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The Names of God. Gleaned from a Book by Nathan Stone
This study comprises both notes and powerpoint slides
Many people talk in terms of their testimony today with reference to "God".
A lesser number speak in terms of "The Lord" and there are a few who talk in terms of "Jesus".
This study will either bore the pants off you or you will desire to know more specifically what the names of God mean and why they are used specifically in different situations.
This is where the Authorised version puts all new translations in their place. In the bible you will see that God is Elohim, LORD in capitals or Lord God is Jehovah and Lord (non capitals) is Adonai. Just as an introductory appetiser try to decipher these verses on the above slide.
(click slides to enlarge)
A lesser number speak in terms of "The Lord" and there are a few who talk in terms of "Jesus".
This study will either bore the pants off you or you will desire to know more specifically what the names of God mean and why they are used specifically in different situations.
This is where the Authorised version puts all new translations in their place. In the bible you will see that God is Elohim, LORD in capitals or Lord God is Jehovah and Lord (non capitals) is Adonai. Just as an introductory appetiser try to decipher these verses on the above slide.
(click slides to enlarge)
Introduction
In John 17 v 3 Jesus said: "This is Life to know Thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent."
So the purpose of Life is to get to know God. This study will give understanding and structure to your knowledge of God. To know Him is to Love him.
Names usually have a meaning - even most of the modern names. But the old Bible Names all had a meaning which in many cases were a prophetic 'word' in terms of their character or destiny. How much more should we expect the many names of God, to hold deep spiritual meaning.
He is as good as his name
In John ch 1 v 12-13 we read the gospel in terms how one becomes a child of God: "..believe on His name". That is based upon the value and importance of the name of Jesus. So we must ask, 'What does his name mean?'
In John 17 v 3 Jesus said: "This is Life to know Thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent."
So the purpose of Life is to get to know God. This study will give understanding and structure to your knowledge of God. To know Him is to Love him.
Names usually have a meaning - even most of the modern names. But the old Bible Names all had a meaning which in many cases were a prophetic 'word' in terms of their character or destiny. How much more should we expect the many names of God, to hold deep spiritual meaning.
He is as good as his name
In John ch 1 v 12-13 we read the gospel in terms how one becomes a child of God: "..believe on His name". That is based upon the value and importance of the name of Jesus. So we must ask, 'What does his name mean?'
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The Hebrew name for God is Elohim. It literally translates as Gods. Hence in Genesis chapter 1 we read God said "Let US make man in OUR own image."
The name Elohim, implies that he is a God who makes covenants and has the power to fulfil them. |
Moses asked God his name:
Exodus 3:14-15 "And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you. 15 And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations." |
Here are a few of the many scriptures that highlight the names of God and how they function in man's relationship with Him.
Note the importance that God lays upon his name. Many things God did for his name' sake. His name would not allow him to do otherwise. Please read them carefully, greater explanations will follow |
Exodus 6:3-4 "And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers."
(So Jehovah God made covenants with Israel - just as Elohim made covenant concerning the natural world with Noah)
The name of Jehovah is 'simply' the name of the God of Israel. There were lots of (false) gods. They all had names. In our relationships we identify people by their names and for some we know we are on "first name terms" - there is a special relationship. This is the point of God revealing himself by the name Jehovah. We shall expand on that later.
Isaiah 52:6 "Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I."
Exodus 20:24 "An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee."
Similar to Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, I will be there and that to bless"
Exodus 23:20-21 "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him."
There is an established biblical principle here which we have noted in various studies. It is that a person who comes in the name of a higher authority, is endued with all the authority of the sender.
The Centurion
Notably in the gospels when Jesus was confronted by a Centurion who recognised that Jesus was under authority from a higher power and therefore had the power of the higher authority. The Centurion said, "I also am a man under authority and I command my servants to Go, Do this, and Come". The centurion had the power of Caesar and administered his authority.
When the centurion sent his servants to Jesus it was as good as going himself. They represented their master and went "in His name". Likewise the prophets represented God. The disciples represented Jesus. And just as a policeman might say "Open up in the name of the Law (the Queen)" so he spoke with the Queen's authority. The disciples healed with the power of Jesus and healed in the name of Jesus. So we see there is great significance in names, not only in the bible but also today. This should shed light upon all those things we do "in the name of Jesus". Such as praying in His name or gathering together in His name, or healing in His name. When the Holy Spirit commands us to do something we can surely do it with all the authority of heaven. It is not just a magic formula like "Open Sesame".
Numbers 6:27 "And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." (We can bless people in the Name of Jesus)
God shows us how important is his name. Just as today someone might bring the name of their family or school or church into disrepute:
Isaiah 48:11 "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another."
In other verses we read that God will do something for "His own Name's sake"
The three main names of God
So then hopefully that will suffice as an introduction, we will now tabulate the three main names of God in the Old Testament: Elohim, Jehovah and Adonai.
As we have said, most translations identify these by using the words 'God' for Elohim, and 'LORD' (in capitals) or 'Lord God' for Jehovah and 'Lord' in small letters for Adonai.
Here is a simple outline slide, ponder a while on this to get the big picture. It should become clearer as we progress (hopefully).
4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers."
(So Jehovah God made covenants with Israel - just as Elohim made covenant concerning the natural world with Noah)
The name of Jehovah is 'simply' the name of the God of Israel. There were lots of (false) gods. They all had names. In our relationships we identify people by their names and for some we know we are on "first name terms" - there is a special relationship. This is the point of God revealing himself by the name Jehovah. We shall expand on that later.
Isaiah 52:6 "Therefore my people shall know my name: therefore they shall know in that day that I am he that doth speak: behold, it is I."
Exodus 20:24 "An altar of earth thou shalt make unto me, and shalt sacrifice thereon thy burnt offerings, and thy peace offerings, thy sheep, and thine oxen: in all places where I record my name I will come unto thee, and I will bless thee."
Similar to Matthew 18:20 "Where two or three are gathered together IN MY NAME, I will be there and that to bless"
Exodus 23:20-21 "Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared.
21 Beware of him, and obey his voice, provoke him not; for he will not pardon your transgressions: for my name is in him."
There is an established biblical principle here which we have noted in various studies. It is that a person who comes in the name of a higher authority, is endued with all the authority of the sender.
The Centurion
Notably in the gospels when Jesus was confronted by a Centurion who recognised that Jesus was under authority from a higher power and therefore had the power of the higher authority. The Centurion said, "I also am a man under authority and I command my servants to Go, Do this, and Come". The centurion had the power of Caesar and administered his authority.
When the centurion sent his servants to Jesus it was as good as going himself. They represented their master and went "in His name". Likewise the prophets represented God. The disciples represented Jesus. And just as a policeman might say "Open up in the name of the Law (the Queen)" so he spoke with the Queen's authority. The disciples healed with the power of Jesus and healed in the name of Jesus. So we see there is great significance in names, not only in the bible but also today. This should shed light upon all those things we do "in the name of Jesus". Such as praying in His name or gathering together in His name, or healing in His name. When the Holy Spirit commands us to do something we can surely do it with all the authority of heaven. It is not just a magic formula like "Open Sesame".
Numbers 6:27 "And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them." (We can bless people in the Name of Jesus)
God shows us how important is his name. Just as today someone might bring the name of their family or school or church into disrepute:
Isaiah 48:11 "For mine own sake, even for mine own sake, will I do it: for how should my name be polluted? And I will not give my glory unto another."
In other verses we read that God will do something for "His own Name's sake"
The three main names of God
So then hopefully that will suffice as an introduction, we will now tabulate the three main names of God in the Old Testament: Elohim, Jehovah and Adonai.
As we have said, most translations identify these by using the words 'God' for Elohim, and 'LORD' (in capitals) or 'Lord God' for Jehovah and 'Lord' in small letters for Adonai.
Here is a simple outline slide, ponder a while on this to get the big picture. It should become clearer as we progress (hopefully).
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In the first column we have the name Elohim. This is translated in the Bible as 'God' - "In the beginning God."
