In our study of the names of God we have seen that some of the prominent titles are often joined. For example, in Gen. 2, it is the LORD God, YAHWEH Elohim, who establishes a relationship with Man.
Another illustration is Lord GOD, Adonai
YAHWEH. Some English versions (NIV) translate
this as Sovereign LORD. This name
appears 298 times, with 213 being in Ezekiel.
In Ezekiel it is always the Lord GOD who speaks to and through
the prophet. Isaiah (25), Jeremiah (14)
and Amos (21) make up most of the other uses, so you see that it is a term used
mostly in the Prophets.
However, two early references to the Lord
GOD might give us a clue as to the strength of this name. In Gen. 15:2,8. Abraham refers to God with this name when he
believes God and it is credited to him as righteousness. In both cases he is seeking for clarification
from God. Lord GOD, what will You
give me, seeing I go childless … Lord GOD, how shall I know that I will
inherit it? This passage results in
God’s confirming the covenant with Abraham through the shedding of blood.
In 2 Samuel 7, David
was speechless as the prophet Nathan told him of the covenant God was going to establish
with him. David responded with amazement
and thanksgiving, referring to God six times as Lord GOD (7:17-29). The use of this name by the prophets, especially
Ezekiel who serves God in Babylon among the captives, might fit the need
to assure Israel that the God of Israel, YAHWEH, is the master, the sovereign,
the Lord. Even though they are ruled by
the Gentiles, God is still the One who will fulfill His covenants with Abraham
and David.
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Several times Lord GOD is tied to YAHWEH
Tsaveot (LORD of hosts; e.g. Isa. 10:23). This also emphasizes God’s great power to
accomplish all His purposes.
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In today’s passage from Isaiah 48 we see this
very powerfully. God has spoken of
judgment to come on Israel. But now He
is bringing comfort. For My name’s
sake I will defer My anger (v9). I
have tested you in the furnace of affliction (v10). But God will not let His name be profaned by
completely destroying Israel. I will
not give My glory to another (v11).
He is the only God (v12), the Creator (v13); He loves Israel and will
deal with Babylon (v14). Then hear these
amazing words: And now the Lord GOD and His Spirit have (lit. has,
singular) sent Me (v16). Who is
saying these words? It is the
Messiah. He is the LORD; He is Creator;
He will save Israel. And He is sent by
the Lord GOD and His Spirit. Do we not
see the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit here?
Oh, that we might know the Lord GOD,
the One who will and can keep His word.
What might that mean to us when we come to Him in prayer, to know that the
God of Israel, YAHWEH, is the Master, Lord of all? To address God by His names is to come into
His presence with bold humility!
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