God’s Image Study • Commandment 3: God’s Name
If God identifies His name as a memorial for all generations, we should pay attention to how that name appears in the Scriptures we read.
In Exodus 3:15, the ASV uses Jehovah, then records:
“this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”
— Exodus 3:15, ASV
The Hebrew name is YHWH (יהוה). Yet a reader opening another English translation may find LORD in the same place.
What happened to the distinction between a name and a title?
Look at the same passage
In Exodus 3:15, the ASV prints Jehovah, while the KJV prints LORD. The Hebrew text contains YHWH (יהוה) at that location.
The name remains in the Hebrew passage; the English rendering differs. Seeing the two versions alongside the Hebrew helps us recognize something we might otherwise read past. Compare Exodus 3:15 in the ASV, the KJV, and the Hebrew text.
A title can express authority. A name identifies the one being named. When LORD stands in the place of YHWH (יהוה), a reader unfamiliar with that practice may never realize that a name is present in the underlying text.
This matters in a study where we have already examined the differing uses of God and Lord. We must attend to whom a passage identifies rather than assume every occurrence of an English title tells us the same thing.
Remembering what God made known
Exodus 3:15 connects the name with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the One sending Moses. It also carries that remembrance forward into subsequent generations.
The passage gives us a reason to preserve the name in our study. God made it part of His identification and His instruction concerning remembrance.
When I encounter LORD, do I recognize the name it represents in that passage? Have I examined the wording, or simply assumed the title is all that was written?
Jeremiah warns about forgetting His name
Jeremiah 23:25–27 describes prophets telling lies in God’s name and using dreams in a way that would cause His people to forget His name. The passage recalls their fathers forgetting His name because of Baal.
The immediate subject is false prophecy and misplaced allegiance. Jeremiah is not describing an English translation practice. But his warning makes the importance of remembering God’s name unmistakable. Read Jeremiah 23:25–27.
It also keeps us from reducing remembrance to saying a word. These prophets invoked God’s name while misrepresenting Him.
We therefore have two responsibilities to examine together: remember the name He revealed, and speak truthfully about the One who bears it.
Jesus made the Father’s name known
In John 17:6–8, Jesus connects making the Father’s name known with giving the disciples the words the Father had given him. They received those words and recognized that the Father sent him.
Near the close of the prayer, Jesus again speaks of making the Father’s name known, connecting that work with the Father’s love dwelling in them. Read John 17:6–8, 25–26.
The name, the words, the sending, and the love belong together in this passage.
That brings us back to our own examination. Am I allowing Scripture to identify God and reveal His instruction? Am I honoring the Father whom Jesus makes known? Does my use of His name agree with the truth and love I claim to represent?
Threads to Follow
Keeping the name holy: Bring Matthew 6:9 alongside the third commandment.
Truthful speech: Examine Matthew 5:33–37 and the responsibility behind our assurances.
Remembering and representing: Keep God’s revealed name, His instruction, and our conduct together.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
Comments
Post a Comment