People generally use this word to cover every aspect of the 'being in the sky'. This name is the name for the 'universal God'. Even Christians who might benefit from a better bible education, refer in their testimonies to 'God', no matter what the situation. Hopefully as the whole picture is absorbed some will come into a more intimate relationship and understanding of God's many faceted character. There are many shades of light from His rainbow-circled throne. First of all we note that all names are plural names. The Name Elohim suggests both power and oaths, covenants or promises. EL - denotes power, this prefixes names of God such as: EL-Elyon - Most High God | God of Past | History | Over us EL-Shaddai - Almighty God | Present | Experience | Around us EL-Olam - Everlasting God | Future | Before us |
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Elohim is the Creator God of Genesis Ch 1. His covenant with Noah later regarding creation still holds. He is the God of Providence, Sustenance and Maintenance with regards to His creation. He is the Father God of the New Testament. As such he is the one who relates to all the world and all the people created by Him.
As such the relationship of man with God is no more than to acknowledge his power and goodness by seeing the creation of the world, its beauty and all the natural benefits that make life worth clinging to at all costs.
It is noticeable that in books like Ecclesiastes, Job and Daniel, there is hardly a reference to Jehovah but generally only references to God, for there is no intimate relationship or special revelation. Ecclesiastes is a sort of general philosophy of life, which would be applicable to all men, Job also gives rise to all the worldly arguments concerning the wisdom of God and the problem of suffering. The predominant name for God in Job is the Almighty. Also Daniel is a record of the times in the Captivity in Babylon - a Godless nation. Only in Ch 9 of Daniel where he is talking to God personally do we see Lord, or Lord God mentioned. The Babylonians knew not the LORD, nor God as their Lord.
EL SHADDAI: The Almighty God
This is a very interesting name for God. God revealed himself to Abraham as El Shaddai - The Almighty God (Genesis 17).
This name denotes a God who supplies nourishment and provisions abundantly. The word 'shadd' means breast and suggests the natural source of food and nourishment for life. You may have seen the Egyptian god Isis, which has many breasts; this is their symbol for the God of nature and the seed time and harvest. Diana the god of the Ephesians was inscribed as 'The mother of all things'.
So without a special revelation and relationship with God this is the God we all would acknowledge and believe in. For even the ardent atheist has to acknowledge that everything in nature seems to fit the bill in providing all that man needs for life nourishment and enjoyment. The planet's exact place in the universe, its relationship with sun, moon, stars, the tides, the fruit of the ground, etc. Everything is provided in abundance. There is only starvation in the world because of the selfish distribution of those who have much. But from earliest times famine was regarded as a sign that the gods had been offended.
In 1 Cor. 6 Paul uses this name El Shaddai, as he seeks to get the church to leave the worldly things which were of the flesh and take note of God's invitation: "Come out from among them and I will be your God , says the Almighty" - El Shaddai the bountiful one.
El Shaddai proved himself to be able to act against nature in the miraculous birth of Isaac. When God gave his promise to Abraham he named himself as "Almighty God" - El shaddai. (Gen 17:1) This is the name by which Abraham knew God. The bountiful provider. Later we will see that the Lord mentions this fact when giving his new name of Jehovah to Moses in Exodus 6.
However, one of the best known events in the Life of Abraham, was the offering up of his son Isaac on Mt Moriah. After God had PRO-VIDED a lamb for the sacrifice, Abraham called the name of the place "Jehovah- jireh". Today most folk refer to that as meaning 'The Lord will provide' yet the scripture says that it means "In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen" (Genesis 22:14). How do these two interpretations marry up? Well, the Lord did indeed provide in accordance with his name El Shaddai, but the clue is in our English word 'provide' - which suggests PRO- VIDE-O to see before. The Lord sees (to it) on the mount of the Lord, even before Abraham had set out on that mount, the Lord had foreseen the need. This of course is but a cameo of the big picture for on the same mount Jesus the Lamb of God was slain. As Abraham prophesied God did provide a lamb for the sacrifice. The scriptures says that he foresaw the need for this provision before the foundation of the world. So it was always God's plan and in the mount of the Lord it was seen. God did provide - El Shaddai.
Just one personal thought here is that I am surprised that there is not a definite name to say that God is Love. For without question this is the title of all titles.
