
The Name and the Salvation
A poem inspired by Hurricane Isaias – names carved from the same ancient stone.
From ancient stone are these two names made:
The sacred יה, in fire displayed.
For Isaiah יְשַׁעְיָהוּ shows how it is framed:
First the saving is spoken, and then God is named.
Flip clean the words and a new light appears:
Yehoshua יְהוֹשֻׁעַ brims forth as the Name first appears.
Now Yah stands first, and the rescue ahead,
Though roots for saving differ by a thread.
Young Hoshea הוֹשֵׁעַ was changed by Moses the seer,
Nun’s son led the march; the ram’s horns rang clear.
Through Greek and Latin, down the years,
Yeshua יֵשׁוּעַ became Jesus in English ears.
Not an anagram made, but the pieces recast,
Two distinct streams whisper “Yah saves” at last.

Back to Sacred Thought & Moral Reflection
More from the archive: