In its Christian English translations, the passage considered here inspired a journey to understand what it means to call on the name of the Lord. Part way through that journey, a look at the underlying original Hebrew words puzzled me. There is an extraordinary divergence between Christian and Hebrew interpretations. This prompted a search for a more nuanced understanding of the events of that time. These subtle nuances lead me to prayer.

Verses

Genesis 4:26 Seth also had a son, and he named him Enosh. At that time men began to call on the name of the Lord.

Observations

Christian View

Christian English translations of this passage almost universally interpret the generation of Enosh as a positive development in the worship of God. It is likened to what is now known as a revival or awakening. Therefore, tracking the use of this phrase in scripture should provide useful insights for growing disciples. Under what circumstances did men and women call on the name of the Lord? By what names has God revealed himself to people? By what names have people called on Him. Christian commentators and theologians, such as have pursued this positive view into our understanding of prayer.

Hebrew View

However, a second look at this passage through the lens of the Hebrew language revealed an extraordinary divergence. The word translated to the English word “began” does not come from the same root as the word for “beginning” in Genesis 1:1. The word in Genesis 1:1 is reshish, based on the word meaning first in place, time, order or rank. However, in Genesis 4:26, the word used has two possible root meanings. If the word hischil is used, then it is correct to interpret this as began. However, if huchal is used, then there is a negative meaning, to profane, defile, wound or pollute. Mostly, Hebrew commentators note the two meanings, but lean towards the latter negative meaning. Thus the verse then reads, “men began to profane the name of the Lord.” In this generation, idolatory commenced. Tragically, this was done in the name of the Lord.

Reconciling the Divergence

This is a puzzling and extraordinary divergence in thinking between the two traditions. Was this the beginning of a widespread revival? Or was it the birthplace of idolatory? It may be possible to resolve the issue through the lens of time. Through this lens, both meanings may apply, but not at the same time. In the space of a generation, mankind moved from a genuine movement in prayer to idolatory. Initially, a movement may call righteously upon the name of the Lord. However, over time, methods become ritualised and routine. The movement then begins to operate in a deception that becomes idolatory, even while thinking it is operating in the name of the Lord.

This verse immediately precedes the genealogy of Noah in Genesis 5, before continuing to the narrative of wickedness in Genesis 6:1-8. Perhaps it is not too much of a stretch to adopt this approach. Indeed, when I heard Rabbi Sacks quote from his work “Not in God’s Name“, it did not appear that such an interpretation would be unwarranted.

Too often in the history of religion, people have killed in the name of the God of life, waged war in the name of the God of peace, hated in the name of the God of love, and practised cruelty in the name of the God of compassion. When this happens, God speaks, sometimes in a still, small voice almost inaudible beneath the clamour of those claiming to speak on his behalf. What he says at such times is: Not in My name.

Prayer

Lord, teach me your ways, that I may call on you rightly. Transform my heart and my mind, that I might be steadfast in honouring your Name.

References