The Hebrew word for Love is Ahab, which to my English eyes shows AH which denotes God and AB which could suggest father (Abba). However, it is certainly intrinsic in this name El Shaddai, for love is giving - "God so loved that he gave" - and He gives and gives and gives again, all things for us to enjoy. He is an abundant God. All men everywhere have enough from him to fuel everlasting praises from their lips. Unfortunately there is a devil also on the scene whose propaganda seeks to lay the blame for all his evil at the feet of Almighty God. Thankfully he is not only Almighty but All wise, and all knowing and as we note from the book of Job all gods will be judged by the last day. For then and only then, will we see clearly as God sees and we will bow the knee in acknowledgement of his wisdom love and power.
We make mention elsewhere regarding these three attributes and the need for all in the bringing up of our children, for to have just two of the three will produce, either a spoilt brat - (no wisdom), a zombie who fulfils its parents will (no love) or total frustration in the parents and child (no power.)
As such the relationship of man with God is no more than to acknowledge his power and goodness by seeing the creation of the world, its beauty and all the natural benefits that make life worth clinging to at all costs.
It is noticeable that in books like Ecclesiastes, Job and Daniel, there is hardly a reference to Jehovah but generally only references to God, for there is no intimate relationship or special revelation. Ecclesiastes is a sort of general philosophy of life, which would be applicable to all men, Job also gives rise to all the worldly arguments concerning the wisdom of God and the problem of suffering. The predominant name for God in Job is the Almighty. Also Daniel is a record of the times in the Captivity in Babylon - a Godless nation. Only in Ch 9 of Daniel where he is talking to God personally do we see Lord, or Lord God mentioned. The Babylonians knew not the LORD, nor God as their Lord.
EL SHADDAI: The Almighty God
This is a very interesting name for God. God revealed himself to Abraham as El Shaddai - The Almighty God (Genesis 17).
This name denotes a God who supplies nourishment and provisions abundantly. The word 'shadd' means breast and suggests the natural source of food and nourishment for life. You may have seen the Egyptian god Isis, which has many breasts; this is their symbol for the God of nature and the seed time and harvest. Diana the god of the Ephesians was inscribed as 'The mother of all things'.
So without a special revelation and relationship with God this is the God we all would acknowledge and believe in. For even the ardent atheist has to acknowledge that everything in nature seems to fit the bill in providing all that man needs for life nourishment and enjoyment. The planet's exact place in the universe, its relationship with sun, moon, stars, the tides, the fruit of the ground, etc. Everything is provided in abundance. There is only starvation in the world because of the selfish distribution of those who have much. But from earliest times famine was regarded as a sign that the gods had been offended.
In 1 Cor. 6 Paul uses this name El Shaddai, as he seeks to get the church to leave the worldly things which were of the flesh and take note of God's invitation: "Come out from among them and I will be your God , says the Almighty" - El Shaddai the bountiful one.
El Shaddai proved himself to be able to act against nature in the miraculous birth of Isaac. When God gave his promise to Abraham he named himself as "Almighty God" - El shaddai. (Gen 17:1) This is the name by which Abraham knew God. The bountiful provider. Later we will see that the Lord mentions this fact when giving his new name of Jehovah to Moses in Exodus 6.
However, one of the best known events in the Life of Abraham, was the offering up of his son Isaac on Mt Moriah. After God had PRO-VIDED a lamb for the sacrifice, Abraham called the name of the place "Jehovah- jireh". Today most folk refer to that as meaning 'The Lord will provide' yet the scripture says that it means "In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen" (Genesis 22:14). How do these two interpretations marry up? Well, the Lord did indeed provide in accordance with his name El Shaddai, but the clue is in our English word 'provide' - which suggests PRO- VIDE-O to see before. The Lord sees (to it) on the mount of the Lord, even before Abraham had set out on that mount, the Lord had foreseen the need. This of course is but a cameo of the big picture for on the same mount Jesus the Lamb of God was slain. As Abraham prophesied God did provide a lamb for the sacrifice. The scriptures says that he foresaw the need for this provision before the foundation of the world. So it was always God's plan and in the mount of the Lord it was seen. God did provide - El Shaddai.
