Knowing God's Name - Part 3, by Aije Barnes, Sept 4 Issue 2 Vol 5

“Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he knows and understands My name [has a personal knowledge of My mercy, love, and kindness–trusts and relies on Me, knowing I will never forsake him, no, never]. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honor him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him My salvation.” ‭‭Psalm‬ ‭91:14-16‬ ‭AMP‬‬ 

Wow! What beautiful words! Please read the opening verse again if you may. Loving the Lord and knowing His name is priceless!

This is the third part of this series. The names of God we will look at today are: ADONAI and YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH. 

ADONAI: “Lord” (Genesis 15:2; Judges 6:15) – used in place of YHWH, which was thought by the Jews to be too sacred to be uttered by sinful men. In the Old Testament, YHWH is more often used in God’s dealings with His people, while Adonai is used more when He deals with the Gentiles.

The excerpt above provides an interesting insight into the name of God 'Adonai' as used by the Jews in place of YHWH, and how 'Adonai' is used more when God deals with the Gentiles. Here, it appears that the Jews, even though they were chosen by God as His Covenant People, they identified themselves as sinners just like the Gentiles and found it easier to relate to Him at this level. That is not to say the Jews are not sinners.  They, just like the Gentiles, are also sinners. For the scriptures says: 

“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”‭‭Romans‬ ‭3:23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

God in His name Adonai, has made himself available to both the Jews and the Gentiles in the person of Jesus, who is Adonai.  And through Jesus, God has reconciled us back to Himself- to those who would receive Him whether they be Jews or Gentiles. Have you received Him as your Lord not only in word, but also in deed? The scriptures says: 

“Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. 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.” ‭Matthew‬ ‭7:20-21‬ ‭KJV‬‬. 

Therefore when you address Jesus as Lord or Adonai make sure He is actually your Lord, not just on Sunday's, but every day and always. 

YHWH / YAHWEH / JEHOVAH: “LORD” (Deuteronomy 6:4; Daniel 9:14) – strictly speaking, the only proper name for God. Translated in English Bibles “LORD” (all capitals) to distinguish it from Adonai, “Lord.” The revelation of the name is first given to Moses “I Am who I Am” (Exodus 3:14). This name specifies an immediacy, a presence. Yahweh is present, accessible, near to those who call on Him for deliverance (Psalm 107:13), forgiveness (Psalm 25:11) and guidance (Psalm 31:3).

Wow! Brothers and sisters in Christ, this is Our Father! When Jesus taught us how to pray, this is the Person He was addressing. The ever present, accessible, Holy One, Who is near near to those who call upon Him for deliverance, forgiveness and guidance. Remember, Jesus taught us to say 'hallowed be Thy Name'. For His name indeed is hallowed which also means Holy. So when we come to Him in prayer, let us approach Him with reverence, remembering who He is and what His name stands for. 

Meditate in this

More next time...

Shalom