“Hallowed be thy name….” What Does God’s Name Mean? (Part2)
At birth, my parents gave me what I call a ‘convertible name.’ The name on my birth certificate is Susan. My dad’s favorite girls’ name was Susie so that is what I was usually called by my family. In the fourth grade, my teacher called me Sue. Short and sweet, that one syllable is the moniker by which I’ve been called most often since.
I am comfortable with whatever variation of my name is used. No matter if I’m addressed as Susan, Susie, or Sue, I know I am the same person.
God is referred to in the Old Testament by many different names, but those names are more than just a variation. Even though God is always the same God, each nuance of God’s name reveals an important aspect of essence or character.[i]
In my last post I described several names, beginning with El, which in Hebrew means God or Power.
Now, I’ll discuss distinctions related to the most common name used for God—Jehovah, which means Self-existent One.
Jehovah – When God appeared to Moses, He told him “I AM WHO I AM” (Jehovah). Note: When you see LORD (always in all capital letters) used in the Old Testament, this is synonymous with Jehovah.
Jehovah-jireh -- “The LORD Will Provide.” This name was first revealed in Genesis 22:1-19—the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of his much-loved son, Isaac.
Jehovah-rapha -- “The LORD Who Heals.” Refers to spiritual, physical, mental, and national healing. I believe sincerely Jehova-rapha hears the prayers of many citizens who are praying for healing in the nation.
Jehovah-nissi – “The LORD is My Banner” is seen in Exodus 17:15 during a battle against Amalek (frequently viewed by Bible scholars as a picture of the New Testament’s use of “flesh”). Jehovah-nissi carries the banner of victory for us in the battle against our flesh.
Jehovah-shalom – “The LORD is Peace” – In the middle of uncertainty and turmoil, we can pray in the name of God Who is Peace.
Jehovah-raah – “The LORD My Shepherd” – In Jehovah-raah we have everything we need because the Good Shepherd always cares for his sheep. (Psalm 23)
I like big words, so when I was introduced to some ‘big’ words that reflected attributes of God, I was intrigued.
Omnipotent – God is all powerful.
Omniscient – God knows all.
Omnipresent – God has been, is, and always will be present.
Omnibenevolent – God’s benevolence is infinite goodness.
Immutable – God never, ever changes. (With every newly discovered wrinkle, I become more and more grateful for an immutable God!)
If this sounds confusing, I get it! Honestly, I don’t believe one needs great knowledge or ‘big’ words to love and have faith in God. For me, however, I’ve discovered the more I learn about God—for instance through studying God’s names—the greater my ability to worship grows, and I can say with the Apostle Paul:
Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen. (1 Timothy 1:17 KJV)
If you are having trouble worshiping God, you might try turning to the Psalms, and let one of them guide you. David, as well as other psalmists, really knew how to hallow God!