Just one personal thought here is that I am surprised that there is not a definite name to say that God is Love. For without question this is the title of all titles.
The Hebrew word for Love is Ahab, which to my English eyes shows AH which denotes God and AB which could suggest father (Abba). However, it is certainly intrinsic in this name El Shaddai, for love is giving - "God so loved that he gave" - and He gives and gives and gives again, all things for us to enjoy. He is an abundant God. All men everywhere have enough from him to fuel everlasting praises from their lips. Unfortunately there is a devil also on the scene whose propaganda seeks to lay the blame for all his evil at the feet of Almighty God. Thankfully he is not only Almighty but All wise, and all knowing and as we note from the book of Job all gods will be judged by the last day. For then and only then, will we see clearly as God sees and we will bow the knee in acknowledgement of his wisdom love and power.
We make mention elsewhere regarding these three attributes and the need for all in the bringing up of our children, for to have just two of the three will produce, either a spoilt brat - (no wisdom), a zombie who fulfils its parents will (no love) or total frustration in the parents and child (no power.)
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JEHOVAH
Exodus 6:3-4 "And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, (EL Shaddai) but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them. 4 And I have also established my covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrimage, wherein they were strangers." This is a special name between God and His people. In our Bible we see it in Capitals as LORD or Lord God. In contrast to Elohim who is the God over all the world and his character is revealed to the whole world as the mighty creator God who provides abundantly for its sustenance and maintenance, the name Jehovah reveals a personal God who shares and empathises with mankind. He is, one might say, the human side of God. |
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This is notable in the very first two chapters in the Bible. Chapter 1 of Genesis is about how God (Elohim) created the world and universe, but in chapter two when man has been created, then he becomes the Lord God and walks and talks with Man and a relationship forms. When Adam hides the Lord God seeks him out.
The meaning and derivation of the name Jehovah
Psalm 83:18 "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
The name derives from havah which means to be or being, to exist. A similar root word is Chavah means to live which in its turn is very much like the word "He".
This is quite significant in prophecy and in the life of Jesus. Note how Isaiah uses this name of God as "I am He" - it is quite peculiar in our language, but not so in Hebrew.
Isaiah 43:10-11 "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Notice what Jesus said in John 13:19 "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he." Also in John ch 8, Jesus refers three times to himself as "I am".
More specifically we see Jesus use this name when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. He asked them who they were looking for and they said Jesus of Nazareth. Then all that Jesus said in reply was "I am He". Then what do we read in John 18:6, "As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground."
Jehovah is the Living God, not a piece of carved wood or stone monument as the heathen nations worshipped.
Read Psalm 115:1-9
1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusts in them.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
So as we progress through the Old Testament we see Jehovah meeting with men in their experiences and proving to be the answer to the needs that they encounter. So in those circumstances Jehovah becomes their provider, their banner in battle, their healer, their peace etc, according to their need so God revealed a matching (empathising) part of His character. It shows again the truth that man was made in the image of God and no-one understands man better than his Creator and there is no-one that man needs or benefits more from, than his Jehovah God.
There is a sense that God deliberately leads his people into certain limited circumstances so that at man’s extremity, Jehovah might become man's opportunity to get to know Him better. Jehovah is a knowable God. As Jehovah, he brings moral and spiritual attributes - specifically to Israel.
Here is a slide that bears an illustration of this truth. Hopefully these studies will outlast this temporary parable.
The meaning and derivation of the name Jehovah
Psalm 83:18 "That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth."
The name derives from havah which means to be or being, to exist. A similar root word is Chavah means to live which in its turn is very much like the word "He".
This is quite significant in prophecy and in the life of Jesus. Note how Isaiah uses this name of God as "I am He" - it is quite peculiar in our language, but not so in Hebrew.
Isaiah 43:10-11 "Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me."
Notice what Jesus said in John 13:19 "Now I tell you before it come, that, when it is come to pass, ye may believe that I am he." Also in John ch 8, Jesus refers three times to himself as "I am".
