looking for Jesus according to Mark

[JLGJLG]

72) Looking for Jesus


Mark 7:13


[Thus] you nullify

ἀκυροῦντες (akyrountes)

Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural

Strong's 208: To annul, make of no effect, cancel. To invalidate.


the

τὸν (ton)

Article - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.


word

λόγον (logon)

Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular

Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.


of God

Θεοῦ (Theou)

Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular

Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.


by

τῇ (tē)

Article - Dative Feminine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.


[the]

ὑμῶν (hymōn)

Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Plural

Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


tradition

παραδόσει (paradosei)

Noun - Dative Feminine Singular

Strong's 3862: An instruction, tradition. From paradidomi; transmission, i.e. a precept; specially, the Jewish traditionary law.


you have handed down.

• Religious leaders oppose Yah.weh’s commandment and word because of man’s tradition they keep transmitting through CORRUPTION!
• We must make a choice!
• Do we want to follow Yah.weh’s commandment and word?
• Or do we want to follow man’s tradition!
• Man’s tradition is a dead end!

 

[JLGJLG]

73) Looking for Jesus


Mark 7

• Man’s tradition vs Yah.weh’s word!
• Hypocrisy vs faithfulness!
• Rejecting yah.weh’s commandment!
• They make Yah.weh’s word invalid!
• Sexual immorality!
• Theft!
• Murder!
• Adultery!
• Greed!
• Wickedness!
• Deceit!
• Debauchery!
• Envy!
• Slander!
• Arrogance!
• Foolishness!

 

[JLGJLG]

74) Looking for Jesus


Mark 8

• Pity for the crowd!
• Jesus feeds them!
• The number doesn’t matter!
• Jesus cures A blind man!
• He must do it twice!
• PRECISION!
• FOLLOWING JESUS MEANS BEING READY FOR ANYTHING!
• THIS IS THE PRICE FOR ETERNAL LIFE!
• EVERYTHING HAS A COST!

 

[JLGJLG]

75) Looking for Jesus


Mark 9

• Jesus must cure a boy who is possessed because his disciples can’t do it!
• He tells his disciples that he must die and be resurrected!
• But they don’t understand him!
• Later his disciples argue about who is the greater among them!
• So Jesus must explain to them again it can’t be so!
• Hard work for Jesus indeed!
• But he knew he would have a lot to do with them!

 

[JLGJLG]

76) Looking for Jesus


Mark 10

• Pharisees always try to test Jesus!
• This time it is about divorcing his wife!
• Jesus explains to them that Moses gave the possibility to divorce their wives because of their hardheartedness!
• But then he reminds them how it was from the beginning of creation according to Yah.weh!
• So he tells them that divorcing his wife is a sin!
• It is not possible to be clearer!
• When someone calls him a good teacher, he answers by saying only God is good!
• Once again, it is not possible to be clearer!
• And he tells the man to sell everything and follow him and participate in his activity!
• Once again, it is not possible to be clearer!
• Then James and John want Jesus to grant them to sit at his right and at hit in his kingdom!
• But Jesus tells them it doesn't belong to him to give such a privilege!
• Once again, it is not possible to be clearer!

 

[JLGJLG]

77) Looking for Jesus


Mark 10

• Jesus says it will be difficult for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God!
• Jesus tells the rich man to sell what he has and follow him!
• Many watch sports on TV instead of doing them!
• It is more comfortable to sit in an armchair!
• Is it the way you think to follow Jesus?
• Remember Job: he lost everything but his life and because of his faithfulness he received the double!

