Lesson 2

The Importance of the Creator's Name Today

1. Yahweh says He is the Mighty One of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. this must mean, then, that each in turn called upon Him and referred to His Name. Remember that where the King James Version uses the word "Lord," it is a rendering of the Hebrew Tetragrammaton YHWH. Abram was called out of Ur of the Chaldees, Genesis 11:32-32, and told to go to a land he would be shown, Genesis 12:1-7.

a.  When he later was given the promise or covenant with Yahweh--and promised the land for his posterity--what did Abram do after he had pitched his tent between Bethel and Hai (verse 8)?

b.   Did Abram mention by name the Most High (Hebrew "El-Elyon") by whom he swore (lifted up his hand)? Genesis 14:22. El and Elohim are general terms used in Hebrew to refer to Yahweh or the Heavenly Hosts.

c.   Whom did Jacob say his father, Isaac, accepted as his Elohim? Genesis 27:20.

d.   Whom did Jacob say he would make a covenant with if this Elohim would give him protection and bring him back to his father's house? Genesis 28:20-22.

   NOTE: It should be clear that the patriarchs were religious men and were willing to worship and serve the one true Elohim. It is obvious, then, that they differentiated who it was they were worshipping. Notice they called Him by Name. This is why He is known in Scripture as Yahweh, the Elohim of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Each of the Hebrew patriarchs called  upon Yahweh's Name. They did more than refer to Him as "Mighty One" or "Creator." Living in the land of the Canaanites who worshipped many pagan deities, these men used the specific Name "Yahweh" and called upon His memorial Name in worship, thereby leaving no doubt that they were not going to call on the names of the pagan deities around them. All three patriarchs acknowledged that Yahweh was the Mighty One of the Hebrews. They gave Him tithes of all they had, or were willing to sacrifice even life itself if that was required of them (Isaac, Genesis 22). No wonder they are given as examples for us. If we claim the promises given to Abraham as all followers of the Messiah can do (Romans 9:4, Galatians 3:29), then we should follow the example of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The same Mighty One who cared for them will also be ours. We cannot call ourselves Israelites or modern Israel and neglect the lessons to be learned from ancient Israel.

2. We have even a better example for living in the New Testament. In his first epistle, Peter says that we are to walk in Yahshua's steps, 1:21. We are to live the same life as Yahshua lived. What was the Messiah prophesied to do? Psalm 22:22. Did the writer of Hebrews say that He had done this? Hebrews 2:12. Notice it was to be done in the midst of the congregation, in the midst of the brethren. What did the Messiah say to the Father in His prayer found in John 17:6? He elaborated on this statement in verse 26.
   
   Yahshua was sent to represent the Heavenly Father Yahweh. He came to this earth to set us an example of the proper spiritual attitude we all should have in living a righteous life. A prime example of His declaring the Father's Name to the brethren is in Luke 4:18, where the Savior quotes directly from Isaiah 61 and reads the first two verses where Yahweh's Name appears twice. No wonder those in the synagogue stared at Him for boldly proclaiming Yahweh's Name instead of the superstitious custom of using Adonai as did the rabbis.
   
   Some have questioned why Yahshua did not use the Heavenly Father's Name when He hung on the stake and cried out "Eloi, Eloi" (Mark 15:34, Matthew 27:46), a title for the Mighty One. The answer is that with His last breath He acknowledged the veracity of the Old Testament, fulfilling Psalm 22:1.6.
   
   What significance does the Savior's model prayer have in relation to the Name? Matthew 6:9. If you read the first part of this prayer carefully, you will see that the word "name" is singular. He has only one Name and we must know it to hallow it. Many older commentaries still maintain that the Name of the Mighty One is Jehovah. Not understanding the development of the letter "J," many authorities simply followed in the error of Peter Galatin. The King James Version uses that erroneous name four times: Exodus 6:3, Psalm 83:18, Isaiah 12:2 and 26:4.6.
   
   Significantly, the first part of Yahweh's Name was left untranslated in one King James verse, Psalm 68:4. The transliteration "Jah" is found in many names of Old Testament writers such as IsaYah, JeremiYah, HoseYah and ObadiYah. Even in modern spelling the transliteration of the sound of Yahweh's Name is preserved in these names. The word "Halleluyah," which has been transliterated into hundreds of languages, retains the YAH ending. It means "praise (hallel) you Yah." HalleluYah is found in many of the latter Psalms.
   