More specifically we see Jesus use this name when the soldiers came to arrest Jesus. He asked them who they were looking for and they said Jesus of Nazareth. Then all that Jesus said in reply was "I am He". Then what do we read in John 18:6, "As soon then as he had said unto them, I am he, they went backward, and fell to the ground."
Jehovah is the Living God, not a piece of carved wood or stone monument as the heathen nations worshipped.
Read Psalm 115:1-9
1 Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto thy name give glory, for thy mercy, and for thy truth's sake.
2 Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?
3 But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased.
4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands.
5 They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not:
6 They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not:
7 They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat.
8 They that make them are like unto them; so is every one that trusts in them.
9 O Israel, trust thou in the LORD: he is their help and their shield.
So as we progress through the Old Testament we see Jehovah meeting with men in their experiences and proving to be the answer to the needs that they encounter. So in those circumstances Jehovah becomes their provider, their banner in battle, their healer, their peace etc, according to their need so God revealed a matching (empathising) part of His character. It shows again the truth that man was made in the image of God and no-one understands man better than his Creator and there is no-one that man needs or benefits more from, than his Jehovah God.
There is a sense that God deliberately leads his people into certain limited circumstances so that at man’s extremity, Jehovah might become man's opportunity to get to know Him better. Jehovah is a knowable God. As Jehovah, he brings moral and spiritual attributes - specifically to Israel.
Here is a slide that bears an illustration of this truth. Hopefully these studies will outlast this temporary parable.
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Elohim, the great Creator, the universal God, revealed to all mankind through the wonders of nature, is predominant in Genesis 1, where we read the story of Creation from God’s point of view, but significantly in chapter 2 when man comes on the scene and Elohim (God) communicates with Man in terms of a relationship we see that the name Lord God is used. It is the Lord God who provides salvation in terms of giving Adam the means whereby he could still relate to Him. In Leviticus 23 where Moses is instructed regarding the day of atonement, only Jehovah is mentioned.
If you scan the pages concerning Noah, you will see the name Elohim (God) predominant, but on the one occasion when Noah is instructed to take certain animals into the ark by sevens then we see the 'Lord God' mentioned. Check out these two verses which often confuse the unbelieving or critical eye, where it says that Noah obeyed all the commandments of God (Genesis 7:9) and in another it says he obeyed the commandments of the Lord God (Jehovah) (Genesis 7:5). |
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Lest any reader be unaware of the reason why God told Noah to take animals into the ark in twos of male and female, and the Lord God told Noah to take some animals in by sevens, the answer is in the understanding of these specific names. God is the God of creation and he is the vowed sustainer of his creation, so we recognise the need for just male and female of each species to be preserved. This is how all things were created by God in the first place. But for man to maintain his relationship with the Lord God, there would ever be the need for sacrifice, for man must offer an animal substitute to cover his own death penalty for sin. You will notice that as soon as Noah and his family came out of the ark, the first thing they did was to make a sacrifice to the Lord. Had they only had two of a kind then one species would have been immediately lost.
This principle is seen in other places of scripture where there seems to be two accounts of the same history. To over-simplify it slightly, we could say that one will be man’s viewpoint and the other will be God’s viewpoint. This is seen when you compare the accounts of the kings of Judah in Samuel and Kings with that in Chronicles. (see Samuel & Kings & Chronicles).
We have seen how various extensions are added to the name EL to reveal the character of God so we see many extensions to the name Jehovah. Note this slide:
This principle is seen in other places of scripture where there seems to be two accounts of the same history. To over-simplify it slightly, we could say that one will be man’s viewpoint and the other will be God’s viewpoint. This is seen when you compare the accounts of the kings of Judah in Samuel and Kings with that in Chronicles. (see Samuel & Kings & Chronicles).
We have seen how various extensions are added to the name EL to reveal the character of God so we see many extensions to the name Jehovah. Note this slide:
Later we may look more closely at these names and the circumstances in which they were revealed
There are many passages where two or more names of God appear in one verse and it is fascinating to understand why that should be so. One quirky example is to be found in Genesis 9: 26-27. Noah blesses his three sons, Shem, Ham & Japheth.