 

[JLGJLG]

78) Looking for Jesus


Mark 11

• Jesus curses a fig tree on his way to Jerusalem because he is hungry and the fig tree has no fruit because it is not the season!
• Some would say: what a strange behavior!
• Others would think he is in a special mood because of what is coming!
• Then Jesus cleanses the temple with violence!
• Some would say: what a strange behavior!
• Others would think he is in a special mood because of what is coming!
• And it is his Father’s house!
• Then he speaks about a den of robbers instead of a house of prayer!
• Think about Jesus’ attitude when he comes back to cleanse the earth!
• Will he say a den of robbers speaking about the earth?
• Then think about Peter’s attitude when he sees what has happened to the fig tree cursed by Jesus!
• How many behave the same way today?
• How do you want them to understand the Bible?
• They will never understand the Bible if they don’t change their attitude!

 

[JLGJLG]

79) Looking for Jesus

Mark 12

- Jesus used to speak to the crowds with parables!

- It is like a 3D picture!

- it is like nature!

- We can see it!

- We can hear it!

- We can smell it!

- We can taste it!

- We can touch it!

- in fact, when we read the books of the prophets, we get the same!

- Yah.weh uses 3D pictures to condemn Israel!

- And people still don’t understand!

- We get 3D warnings!


- And people still don’t understand!

- Because they don’t want to understand!

- But when Yah.weh’s kingdom comes, Jesus will act according to our real attitudes!

- And there won’t be any excuses!

 

[JLGJLG]

80) Looking for Jesus


Mark 12

- On the one hand, there is Jesus who speaks with parables and gives plenty of details!

- On the other hand, there are the religious leaders who can compete with him so they send men to catch him in his words!

- On the one hand, we get power, on the other hand, we get emptiness!

- Why should we choose emptiness instead of power?

 

[JLGJLG]

81) Looking for Jesus

Mark 12

- Here Jesus must answer Pharisees and then sadducees!

- They always invent dead end stories!

- But Jesus keeps answering them again and again with patience despite their stupidity!

- Then he finally says in verse 24:

Jesus

Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous)

Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular

Strong's 2424: Of Hebrew origin; Jesus, the name of our Lord and two other Israelites.


said

Ἔφη (Ephē)

Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular

Strong's 5346: To say, declare. Properly, the same as the base of phos and phaino; to show or make known one's thoughts, i.e. Speak or say.


to them,

αὐτοῖς (autois)

Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Masculine 3rd Person Plural

Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.


“Aren’t you mistaken

πλανᾶσθε (planasthe)

Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural

Strong's 4105: To lead astray, deceive, cause to wander. From plane; to roam.


because

διὰ (dia)

Preposition

Strong's 1223: A primary preposition denoting the channel of an act; through.


you do not know

εἰδότες (eidotes)

Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural

Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.


the

τὰς (tas)

Article - Accusative Feminine Plural

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.


Scriptures

γραφὰς (graphas)

Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural

Strong's 1124: (a) a writing, (b) a passage of scripture; plur: the scriptures. A document, i.e. Holy Writ.


[or]

μηδὲ (mēde)

Conjunction

Strong's 3366: And not, not even, neither�nor. From me and de; but not, not even; in a continued negation, nor.


the

τὴν (tēn)

Article - Accusative Feminine Singular

Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.


power

δύναμιν (dynamin)

Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular

Strong's 1411: From dunamai; force; specially, miraculous power.


of God?

Θεοῦ (Theou)

Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular

Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

• Thus he first answers them!
• Then he shows them how stupid they are!
• Because of their attitude!
• They think they know everything when they know nothing!

 

[JLGJLG]

82) Looking for Jesus

Mark 12

• More parables!
• They don’t understand!
• They do exactly as Jesus tells them!
• Then they keep showing their stupidity!
• They never understand anything!
• Because they don’t want to understand!
• Do we want to understand?
• Or do we stay away from Yah.weh’s knowledge?

 

[JLGJLG]

83) Looking for Jesus

Mark 13


- Jesus tells his disciples that many will come in his name and will mislead many!

- There will be wars!

- Earthquakes!

- Food shortages!

- Jesus’ disciples must be ready to be persecuted!

- The message about Yah.weh’s kingdom will be preached!

- then Jesus announces the coming of a foreign army will be the sign for Jesus’ disciples to flee away to the mountains!

