“The Name by Which Ye Are Called”

This verse is particularly difficult to fully understand, because Benjamin makes assumptions of his listeners that are beyond most of us. The pieces of the puzzle are:

1. This verse speaks of not knowing the name “by which ye are called,” which stands in direct structural opposition to the previous verse where the servant does know the name by which he is called.
2. The ass was considered an unclean animal (see Lev. 11:1-8; Deut. 14:3-8, Coutts, Alison V.P., et al. “Complete Text of Benjamin’s Speech with Notes and Comments.” In: King Benjamin’s Speech. FARMS, 1998 p. 607).
3. The verse is specifically saying that an unclean animal would not be allowed to mingle with one’s “clean” flocks, but would rather be cast out.
4. The action one would take in expelling the unclean animal are related to those who do not know the name by which they are called.

There are two readings for this verse, and it is likely that Benjamin intended both of them to be present in the minds of his audience. The first is the clear separation between good and evil. The good are with God, the evil are expelled. In the same way that the evil/unclean ass is expelled from among the “clean,” so to are those who do not know the name of Christ expelled from the presence of those who do know the name by which they are called (these latter being in the presence of God).

The second reading is more social. Just as the unclean animal must be expelled from the clean flock, so too in Benjamin’s land must the “unclean” person – the one who does not take upon himself the name of Christ – be expelled. It will be remembered that Benjamin has no police force to ensure social harmony. Benjamin is indicating a spiritual rejection by the heavenly king, and possibly a physical banishment by the earthly king.