26-27 "And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant"... but then he says God (Elohim) shall enlarge Japheth. The Lord God is mentioned in relation to Shem from whom came the Jewish nation and Japheth is the father of the gentile nations. Their blessing and provision was to come from God. All nations had their 'Elohim' but only Israel knew him as Jehovah.
There are many passages where two or more names of God appear in one verse and it is fascinating to understand why that should be so. One quirky example is to be found in Genesis 9: 26-27. Noah blesses his three sons, Shem, Ham & Japheth.
26-27 "And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant"... but then he says God (Elohim) shall enlarge Japheth. The Lord God is mentioned in relation to Shem from whom came the Jewish nation and Japheth is the father of the gentile nations. Their blessing and provision was to come from God. All nations had their 'Elohim' but only Israel knew him as Jehovah.
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ADONAI
The Third name is that of Adonai, which is distinguished in our bibles as Lord, expressed in lower case. In Genesis 23 Abraham is addressed as Lord by 'fellow humans' but it is the singular Adon that is used (Adonai is the plural of Adon). Sometimes God is addressed as Lord God, denoting a relationship in which man recognises that God is his Master, and that he is a purchased slave. |
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There were hired slaves who were paid by the day, but as Eliezer was to Abraham, some were bought and so belonged to their master. Their master provided food and shelter for them. In the case of Abraham, Eliezer was due to inherit all that Abraham had until Ishmael and Isaac were born. There is a faint similarity today when a self employed person works for a bigger contractor, he is as a hired slave but those who are employed receive the benefits of holidays and sickness cover.
Adonai makes claims upon man's obedience and service
Psalm 110 is one of my favourite Psalms because of the wonder of David's inspiration. Jesus recognised this divine inspiration when he quoted this verse, He said that David was speaking "by the Spirit " when he said, "The LORD said to my Lord, sit here till I make your enemies your footstool".
David uses the word Adoni for Lord which is the singular of Adonai. (The names Elohim and Jehovah don't have a singular person).
Firstly, David is calling the promised Messiah his Lord and secondly how did David know of this conversation in the heavenlies, for it is nothing less than the Father talking to the Son. I think it is amazing, as is the whole Psalm, if you take time to read it.
Here is an early example of Jehovah (LORD) and Lord being used. Moses is here communing with Jehovah, the LORD God, and addresses him as Lord with severe consequences. After the Lord God had commanded him to go to Pharoah with a message from Him.
Exodus 4:10-14
10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who makes the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said...
One might ask why was the LORD angry? I would suggest it was because Moses had the cheek to address Jehovah as Lord, yet was not prepared to do what he was told. Let's remind ourselves that the slaves in those days who were bought, they were possessed by the Master and as the owner and the master was responsible for their well being. The slave of course had to obey.
So here we see Moses unwilling to obey his master and doubting his 'owners' power to provide for him in the situation into which he was being sent. Little wonder the LORD was angry.
Almost every servant of God in the Old Testament at one time or another addressed their Jehovah as their Lord. I cannot refrain from commenting on the present day church situation, knowing that I am part of it and have been responsible in the ministry for many decades. But if you read just Luke's gospel with some measure of meditation, you will see another side of Jesus Christ, other than the all-loving, grace-abounding, all-forgiving friend and Saviour, that we love to make him out to be; Much to our liking of course. But we tend to conveniently forget his full title Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Lord and Master purchased us who once were slaves to sin, and bound us with the cords of love to draw us unto Himself. We sing happily "Now I belong to Jesus, and Jesus belongs to me". How sweet and cosy is that? Unless you see the words in the light of the full gospel to all who would be a follower of Jesus Christ.
For Matthew in his Gospel presents Jesus as a King: we profess to be in his kingdom. A King gives commandments. The sermon on the mount contains his commands for his subjects, telling them how to behave as children of the kingdom of heaven while in the kingdom of this world. He told his disciples to go out into all the world and make disciples by teaching them his commands.
Most strikingly comes his challenge at the end of his commands sermon, which Luke records like this:
Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Note what he said earlier in Matthew 7:21-23:
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It may surprise those who rejoice in the freedom from the Law of Moses, and at times be tempted to abuse that freedom. to recognise that in the New Testament epistles alone, there are over 450 commands. There are 300 specific commands, and 150 of commands which are inferred or exhorted.
