The Old Testament Hebrew Bible raises questions of interpretation for a Christian. To what extent am I, as a Christian, projecting Christian views and values on the children of Israel, the people of Israel, the Israelites? There are various terms that translators have used to describe the slowing forming group of Yahweh believers over three thousand years ago. Yahweh was their God and intervened in their lives. They had a special relationship or covenant with him. The Hebrew sacred writings were incorporated into Christianity because all the early Christians were Jewish. However, the writings were not originally meant for Christians, but for the Hebrew people. Can I really fully understand the Semitic thought process of three thousand years ago? Will I be able to appreciate how important the promised land of Israel was to Jewish people? What role did the exodus from Egypt, the Temple, the exile, and the various codes play in their lives? I can try, but I doubt if I will be fully successful.
The Exodus from Egypt
The Exodus from Egypt (Wis 10:17-10:21)
“She gave to holy people
The reward of their labors.
She guided them
Along a marvelous way.
She became a shelter to them by day.
She became a starry flame
Through the night.
She brought them over the Red Sea.
She led them through deep waters.
But she drowned their enemies.
She cast them up
From the depth of the sea.
Therefore the righteous plundered the ungodly.
They sang hymns!
O Lord!
To your holy name!
They praised with one accord
Your defending hand.
Wisdom opened the mouths
Of those who were mute.
Wisdom made the tongues
Of infants speak clearly.”
This explanation of the exodus from Egypt is based on the stories from Exodus, chapters 13-15. Once again, it is wisdom that is leading the way. Day and night, wisdom provided shelter and starlight. She had brought them over the Red Sea, so that their enemies had drowned, but they were safe. Then they plundered the Egyptian soldiers. After that they sang hymns (ὕμνησαν) to the holy name of the Lord (Κύριε, τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ἅγιόν σου). Wisdom (ἡ σοφία) opened the mouths of the mute. She made infants speak clearly.
Eugene Finnegan Bible Project 