      NOTE: In recent times, exciting new information has come to light on the Name Yahweh. With a better understanding of Hebrew and newer artifact discoveries, the Name Yahweh has been verified with even more certainty. "Name" is from the Hebrew "Shem." Strong's Hebrew and Chaldee Dictionary at No. 8034 says, "An appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality: by implication, honor, authority, character."
   
      Names have deep meaning. Unger's Bible Dictionary says, "The name in Hebrew is sometimes used to signify the collected attributes or characteristics of the object named. [Yahshua] says, 'I have manifested thy name,' etc. (John 17:6), where name embraces the whole divine nature revealed by the Son.... When [Elohim] announces His mighty presence it is said, 'Thy name is near'" (Psalm 75:1).

3. How important is the Name Yahweh to you and me? Does it have any special significance for us who are living at the end of the age? Why should the Name Yahweh have a special significance to us? Isaiah 56:2.
   
      NOTE: Not only must we as the children of Yahweh know His Name, but we also should be acutely aware of its importance and meaning. Speaking of the end of the age, Revelation 14:1 tells of the 144,000 saints having the Father's Name and the Son's Name written on their foreheads. If we are His people, then we will be aware of His Name. Revelation 7:1-3 tells of the winds of strife being held in abeyance until the chosen ones are sealed in their foreheads.
   
      The family name of the Most High is Yahweh, and those who will be adopted into that family will carry His Name, Ephesians 3:15. Paul tells us that the whole family in heaven and earth will be known by the Name of Yahweh. It is important, therefore, to hallow Yahweh's Name (make it holy), Matthew 6:9. Surely the bride knows her husband's name. Through courtship she learns his name and attributes. We are in courtship (training) now to become Yahshua's bride.
    

4. What about the other names the Creator is called today, can He have more than one name? Psalm 83:18. By checking a concordance you will find that in referring to Yahweh, the King James makes reference to "His name" 108 times, "Thy name" 109 times and "My name" 97 times. In every case "name" is singular, not plural.
    

5. Does Yahweh's Name change from age to age? Does He say something about change in relation to His Name? Exodus 3:15, Psalm 135:13, Psalm 102:12, Hosea 12:5.
   
        NOTE:  A memorial is a remembrance or a special marking to recall someone or something important. Yahweh says that His Name is to be a memorial or remembrance of Him for all generations. Notice also the statement in Malachi 3:6, "I am Yahweh, I change not."

6. What does Yahweh say of His people in Isaiah 52:6? Not only will His chosen know His Name, but--speaking of the end of the age--Yahweh says that His people will recognize the POWER in His Name. The Living Bible renders the passage, "Therefore I will reveal my name to my people and they shall know the power in that name. Then at last they will recognize that it is I, yes, I who speaks to them."

7. What significant characteristic do those who love Yahweh possess? 2 Chronicles 7:14. Yahweh has a certain people called by a specific name, His Name. Repentance and forgiveness are a part of His plan.

8. When the Messiah returns and sets up His Kingdom at Jerusalem, what will one notable change be? Zephaniah 3:9.  A thought-provoking translation of this verse is found in the Living Bible: "At that time I will change the speech of my returning people to pure Hebrew so that all can worship Yahweh together."

9. What does Zechariah say of this same time at the end of the age? Zechariah 14:9.
   
        NOTE: In the Kingdom, everyone will acknowledge the Name of Yahweh. All will call on His Holy Name and give Him the reverence due Him. Obedience to His laws, calling on His Name, willingly doing what pleases Him and not out of force or rebellion, acknowledging Yahshua as the Anointed--all will have a part in determining who will be in the Kingdom. We qualify by doing all this now, and continue to grow in grace and knowledge. Read again Ephesians 3:15, noting what is said about the family name "Yahweh."
    

10. Revelation 3:8 speaks of the one assembly most desirable of all the seven mentioned in Revelation chapters 2 and 3. What are the two traits found in this verse that set this assembly apart? The word "deny" means to refuse, declare as untrue, reject as unfounded, disown or refuse to acknowledge as one's own. From this description of the Philadelphian assembly, we can conclude there were others who renounced Yahweh's Name and, as a result, are not in the Philadelphian group.
    
