known only to the one who receives it."

Shabbat Shalom,

Topher

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Sources:

The MacArthur Study Bible

Torahclass.com

BlueLetterBible.org

faculty.wts.edu

guardthedeposit.com

WalterboroLive.com

Shema.com

Forthowardcc.com

zmin.org

Oncedelivered.net