Psalm 118, YAHWEH (3)

We want to conclude our thoughts about the name YAHWEH in this post.  First, note a few of the many people whose names contain this name of God:

·       Jonathan, YAHWEH gives (17 men in the OT had this name).

·       Jehoshaphat, YAHWEH has judged.

·       Joshua, YAHWEH is salvation.  Ten men have this name, and it is, of course, related to the name Jesus.

·       Joel, YAHWEH is God.

·       Elijah, God is YAHWEH.

·       Jehozadak, YAHWEH is righteous.

·       Hallelujah, praise YAHWEH.

Psalm 118 is special in terms of the name YAHWEH.  It praises YAHWEH for many things.  The only references to “God” are in vs27-28.  After strongly praising YAHWEH the Psalmist then says, “El is YAHWEH” (v27) and YAHWEH is “my EL/Elohim” (v28).  I am hoping you will read that Psalm (again, if you already have) noting the praiseworthy works of YAHWEH.

·       118:1-4: YAHWEH deserves praise for His enduring love.

·       118:5-7: YAHWEH’s presence gives me courage against all my enemies.

·       118:8-9: YAHWEH’s refuge beats all that any can provide.

·       118:10-12: YAHWEH’s name gives me victory against insurmountable odds.

·       118:13-14: YAHWEH is my strength, song and salvation.

·       118:15-16: YAHWEH’s right hand does mighty things.

·       118:17-18: YAHWEH chastens me.

·       118:19-21: YAHWEH’s gate is a gate of praise.

·       118:22-24: YAHWEH has made the day of crucifixion (rejection of Messiah) to be a day of praise.

·       118:25-27: YAHWEH deserves praise for His blessing.

·       118:28-29: YAHWEH will therefore be praised by me.

During the intertestamental period (between Malachi and Matthew) the Jews began to substitute “Adonai” (English, Lord in the OT) for YAHWEH.  They did this as a form of reverence for the name.  You may also see, if you read present-day articles by some Jews, references to “G-d” instead of “God.”  Again, this is a form of reverence.  We believe this is not only unneccessary but that it fails to understand the point of these terms.  The names and titles of God are a part of His self-revelation.  He wants us to know Him.  The name YAHWEH does not appear over 5000 times in the OT so that we can, in effect, ignore the name and what it means.  We have reverence for God; but we also know He desires a relationship with us.  Let us learn of Him through the enjoyment of His names.