“TO REVEAL”
Revelation (גילוי, Gilui) conveys the idea of uncovering, disclosing, or revealing something that was previously hidden or unknown. In the broadest sense, revelation refers to the ways in which G-d makes His will, wisdom, and presence known to humanity. This can occur through the scriptures, prophetic messages, and personal spiritual experiences.
One significant instance of revelation in scripture is the revelation at Mount Sinai, where G-d disclosed the first five books of scripture to Moses and the Israelites. This event, detailed in Exodus 19-20, is considered the foundational moment of ‘revealing’ G-d, marking the giving of the Ten Commandments and the Divine law. The Sinai revelation is central to the faith, and it is G-d's direct communication of His will to His people.
The entire Bible has numerous instances of prophetic revelation, where individuals receive Divine messages to convey to Israel and other nations. These revelations often included guidance, warnings, and future prophecies intended to steer the people towards righteousness and adherence to G-d's commandments. The prophets, acting as intermediaries, played a crucial role in transmitting these Divine “revealings” of G-d’s plan and intentions to the broader community.
While not prophets, individuals also have the possibility of personal spiritual revelations, where individuals experience a sense of Divine presence or insight into spiritual truths. Such experiences, while subjective and personal, are valued for their ability to inspire deeper faith and commitment to living according to G-d's will. This can occur through the study of scripture, where the depths of Divine wisdom are continuously uncovered through interpretation and discussion. The process of learning and understanding the texts is itself considered a form of revelation, as it enables individuals and communities to access and internalize the Divine wisdom contained within them. This “reveals” it to the person meditating on the words and their meanings and thus a form of revelation.
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