How can a King run a Kingdom if no-one is obeying his commands?
It would not surprise me if in eternity we find out that we are no different than the Laodicean church in the book of Revelation. We are more concerned about growth and numbers than we are in quality discipleship. We make the narrow way a broad way, presenting a gospel most would like to hear. We are more often concerned about being right in our doctrines than in loving one another. No-one need fear ever being disciplined in the church these days. I often wonder what Paul would think of the church today - and at times hate to ponder on what the LORD thinks. "Have Mercy O Lord!"
Much more could be written and indeed may be but for the present this will suffice.
Your comments would be appreciated.
Adonai makes claims upon man's obedience and service
Psalm 110 is one of my favourite Psalms because of the wonder of David's inspiration. Jesus recognised this divine inspiration when he quoted this verse, He said that David was speaking "by the Spirit " when he said, "The LORD said to my Lord, sit here till I make your enemies your footstool".
David uses the word Adoni for Lord which is the singular of Adonai. (The names Elohim and Jehovah don't have a singular person).
Firstly, David is calling the promised Messiah his Lord and secondly how did David know of this conversation in the heavenlies, for it is nothing less than the Father talking to the Son. I think it is amazing, as is the whole Psalm, if you take time to read it.
Here is an early example of Jehovah (LORD) and Lord being used. Moses is here communing with Jehovah, the LORD God, and addresses him as Lord with severe consequences. After the Lord God had commanded him to go to Pharoah with a message from Him.
Exodus 4:10-14
10 And Moses said unto the LORD, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
11 And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who makes the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said...
One might ask why was the LORD angry? I would suggest it was because Moses had the cheek to address Jehovah as Lord, yet was not prepared to do what he was told. Let's remind ourselves that the slaves in those days who were bought, they were possessed by the Master and as the owner and the master was responsible for their well being. The slave of course had to obey.
So here we see Moses unwilling to obey his master and doubting his 'owners' power to provide for him in the situation into which he was being sent. Little wonder the LORD was angry.
Almost every servant of God in the Old Testament at one time or another addressed their Jehovah as their Lord. I cannot refrain from commenting on the present day church situation, knowing that I am part of it and have been responsible in the ministry for many decades. But if you read just Luke's gospel with some measure of meditation, you will see another side of Jesus Christ, other than the all-loving, grace-abounding, all-forgiving friend and Saviour, that we love to make him out to be; Much to our liking of course. But we tend to conveniently forget his full title Lord Jesus Christ.
Our Lord and Master purchased us who once were slaves to sin, and bound us with the cords of love to draw us unto Himself. We sing happily "Now I belong to Jesus, and Jesus belongs to me". How sweet and cosy is that? Unless you see the words in the light of the full gospel to all who would be a follower of Jesus Christ.
For Matthew in his Gospel presents Jesus as a King: we profess to be in his kingdom. A King gives commandments. The sermon on the mount contains his commands for his subjects, telling them how to behave as children of the kingdom of heaven while in the kingdom of this world. He told his disciples to go out into all the world and make disciples by teaching them his commands.
Most strikingly comes his challenge at the end of his commands sermon, which Luke records like this:
Luke 6:46 "And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
Note what he said earlier in Matthew 7:21-23:
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.
It may surprise those who rejoice in the freedom from the Law of Moses, and at times be tempted to abuse that freedom. to recognise that in the New Testament epistles alone, there are over 450 commands. There are 300 specific commands, and 150 of commands which are inferred or exhorted.
How can a King run a Kingdom if no-one is obeying his commands?
It would not surprise me if in eternity we find out that we are no different than the Laodicean church in the book of Revelation. We are more concerned about growth and numbers than we are in quality discipleship. We make the narrow way a broad way, presenting a gospel most would like to hear. We are more often concerned about being right in our doctrines than in loving one another. No-one need fear ever being disciplined in the church these days. I often wonder what Paul would think of the church today - and at times hate to ponder on what the LORD thinks. "Have Mercy O Lord!"
Much more could be written and indeed may be but for the present this will suffice.
Your comments would be appreciated.
