Subject: What is the name of Job's wife? |
Bible Note: Based on what I've been able to glean I'm not sure if the Jews are muddled or my understanding of them is muddled. Probably a little of both! I'll just lay out what I know and let you decide. The expression in Hebrew is "Baruch haba B'shem Adonai" which comes from Psalm 118:26. It is an expression of welcome for those who came to the temple to offer sacrifice. When the people used it in conjunction with Christ (Matthew 21:9) they were acknowledging Him as king, offering there benediction as well as accepting that He was coming to them under God's benediction. The Jews knew that before Messiah came that Elijah would come (Malachi 4:5-6). This was fulfilled in in John the Baptist (Luke 1:17). We know that the Jews were aware of this because of their questions of John the Baptist (John 1:21). Although they might also have thought that Jeremiah would be coming too (i.e., "that prophet" in 21b). Jews quite naturally shy away from things Christian, so it is hard to get them to talk about this period in history. They also appear to have adjusted some of their opinions just to be a bit different from the New Testament interpretations. At any rate, I've never quite figured out if they mean Elijah or Christ when they are saying "Blessed is he that comes in the name of the Lord." In the Seder ceremony they turn toward the door and make this statement in conjunction with Elijah. Yet, they set aside a cup and some bread for Messiah (which was the cup and bread Christ gave to the disciples). During a Shabot service, however, they turn toward the door and make this statement in anticipation of the Messiah. So maybe I'm confused because I'm more Gentile than Jew. On the other hand, it is quite possible that the average Jew doesn't know the answer to this. Perhaps that is why it unclear to me: because they don't have it very well thought out either. If anyone else on the forum understands this more clearly than I do, please don't hold your peace! (Great profile, Tim! We have a number of things in common, I think! Say "Shalom alaikum" to Al for me!) |