         NOTE: It is obvious that not only will the people of Yahweh know His Name in this age, but also in the Kingdom everyone will acknowledge that this is His Name.  Everyone will be speaking the heavenly language that most Bible scholars acknowledge is Hebrew. At that time, the Name of Yahweh and what He stands for will be recognized and accepted as the waters cover the sea, Isaiah 11:9.
    
       The same loving care the Creator bestowed on Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is promised to those of us who take hold of His covenant, whether we be Israelites or strangers. Read this promise in Isaiah 56:6. The Sabbaths were given as a sign that we might know Him more deeply.

    Can "God" Please Yahweh?

       "God" is the English equivalent of Elohim. In Hebrew, Elohim means mighty one and is understood to mean a supernatural being, one that is worshipped as Creator. Elohim indicates His relationship to mankind as His creatures. Other Hebrew words rendered God are El, Eloah and Elyon. All are titles. They describe Yahweh's attributes.

       The average Bible reader is not faintly aware that the Mighty One of the Hebrews, the Creator of the universe, has a name. He has the mistaken belief that His name is God. However, that English term merely shows the relationship between mankind and Yahweh. He is higher than all His creation. He is our Almighty, our Mighty One, our object of worship, our Maker and Ruler. But He has chosen to reveal His Name Yahweh through Hebrew-speaking peoples. That fact is irrefutable and inescapable.

       The Ten Commandments are part of the covenant Yahweh established for anyone who will obey. Each of the first five concern the worship of the Father and each contains His Name, Exodus 20. He opens the First Commandment by saying, "I am Yahweh your Elohim."

    1. In the King James Bible, the title "God" is also used to refer to the adversary, Satan. Read 2 Corinthians 4:4: "In whom the god of this world has blinded...." In this one verse the same title "god" is used to refer both to Satan and Yahweh (in the capitalized form). In hearing this passage read, how would one distinguish between a capital and a small "g"? Can we use the same word to refer both to Yahweh and the adversary? Exodus 23:13.

    2. In the New Testament (King James), is "god(s)" used to refer to idols, usually man-made? Acts 7:40, 19:26. Notice that the pagan deity Remphan (Chiun) is called god as well.

    3. "God" is also used for the generic deities of the world, Acts 12:22. Did Paul refer to any mighty one who is unknown as "god"? Acts 17:23. Joshua tells us, "neither make no mention of the name of their elohim, nor cause to swear by them, nor bow yourselves down unto them." Joshua 23:7.

    4. "God" is used for the unbridled appetite, lust or covetousness that lurks in the human heart. In Philippians 3:19, Paul condemned this attitude of having our attention upon this world and the things it offers: "Whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." Did Yahweh say He would ultimately abolish these other names commonly used? Zechariah 13:2.

       NOTE: Some have argued, "Why use the Name Yahweh when we speak English and use an English Bible? Why not use an English name for the Eternal?" There are many words in our King James Bible that were left untranslated from the Hebrew. Among them are selah, higgaion, Jegar-sahadutha, Galeed and Mizpah. In the Chronicles are listed hundreds of men whose names were left untranslated and the same is true throughout the Bible. Your Bible is not an English book, but a translation of a Hebrew work. Just because the Creator told the Hebrews His Name is Yahweh does not make it necessarily a Hebrew Name. Your name is the same no matter which foreign country you visit. You wouldn't change it each time you enter a different country. Names have intrinsic meaning that goes beyond any language. They serve to identify. If someone used another name when addressing you, you would think he had confused you with someone else. Your name is you in the same way the Heavenly Father's Name embodies His essence. It is His memorial, Hosea 12:5. His Name is founded in eternity, Isaiah 63:16. The ultimate paradox is that although so many names were retained in original form in Scripture, the Name of the Book's Author was changed. Even "Satan" retains its original form!

    Those Charged with Hiding the Name

    1. The blame for neglecting and ignoring the holiness of Yahweh's Name lies with a certain group of people. Who does Malachi say is at fault? Malachi 1:6. He gets specific in 2:2-1.

    2. Jeremiah points out others who neglected to put forth the sacred Name. Who are they? Jeremiah 8;8-9. (Before the printing press, these men were given the responsibility of copying the Bible.)

    3. Did Jeremiah prophesy that Yahweh's people would be led to forget the Name of the Almighty for another? Jeremiah 23:27. What was that name that would supplant His (same verse)?

