The name YAHWEH is the most used name for God in the OT, appearing over 5000 times. Remember, most English translations, translate it LORD. It is used in every book of the OT except Esther and Ecclesiastes. The case of Esther is unusual, in that it is a book about God’s work in delivering Israel in the times of the Gentiles, and yet there is no reference to YAHWEH or God at all. In the case of Ecclesiastes, it makes more sense that there are no references to YAHWEH but several references to God. As to why it makes sense, let us first consider the relationship between Elohim and YAHWEH.
We noted yesterday
that the name YAHWEH was given to Moses at the time God began to bring them out
of Egypt and make them His treasured possession. I believe the name YAHWEH emphasizes God’s
redemptive work and His covenant relationship with Israel. I say emphasizes; there might be exception to
this idea but it is generally the case.
Let me share a few illustrations of what I mean.
·
The name YAHWEH is generally used with “Theophanies”
(God’s OT appearances to men). For
example, in Gen. 18, when God appeared to Abraham, we read, Then the LORD
appeared to Him (18:1). The LORD
said to Abraham (18:13). God
appeared to Moses at the burning bush as the Angel of the LORD (Ex.
3:2). God appeared to Joshua as Commander
of the army of the LORD (Josh. 5:14).
This is repeated over and over.
·
References in the OT to God’s word are very
seldom to “the word of God” but most often to “the word of the LORD.” In other words, when God speaks to men it is
most often as YAHWEH.
·
In Gen. 1-2 there is a distinction. In Gen. 1:1-2:3 in the story of creation it
is all the work of Elohim. But in Gen.
2:4-25 it is the “LORD God” (YAHWEH Elohim.)
It makes sense in that Ch. 2 involves God’s specific dealings with Adam
while Gen. 1 records the beginning of all things. Even though the name YAHWEH was not given to
Israel until Ex. 6, Israel's relationship with YAHWEH dates back to the
beginnings of God’s relationship with Man.
·
It makes sense that in Gen. 9:26f God promised
to enlarge Japheth (Noah’s son through whom the European and Asiatic nations
came) but that YAHWEH was the God of Shem (Noah’s son through whom the chosen
people came).
·
Psalm 19:1-6 speaks of the glory of Elohim in
Creation. In Ps. 19:7-14 it is the word
of YAHWEH that reveals God; YAHWEH is my strength and redeemer.
Thus, in Ecclesiastes, I am not surprised that
the references are to Elohim. The book
is an argument for seeking God, an argument that applies to anyone who seeks to
live his life apart from God. It is a
book that makes sense for someone in Babylon or Moab or the United States to
read. It does not present God’s work of
redemption. It speaks to an issue that
any person can relate to if they will.
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