- Jesus speaks about total destruction!

- Then Jesus speaks about a tribulation when the sun and the moon get dark and the stars fall down and the powers in the heavens are shaken and the coming of Jesus in the clouds with great power and glory to gather all his chosen ones from everywhere in the earth!

- Then Jesus’ disciples are told to keep on the watch!

- It was true before the destruction of Jerusalem!

- It is still true today!

- it depends on us to be careful or not about Jesus’ warning!

 

[JLGJLG]

84) Looking for Jesus

Mark 14

- Jesus is dining at Simon the leper!

- A woman comes and puts perfume oil on jesus’ head!


- It is very expensive!

- Jesus says she does a good thing because it is in preparation for Jesus' burial!

- Then Judas Iscariot goes to the chief priests to betray Jesus!

- At night, when Jesus eats with his disciples, he tells them that one of them is going to betray him!

- And when he celebrates with them, he tells them that he is going to die and they will be scattered!

- But he will be raised up and will meet them in Galilee!

- Then he tells Peter that he will disown him three times before a rooster crows twice!

- Then Jesus takes Peter and James and John along with him!

- And he tells them to keep on the watch!

- And they can see he is deeply distressed!

- Then Jesus prays to his Father!

- And three times he comes back to them!

- And each time they fall asleep!

- And a crowd led by Judas takes him to custody!

- Thus right to the end, the disciples understand nothing!

- This is a message for us!

- Will we understand or not right to the end?

- It’s up to us to prepare and get ready!

 

[JLGJLG]

85) Looking for Jesus

Mark 15

- Jesus is alone!

- Jesus is mocked!

- Jesus is spoken abusively!

- Jesus dies alone!

- What about us?

- What about our attitude?

 

[JLGJLG]

86) Looking for Jesus

Mark 16

- Some women go to Jesus’ tomb!

- Mary Magdalene!

- Mary the mother of james!

- Salome!

- The tomb is open!

- When they enter the tomb, they see a young man clothed in a white robe!

- He tells them that Jesus was raised!

- They must tell his disciples and Peter!

- He will meet them in Galilee!

- Thus they get all the necessary information!

 

[JLGJLG]

Somebody writes:

One of my Bibles pointed out the following…

Matthew.. The Lord_presented as. Jehovahs KING. "Behold THY KING" (Zech. 9. �). Behold ... l will raise unto David a Righteous BRANCH,t and a KING shall reign and prosper" (Jer. 23. S,6; 3:J. 1�). Hence the royal genealogy is required from Abraham and David dowuward (1. 1··17}: and He is presented as what He is-before MAN (relatively} the highest earthly position, the King.

Mark... The Lord presented as Jehovah's SERVANT. "Behold MY SERVANT,, (lsa. 42. 1). ''Behold, I will bring forth My Servant THE BRANCH" t (Zech. 3. s}. Hence NO genealogy is required: and He is presented as what He is-before Goo (rela tively)-the lowest earthly position, the ideal Servant.

Luke..The Lord presented ns Jehovah's MAN. "Behold THE MAN Whose name is THE BRANCH"::: (Zech 6. 12}. Hence the human genealogy s required upward to Adam (Luke 3. 23-3S): and He is presented as what He is- before MAN (intrinsically)-the ideal man.

John... The Lord presented as JEHOVAH HIMSELF. "Behold YOUR GOD" . (Isa. 40. u). "In that day shall Jehovah's BRANCH::: (i.e. Messiah) Le beautiful and glorious" (Isa. 4. 2). . H.t!llce NO l?;enealogy is required ; and He is presented as what He is-before Goo ()-Divine

 

[JLGJLG]

My answer:

- My problem is this one:
Zechariah 9:1:

An Oracle:
מַשָּׂ֤א (maś·śā)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4853: A burden, tribute, porterage, an utterance, chiefly a, doom, singing, mental, desire