       NOTE: An example of scribal tampering with the translation of the Bible is found in Acts 7:45 and Hebrews 4:8, where the correct Hebrew "Joshua" was replaced by the Latinized-Greek "Jesus"--an over-zealous scribe changed all "Joshua's" (Yahshua is the Savior's Name) to "Jesus." In these two instances the change renders the Scriptures senseless.

    4. Does Isaiah contend that the people Yahweh has called out for His own purpose have forsaken Him and His ways? Isaiah 1:4.

    5. Notice chapter 2 of Hosea, where Yahweh condemns His people for their spiritual adultery (verse 13). Will He eventually betroth Israel and take away the names of the Baals from her mouth (verse 17)?

       NOTE: According to Douglas' The New Bible Dictionary, in Canaan every piece of land had its own deity, its "owner." There were thus many Baals in Canaan, each with his own surname, like Baal-peor. Israel had already used many of these names to call on the deity of the region.
       And because Israel was forbidden to make any image of Yahweh (Second Commandment), when they wished to do as the heathen did and carry into battle figures of mighty ones as amulets, they had to recourse to heathen deities. (Amulets and Superstitions, E.A. Wallis Budge, p. 216).

    Salvation for the End-Time Faithful

    1. Will one of the last messages given to mankind have anything to do with the sacred Name? Malachi 4:5-6. Elijah means "My Mighty One is Yah." Before the end of the age there will be an upsurge in the preaching of the Name of Yahweh. People will be reminded that He is the Mighty One of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. His Name will be understood in the context of what He is going to accomplish upon their descendants.

    2. Will those fearing Yahweh be thinking of His promises and gather at the end of the age? Malachi 3:16-18. Notice that a special remembrance was written about those who contemplated the meaning of Yahweh's Name and His promises for those who were faithful in the Word. Perhaps the Book of Acts is still being written and your name will be in it? Revelation 20:12.

    3. In Scripture, what does Yahweh say about the power of His Name? Romans 10:13, Acts 2:21, Joel 2:32.

    4. Did Yahshua explain and manifest Yahweh's Name before His death? John 17:6. What did Yahshua pray in verse 11 ("whom" should be rendered "which," referring to Yahweh's Name--Companion Bible)? Had He already done so (verse 12)? Did He fulfill a part of Psalm 22:22 in John 17:26?

    5. How long will Yahweh's Name endure? Psalm 72:17-19.

    6. What will happen to those not calling on the Name Yahweh? Psalm 79:6.

    7. The adversary quoted Psalm 91 to Yahshua. It is a Psalm of protection. What two things are specifically mentioned in verse 14 that we are to do? See additional benefits in verses 15-16.

    8. Is protection offered in the Name of Yahweh? Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 124:8, 121:2, 31:1-3.

    9. What is an alternative to those who rebel at using and calling on Yahweh's Name? Jeremiah 10:25.

    10. At the end of the age, there will be some who will accept the name or number, or mark of the beast system.  There will be others who will accept the Name of Yahweh. To whom shall the rewards be given when the Messiah returns? Revelation 11:15. Read Revelation 15:204. To whom do they sing this "new" song of Moses?

       NOTE: Those who have gotten the victory over the beast, his image and his mark and the number of his name, will stand on the sea of glass.
       There is much to be gained by accepting the Name of Yahweh as the Name of the Mighty One of the Hebrews. The Bible itself attests to the blessings that come from using and calling on His Name.

    The Decision is Yours

       Even from the admittedly small amount of evidence given here (you can find much more in your library), it is obvious that the pagan practice is to have many names for the deities worshipped. A similar custom is to have many mighty ones, all having a different name. This has carried over to Yahweh's name, as many will argue that Yahweh has many names.  Your Bible says the opposite. He has only one Name, His memorial, Yahweh.

       Yahweh does have many descriptive TITLES depicting His character, ability and renown. All of these are bound up in His Name Yahweh--I will be whatever My people need of me--Creator, Protector, Sustainer, Provider, Strengthener.

       Come out of Babylon (Revelation 18:4, 2 Corinthians 6:16-18) and leave behind the pagan titles used by the world. Call on the true Mighty One Yahweh as did Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, as well as Yahshua and the disciples. Use Yahweh's Name; don't deny Him or His Name (Revelation 3:8).

     

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