Why the Patriarchs Were Renamed and Names Known Before Birth

Yalkut Shimoni on Torah 217:1

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

Likewise he expounded: "Your name shall no longer be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham" (Genesis 17:5) — the first name passed away and the second name endured. Likewise he expounded: "And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife…" (Genesis 17:15) — the first name passed away and the second name endured. Likewise he expounded: "And He said, Your name shall no longer be called Jacob" (Genesis 32:28) — the first endured for him and the second was added to him. Isaac's name was not changed, for he was named by the mouth of the Holy One, blessed be He. Three were named by the mouth of the Holy One, blessed be He: Isaac, Solomon, and Josiah. Of Isaac, what does it say? "But Sarah your wife…" (Genesis 17:19). Of Solomon, what does it say? "Behold, a son is born to you… Solomon shall be his name" (1 Chronicles 22:9). Of Josiah, what does it say? "Behold, a son is born to the house of David, Josiah by name" (1 Kings 13:2). And some say also Ishmael among the nations. We find that the names of the righteous and their deeds are revealed before the Omnipresent before they are created, as it is said, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you" (Jeremiah 1:5). Thus we have learned that the names of the righteous are revealed. From where the wicked? Scripture teaches, "The wicked are estranged from the womb" (Psalms 58:4). [There follows a halakhic discussion of the firstborn of an animal received from or shared with a gentile, its exemption from the firstborn law, and related rulings of Rabbi Judah, the Sages, Rabbi Yochanan, Rav Huna, Rav Chisda, Rava, Rav Papa, Mar bar Rav Ashi, Rav Mari bar Rachel, Rabbi Yosi the Galilean, and Rav Ada bar Ahavah.]

Themes

PatriarchsProvidenceDivine Names

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