The word
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the LORD
יְהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

is against the land
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ (bə·’e·reṣ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 776: Earth, land

of Hadrach
חַדְרָ֔ךְ (ḥaḏ·rāḵ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2317: Hadrach -- a region in Aram (Syria)

and will rest
מְנֻחָת֑וֹ (mə·nu·ḥā·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4496: Repose, peacefully, consolation, an abode

upon Damascus—
וְדַמֶּ֖שֶׂק (wə·ḏam·me·śeq)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 1834: Damascus -- a city in Aram (Syria)

for
כִּ֤י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the eyes
עֵ֣ין (‘ên)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of men
אָדָ֔ם (’ā·ḏām)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 120: Ruddy, a human being

and of all
וְכֹ֖ל (wə·ḵōl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the tribes
שִׁבְטֵ֥י (šiḇ·ṭê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

of Israel
יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

are upon the LORD—
לַֽיהוָה֙ (Yah·weh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068: LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israel

- THE LORD IS A BAD TRANSLATION OF YAH.WEH, THE ONLY TRUE NAME OF GOD!

- WHEN I SAY BAD TRANSLATION, I SHOULD SAY NO TRANSLATION AT ALL!

 

[JLGJLG]

Somebody says:

1. Elohim occurs 2.700 times. Its first occurrence connects it with creation, and give it its essential meaning as the Creator. It indicates His relation to mankind as His creatures (see note on 2 Chron. 18:31, where it stands in contrast with Jehovah as indicating covenant relationship). 'Elohim is God the Son, the living "WORD" with creature form to create (John 1:1. Col. 1:15-17. Rev. 3:14); and later, with human form to redeem (John 1:14). "Begotten of His Father before all worlds; born of His mother, in the world." In this creature form He appeared to the Patriarchs, a form not temporarily assumed. 'Elohim is indicated (as in A.V.) by ordinary small type, "God". See table on page 7.
   
   
   
2. Jehovah. While Elohim is God as the Creator of all things, Jehovah is the same God in covenant relation to those whom He has created (Cp. 2Chron. 18:31). Jehovah means the Eternal, the Immutable One, He Who WAS, and IS, and IS TO COME. The Divine definition is given in Gen. 21:33. He is especially, therefore, the God of Israel; and the God of those who are redeemed, and are thus now "in Christ". We can say "My God," but not "My Jehovah", for Jehovah is "MY God."
   
   Jehovah is indicated (as in A.V.) by small capital letters, "LORD"' and by "GOD" when it occurs in combination with Adonai, in which case LORD GOD = Adonai Jehovah. The name Jehovah is combined with ten other words, which form what are known as "the Jehovah Titles." in the Hebrew Canon (Ap. 1). All are noted in the margin, in all their occurrences:--
   
   • JEHOVAH-JIREH = Jehovah will see, or provide. Gen. 22:14.
   • JEHOVAH-ROPHEKA = Jehovah that healeth thee. Ex. 15:26.
   • JEHOVAH-NISSI = Jehovah my banner. Ex. 17:15.
   • JEHOVAH-MeKADDISHKEM = Jehovah that doth sanctify you. Ex. 31:13. Lev. 20:8; 21:8; 22:32. Ezek. 20:12.
   • JEHOVAH-SHALOM = Jehovah [send] peace. Judg. 6:24.
   • JEHOVAH-ZeBA'OTH = Jehovah of hosts. 1Sam. 1:3, and frequently.
   • JEHOVAH-ZIDKENU = Jehovah our righteousness. Jer. 23:6; 33:16.
   • JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH = Jehovah is there. Ezek. 48:35.
   • JEHOVAH-ELYON = Jehovah most high. Ps. 7:17; 47:2; 97:9.
   • JEHOVAH-RO'I = Jehovah my Shepherd. Ps. 23:1.
     We have seven of these, experimentally referred to, in Ps. 23, inasmuch as Jehovah, the "Good," "Great," and "Chief Shepherd," is engaged, in all the perfection of His attributes, on behalf of His sheep:--
3. In verse 1, we have No. 1 above.
   In verse 2, we have No. 5.
   In verse 3, we have Nos. 2 and 7.
   In verse 4, we have No. 8.
   In verse 5, we have Nos. 3 and 4.
   
