Chapter 3 – YAHWEH (LORD, JEHOVAH) & “I AM”
(pronounced “yah-weh”)/YHWH/YAH
In the Old Testament Yahweh occurs 6,519 times. This name is used more than any other name of God. Yahweh is first used in Genesis 2:4.
Yahweh is the promised name of God. A name, by Jewish tradition, is too holy to voice, is actually spelled “YHWH” without vowels. YHWH is referred to as the Tetragrammaton (which simply means “the four letters”). While YHWH is first used in Genesis, Chapter 2, God did not reveal Himself as YHWH until Exodus, Chapter 3. The modern spelling as “Yahweh” includes vowels to assist in pronunciation. Most pronounce YHWH as “Yah-weh” and over time it has morphed into “Jehovah.” We no longer know for certain the exact pronunciation. During the third century A.D., the Jewish people stopped saying this name in fear of running afowl of God’s commandment “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain” (Exodus Chapter 20:7. As a result of this, Adonai is often used as a substitute for YHWH. The following compound names which start with “YHWH” have been shown using “Jehovah.”
Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, Jehovah Shalom, and many others, adding to the characteristics of our great GOD; we’ll be looking at those in subsequent musings.
YAHWEH/YHWH/YAH (JEHOVAH) – He is self-existent. He has always existed and will always exist. YHWH never changes. You can always rely on Him because He is your eternal source of strength. When we are unfaithful, he remains faithful. It is necessary for us to be accountable to Him as it is He who created us.
YAHWEH/Jehovah leads us to – The Ultimate Name of God: “I AM”
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he asked what His name was. The Lord God replied:
“I AM that I AM… You must say this to the Israelites, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus, Chapter 3:14.
God made it clear to Moses that He is eternally present. He has always been, He is now and He will always be. This name of God also speaks about His eternal presence with His people. He is present to help us, comfort us, guide us, and so much more… His presence never leaves you, and He will always be with you. That is the greatest comfort we can ever find, and we learn it from the very name of God: I AM.
When God revealed His name, He was also saying: ‘I AM ALWAYS WITH YOU!’
Now here’s one for you, just a little momentary “rabbit-hole” dive: Jesus, the Christ (Yashua HaMashiach) applied the name of God on Himself. Yes, He did!
Jesus shocked the religious leaders of Israel, when He made a statement that was unheard of since the beginning of time. Jesus Christ declared that He Himself ‘is’ God, when He said, as recorded in the Gospel of John, Chapter 8:58:
“Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.” Now when we finish the Names of GOD, we’re going to look at the Names of Jesus also, in some future musins; and we’ll see the overlap, we’re also going to look at what other world religions say about Jesus…and we’ll discuss this more then…goodness, it is a whole series of topics unto itself…but we’ll touch it here and there and bring the point home in our simple little way.
Enough for now, please join me in Prayer ‘to’ the Great I AM, thru the SON: {Prayers}
One Pilgrim's Journey 