Grammar or Person Gods name is not a magic amulet that must be pronounced correctly in order to conjure him or to persuade him to hear ones prayers. His name conveys his character, the essence of his person. It says something about who he is. When God explains his name to Moses on Mount Sinai, he doesnt expound on Hebrew grammar but reveals character: YHVH passed by in front of him and proclaimed: YHVH, YHVH — a God compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in unchanging love and faithfulness, who guards unchanging love for thousands, who forgives iniquity, rebellion, and sin; yet who will not leave the guilty unpunished. (Exod 34:6-7, my translation) Gods self-revealed name is here woven into the covenant which he made with Israel. YHVH—He will be . . . always himself, always righteous, always holy, always loyal to those who keep his covenant. This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations (Exod 3:15). The Name is always linked to what he is doing for his people within their covenant relationship. YHVH could be called Gods Covenant Name, for he is the Guardian of Covenant Love (notzer hesed) (Exod 36:7).
Posted on: Wed, 22 Jan 2014 02:55:00 +0000
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