   
   
4. Jah is Jehovah in a special sense and relation. Jehovah as having BECOME our Salvation (first occ. Ex. 15:2), He Who IS, and WAS, and IS TO COME. It occurs 49 times (7 x 7. See Ap. 10). Compare Psalm 68. 4, 18.
   
   
   
5. EL is essentially the Almighty, thought the word is never so rendered (see below, "Shaddai"). EL is Elohim in all His strength and power. It is rendered "God" as Elohim is, but El is God the Omnipotent. Elohim is God the Creator putting His omnipotence into operation. Eloah (see below) is God Who wills and orders all, and Who is to be the one object of the worship of His people. El is the God Who knows all (first occ. Gen. 14:18:22) and sees all (Gen. 16:13) and that performeth all things for His people (Ps. 57:2); and in Whom all the Divine attributes are concentrated.
   
   El is indicated in this edition by type in large capital letters, thus: "GOD." It is sometimes transliterated in proper names Immanue-'el, Beth-'el, &c., where it is translated, as explained in the margin.
   
   
   
6. Eloah is Elohim, Who is to be worshipped. Eloah is God in connection with His Will rather than His power. The first occurrence associates this name with worship (Deut. 32:15, 17). Hence it is the title used whenever the contrast (latent or expressed) is with false gods or idols. Eloah is essentially "the living God" in contrast to inanimate idols. Eloah is rendered "God", but we have indicated it by type thus: GOD.
   
   
   
7. Elyon first occurs in Gen. 14:18 with El, and is rendered "the most high (God)". It is El and Elohim, not as the powerful Creator, but as "the possessor of heaven and earth." Hence the name is associated with Christ as the Son of "the Highest" (Luke 1:35). It is Elyon, as possessor of the earth, Who divides the nations "their inheritance". In Ps. 83:18, He is "over all the earth". The title occurs 36 times (6 x 6 or 62 See Ap. 10).
   
   Elyon is the Dispenser of God's blessings in the earth; the blessings proceeding from a Priest Who is a King upon His throne (cp. Gen. 14:18-22 with Zech. 6:13; 14:9).
   
   
   
8. Shaddai is in every instance translated "Almighty", and is indicated by small capital letters ("ALMIGHTY"). It is God (El), not as the source of strength, but of grace; not as Creator, but as the Giver. Shaddai is the All-bountiful. This title does not refer to His creative power, but to His power to supply all the needs of His people. Its first occurrence is in Gen. 17:1, and is used to show Abraham that He Who called him out to walk alone before Him could supply all his need. Even so it is the title used in 2Cor. 6:18, where we are cal 1000 led to "come out" in separation from the world. It is always used in connection with El (see above).
   
   
   
9. Adon is one of the three titles (ADON, ADONAI, and ADONIM), all generally rendered "Lord"; but each has its own peculiar usage and association. They all denote headship in various aspects. They have to do with God as "over-lord."
   
   • Adon is the Lord as Ruler in the earth. We have indicated this in type by printing the preceding article or pronouns in small capitals, not because either are to be emphasized, but to distinguish the word "Lord" from Adonai, which is always so printed in the A.V.
     
     
     
   • Adonai is the Lord in His relation to the earth; and as carrying out His purposes of blessing in the earth. With this limitation it is almost equivalent to Jehovah. Indeed, it was from an early date so used, by associating the vowel points of the word Jehovah with Adon, thus converting Adon into Adonai. A list of 134 passages where this was deliberately done is preserved and given in the Massorah (107-115). (See Ap. 32) We have indicated these by printing the word like Jehovah, putting an asterisk, thus: LORD*.
     
