How God Calls the Heavenly Host by One Name and by Many Names

Midrash Tanchuma Buber, Vayakhel 2:2

Curated by Arthur·Translated by Maggid (Beta)·

"Who created these? [The One who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name]" (Isaiah 40:26). It is written, "He calls them all by name." But one verse says "names," "[He gives names to them all]" (Psalms 147:4). If "names," why "by name"? And if "by name," why "names"? Rather, when the Holy One, blessed be He, wishes, He calls them all as one; and when He wishes, He calls each and every one by his name, Michael and Gabriel. Thus, "He calls them all by name."

Themes

AngelsDivine NamesCreation

Biblical References

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