PASTORS PEN

What’s in a Name?

May 19, 2007 on 8:17 pm | In archive |

“A good name is more desirable than great riches;

Proverbs 22:1a”

“A good name is better than fine perfume,

Ecclesiastes 7:1a”

The word Name is very, very prominent throughout the scriptures! It appears 944 times in the American Standard Version, 934 times in the New King James Version, 928 times in the King James Version, and 761 times in the New International Version. Lets take a moment or two to examine some names that just may prove interesting to you.

First, let’s look at the name Jehovah or Yahweh. Jehovah or Yahweh is one of the most important names for God in the Old Testament. The name is derived from the verb “to be,” meaning simply but profoundly, “I am who I am,” and “I will be who I will be.” The four-letter Hebrew word YHWH (thecHebrew letters are void of vowels), was the name by which God revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3:14). This bush was a vivid symbol of the inexhaustible dynamism of God who burns like a fire with love and righteousness, yet remains the same and never diminishes. Some English translations of the Bible translate the word as Jehovah, while others use Yahweh.

Now that we know what God’s name is, let’s add some attributes and see who God becomes to believers. To Abraham and Isaac on Mt. Moriah He became, JEHOVAH JIREH. This means Jehovah will see or provide (Genesis 22:14). In Genesis 22:8 Abraham had said, “Elohim will provide for Himself a Lamb.” Abraham perceives he has uttered an unconscious prophecy, and that the Elohim in whom he trusted has proved Himself JEHOVAH (which sees), in covenant with His people. The phrase ‘In the mount Jehovah will provide” became a Hebrew proverb. As He provided for Abraham in his extremity, for us also is our Jehovah ready and able to provide for us in our every extremity. The meaning of Mori-jah, “the seeing of Jehovah” implies that it originated in this saying of Abraham, and that “Moriah” in Genesis 22:2 is used by anticipation. Moreover, Solomon built his temple on mount “Moriah”.

JEHOVAH NISSI

“Jehovah my banner” is the name given by Moses to the altar commemorating Israel’s victory, under Jehovah, over King Amalek. His name, i.e. “manifested character” toward His people, is their rallying point. The rod or banner of God in Moses’ hand, when held up as a banner, brought to the people of God victory. So it was the pledge of what the altar represented, that Jehovah is the insurer of victory to His people when rallying round Him.

JEHOVAH-SHALOM

“Jehovah is peace” Gideon so-called his altar of thanksgiving (not sacrifice) in Ophrah, to commemorate the angel of Jehovah’s salutation, “Peace be unto thee”; where rather judgment for national backslidings was to have been expected, and when he himself had feared death, as having seen the angel of Jehovah. Jehovah’s assurance of “peace” confirmed His previous announcement that Gideon would conquer Midian and deliver Israel.

JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH

“Jehovah-shammah” - This phrase expresses the truth that “The-LORD-Is-There,” referring to the city which the prophet Ezekiel saw in his vision.

JEHOVAH-TSEBAOTH

“Jehovah-tsebaoth - This name, translated “The-LORD-of-hosts,” was used in the days of David and the prophets, witnessing to God the Savior who is surrounded by His hosts of heavenly power.

JEHOVAH ELOHE ISRAEL

“Jehovah Elohe Israel -This name means “LORD-God-of-Israel,” and it appears in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and the Psalms.

Other names similar to this are Netsah Israel,” The Strength of lsraef and Abir Yisrael” The Mighty One of Israel’.

And lastly there is a name given by God to God that is above every name given, the name Jesus. This is the name that assures us our Salvation, our Redemption, our Justification, our Sanctification, and our eventual Glorification. And where do we find this name, Philippians 2:9-11-

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

These are just a few of the many, many names relative to God in the scriptures. Why don’t you spend some time in the near future searching and digging to see how many names you are able to find.

Until next time…

Pastor