     
     
   • Adonim is the plural of Adon, never used of man. Adonim carries with it all that Adon does, but in a greater and higher degree; and more especially as owner and proprietor. An Adon may rule others who do not belong to him. Hence (without the article) it is often used of men. But Adonim is the Lord Who rules His own. We have indicated it by type, thus: LORD.
10. 
    The three may be thus briefly distinguished:--
    
    
    
    Adon is the Lord as overlord or ruler.
    Adonim is the Lord as owner.
    Adonai is the Lord as blesser.
    
    
    
11. The Types used to indicate the above titles, in the text, are as follows:--
    
    • God = Elohim.
    • GOD = Jehovah (in combination with Adonai, "Lord").
    • GOD* = Jehovah in the Primitive Texts, altered by Sopherim to Elohim as the Printed Text. (See Ap. 32.)
    • GOD = El.
    • GOD = Eloah.
    • LORD = Jehovah.
    • THE LORD = Jah.
    • LORD* = Jehovah in the Primitive Texts, altered by Sopherim to Adonai as in the Printed Text. (See Ap. 32.)
    • Lord = Adonai.
    • LORD = Adonim.
    • ALMIGHTY = Shaddai.
    • MOST HIGH = Elyon.
12. The Combinations are indicated as follows:--
    
    
    
    Adonai Jehovah = Lord GOD.
    
    Jehovah Elohim = LORD God.
    
    Elyon El = MOST HIGH GOD.
    
    El Shaddai = GOD ALMIGHTY.

 

[JLGJLG]

My answer:

1)
- Elohim = God = Creator

Genesis 1:1 = God (Elohim) created
Genesis 1:2 = the Spirit (weruah) of God (Elohim) was hovering
Genesis 1:3 = And God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:4 = God (Elohim) separated
Genesis 1:5 = God (Elohim) called
Genesis 1:6 = And God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:7 = So God (Elohim) made
Genesis 1:8 = God (Elohim) called
Genesis 1:9 = And God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:10 = God (Elohim) called / And God (Elohim) saw
Genesis 1:11 = Then God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:12 = And God (Elohim) saw
Genesis 1:14 = And God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:16 = God (Elohim) made
Genesis 1:17 = God (Elohim) set
Genesis 1:18 = And God (Elohim) saw
Genesis 1:20 = And God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:21 = So God (Elohim) created / And God (Elohim) saw
Genesis 1:22 = Then God (Elohim) blessed
Genesis 1:24 = and God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:25 = God (Elohim) made / And God (Elohim) saw
Genesis 1:26 = Then God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:27 = So God (Elohim) created / in the image of God (Elohim)
Genesis 1:28 = God (Elohim) blessed
Genesis 1:29 = Then God (Elohim) said
Genesis 1:31 = And God (Elohim) looked upon

 

[JLGJLG]

2)
Genesis 2:2 = God (Elohim) had finished
Genesis 2:3 = Then God (Elohim) blessed
Genesis 2:4 = the LORD (Yah.weh) God (Elohim)

https://bibleproject.com/explore/video/yhwh-lord/

Reflect​

1. Each time the word “LORD” is written in all capital letters in our Bibles, it refers to the personal name of Israel’s God. How many times is God’s personal name used in Deuteronomy 6:4-5
   Deuteronomy 6:4-5
   Loading...
   Keep Reading
   ?
   (Note: NASB translation does not capitalize; use NIV, ESV, or NLT to see capitalizations.)
2. Read Exodus 3:1-12
   Exodus 3:1-12
   Loading...
   Keep Reading
   . How does the angel of the LORD appear to Moses (v. 2), and how did he introduce himself (v. 6)? What does the LORD invite Moses to do and why (vv. 7-10)? What is Moses’ reply (v. 11)? How does the LORD reassure him (v. 12)?
3. Read Exodus 3:13-17
   Exodus 3:13-17
   Loading...
   Keep Reading
   . Remember that while the author has been using the word “LORD” throughout this narrative retelling, this is the first time any human has learned God’s name. After the LORD invites him on a mission, what does Moses want to know (v. 13)? How does God reply (vv. 14-15)?
4. Why does God’s name, Yahweh, usually appear in our English Bibles as LORD, Jehovah, or Adonai (see video 1:32-2:57)? In our English Bibles, how is LORD—written in capital letters—different from the same word written in lowercase letters, “lord” (see video 2:57-3:25)?
5. The divine name of the God of Israel refers to the one who was in the past, is in the present, and will always be in the future. Why do you think this was important for Israel to know as God announced his plan to deliver them from slavery? How does God’s name help you understand who he is today?

