Some Old Testament Difficulties

Abstract

In this exegetical brief, Sigurd C. Ylvisaker explores the etymology of three words: BABEL, BAR in Psalm 2:12, and MOUNT CARMEL.

Sigurd C. Ylvisaker addresses linguistic and interpretive challenges in select Old Testament texts, focusing on etymology and historical context. He critiques the common interpretation of “Babel” (Gen. 11:9) as “confusion,” arguing instead for its Babylonian meaning “gate of God” (Babili), supported by Abraham and Moses’ familiarity with Babylonian language and culture. Ylvisaker emphasizes the theological significance of Babel as the place where God intervened. He also examines Psalm 2:12’s phrase נַשְּׁקוּ־בַר, contending that בַר is not a variant of the Hebrew בֶן (“son”) but an Aramaic term, related to Babylonian maru. He discusses consonantal shifts, particularly the dissimilation of n to b near liquids. Finally, he reevaluates the name Carmel (כַּרְמֶל), proposing its origin in the Aramaic karb:lah (“rooster’s comb”) based on the mountain’s shape, suggesting that its “fertility” meaning is secondary.

—Summary generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4)