Script​

Introduction [00:00-00:28]​

For thousands of years, every morning and evening, Jewish people have prayed these well-known words as a way of expressing their devotion to God, they’re called the Shema.

“Hear O Israel, the LORD is our God, the Lord is one, and as for you, you shall love the LORD your God with all of your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength.”1

We’re going to look at the second key word here, “LORD,” written in all capital letters. This is the personal name of Israel’s God.

The Personal Name of the God of Israel [00:29-01:32]​

We first learn the meaning of this name in the story of Moses and the burning bush in the book of Exodus, chapter 3

Exodus 3
Loading...
Keep Reading
. God appears to Moses, and he commissions him to liberate the Israelites from slavery. And so Moses wonders, what if people ask the name of the god who has sent me? And so God responds, “Tell them ehyeh has sent me to you.” Now, that Hebrew word ehyeh means “I will be.” In other words, God’s name means that he is the one who is and who will be. God’s existence doesn’t depend on anyone or anything else. This god simply is2.

But it will sound kind of strange for Moses to say to the Israelites, “‘I will be’ has sent me to you.” Only God can say “I will be.” So in the next sentence, God tells Moses the version he should say aloud. “Yahweh the God of our ancestors, he has sent me to you.”3.

Now that word Yahweh is the ancient Hebrew form of the verb “he will be.” And this is the personal name of the God of Israel. It appears over 6,500 times in the Old Testament.

Honoring the Sacred Name [01:33-02:57]​

Now here’s what’s interesting. Over the centuries, Israelites wanted to honor the sacred nature of this divine name. So as they read the Hebrew Bible aloud and they came to this name, they stopped saying Yahweh and instead started saying the Hebrew word for “Lord,” which is adonay.

Now this practice has been continued throughout the centuries, and so later, when people started translating the Bible into English, they adopted this same practice. Instead of spelling out the divine name, they translate it as “LORD” spelled in all capital letters.

Okay, you got that? Good because there's more. Ancient Jewish scribes wanted to prevent anyone from even accidentally saying this name aloud when you read the Hebrew Bible, and so they came up with a visual device to remind you to make sure you say adonay. They took the four consonant letters of the divine name. These letters correspond to our English letters, YHWH. Then they inserted the three vowels from the word adonay and combined these together to create an artificial hybrid word, which if you pronounced it, it would say yahowah. But no Israelite ever said yahowah. It’s simply a visual reminder to say the word adonay.

Now it gets more interesting. Much later, Christian scribes came along who didn’t know that yahowah was an artificial word, and so they began to say it aloud and spell it in their writings. This is the word that eventually entered into English as Jehovah. It’s a word many people still use today.

Yahweh [02:58-03:40]​

But the main thing is, the word LORD in all capital letters is an indication of the divine name. Don’t confuse it with the word Lord in your English translations that’s not in all capital letters. That’s the actual Hebrew word adon, which just means “lord” or “master.” This word can refer to people like kings4 or the master of a servant5, even a shepherd over his sheep6. And sometimes biblical authors will use this word to refer to God, like in the phrases “the Lord of all the earth”7 or the “Lord of Lords.”8.

But behind all of these words, Jehovah, LORD, Adonay, stands the original divine name of the God of Israel. It refers to the one who was, who is, and who forever will be.