YAH

For July, each post examines an Old Testament name of God.

Friday Freelance: FAMILIARITY

Set me as a seal upon Your heart,
As a seal upon Your arm.
For love is strong as death,
Jealousy is fierce as the grave.
Its flashes are arrows of fire,
the very flame of YAH.
Song of Solomon 8:6 (author)

One of the idioms of Hebrew is usage of "to know" in reference to physical intimacy between a man and his wife. When a man thus knows his wife, no part of her—body, heart, mind, and soul—should not become familiar to him in a way no one else will know her.

In more common usage of the word "know," surely no one knew the Lord better than Moses. He repeatedly held the power of God in his hands with his staff. Twice Moses spent forty days fasting on Mt. Siani in communion with YHWH. The Bible records Moses spending more time in direct contact with God than any other man except Jesus Himself.

When Moses comes to know YHWH so well, no wonder he desires to behold God's full glory—to see Him as fully as YHWH sees Moses. In seemingly contradictory passages of Exodus 33, verse 11 first says, "So YHWH spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend." Yet YHWH asserts in verse 20 that no man may see His face.

The Hebrew word for face, paneh, can also mean "before," as in "before your face." The voice of YHWH was heard by various patriarchs, His presence was visible to the Israelites in the pillars of cloud and fire. Moses alone was given the privilege of coming before YHWH’s visible and intimate presence in a one-on-one intimacy that man had not enjoyed since the garden—but which still excluded the full, unveiled revelation of the divine face.

When Moses begged, "Please, show me Your glory" (verse 18), his Lord graciously granted fuller knowledge and manifested His glory—but withheld from Moses the fullest knowledge that yet awaits each of us on the other side: "For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

Webster’s Dictionary: vehement: marked by forceful energy:

POWERFUL: as a: intensely emotional: IMPASSIONED, FERVID:

b1: deeply felt 2: forcibly expressed 3: bitterly antagonistic.

Oxford’s Dictionary: vehemet: showing strong feeling, forceful,

passionate, intense; ORIGIN Latin vehemens : impetuous, violent.

According to Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, YAH is a contracted form of the sacred name YHWH, and its meaning is defined as YHWH "most vehement."

This emphatic and personal name of God occurs 51 times in Scripture, and is usually translated "LORD" (as YHWH is, with small caps; or, KJV: JAH).

The Psalms use YAH 25 times in the imperative phrase "Hallelu YAH." That phrase is usually translated "Praise [ye] the LORD," and is familiar as "Hallelujah" or the Greek "Alleluia." Halal is a Hebrew word for a clear, shining, showy, celebratory praise—most fitting to evoke the intensity which is consistently connected to the name YAH.

YAH first appears in Scripture immediately after the powerful and clearly miraculous deliverance of Israel through the Red Sea. Thereafter, YAH appears exclusively in poetic contexts, where the speaker is giving testimony to or exhorting praise for the power of God with which the speaker has become familiar. It is because one has personally witnessed the power of YAH, extended on his or her behalf, that one is compelled to praise Him.

Perhaps the similarity of the name YAH to the Hebrew yada ("to know") is not accidental. New Covenant believers who belong to Jesus Christ experience unthinkable physical intimacy with divinity and its power: the Holy Spirit takes up residence in mortal vessels of flesh. Such familiarity is beyond amazing.

In light of the strength, passion, praise, and intimacy of knowledge associated with YAH—as well as the fact that it is the sole pronounceable form of the divine name YHWH, and the only name for God which retains the Hebrew pronunciation when translated into English—YAH is this student’s favorite name for our mighty and intensely personal God.

You will keep in perfect peace
The one stayed upon You
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in YHWH forever,
for YAH, YHWH, is the Rock of Ages.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (author)

Feedback appreciated! Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

יהוה / YHWH

For the month of July, each day will examine a name of God from the Old Testament.

יהוה / YHWH
(Pronounced "yahd hay vahv hay")

Thus says YHWH:
"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am YHWH,
exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight," says YHWH.
~ Jeremiah 9:23-24 (author)

YHWH is the covenant, personal name of God specifically revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14-15; 6:3; 34:5). It is also referred to as the Tetragrammaton.

YHWH is usually translated into English as "Yahweh" or "Jehovah," though other variations are occasionally seen. Following the Hebrew tradition of substituting Adonai ("Lord") for it, YHWH is usually not actually translated, but the name “Lord” (or its foreign language equivalent, such as Señor) is instead substituted. English Bible translations usually render YHWH as “LORD” or “GOD” in small caps (or all caps) to distinguish it from Adonai. When the two names appear together—Adonai YHWH, or "Lord YHWH"—they are rendered “Lord GOD” in the NKJV, ESV, NASB, and “Sovereign Lord” in the NIV.

Although most English Bibles substitute "Lord" for it, YHWH (together with its variation, Yah) actually appears in the Hebrew text some fifteen times as often as Adonai (and Adon, about 6872:470).

It is commonly held that the meaning of YHWH is “to exist.” Among other Hebrew words perhaps related to the meaning of YHWH are: ehyeh (I AM, spoken to Moses in Exodus 3:14); hayah (to be or exist – it can also denote ruin); havah (to be, apparently in the sense of “to breathe,” though not translated “breathe”); and ahvah (to wish for, covet, greatly desire).

The Jews came to so greatly fear speaking the divine name YHWH (lest they violate the third commandment) that they began substituting Adonai when the Scripture was read aloud. By the time written vowels were added to ancient Hebrew, the pronunciation of YHWH's phonetic vowels had been forgotten—probably part of the fulfillment of Jeremiah 44:26: "Therefore hear the word of YHWH, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: 'Behold, I have sworn by My great name,' says YHWH, 'that My name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, "The Lord YHWH lives." ' "

Many of the faithful (both Christain / Messianic and Jewish) use the title Ha-Shem (“the Name,”) to refer to the name YHWH. Another common practice is to say YHWH as individual Hebrew consonants ("yad he vav he"). Since the Hebrew vowels for YHWH are lost to us, this is the only pronunciation of YHWH which is known to be accurate.

When this pronunciation of YHWH is spoken, the meaning is “behold hand, behold nail.”

Your feedback is appreciated. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

His Holy Name

For You, LORD, are most high above all the earth;
You are exalted far above all gods.
You who love the LORD, hate evil! ...
Rejoice in the LORD, you righteous,
And give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name.
~ Psalms 97:9-12 (NKJV)

[Satan said to the LORD,] "Stretch out Your hand and touch all that [Job] has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" ... And [Job] said: "Naked I came from my mother's womb, And naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."
~ Job 1:11,21 (NKJV)

I will bless YHWH at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
My soul shall make its boast in YHWH;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
Oh, magnify YHWH with me,
And let us exalt His name together.
~ Psalms 34:1-3 (author)

No matter how many times I hear "Oh my God!" I don't get used to hearing the Lord spoken of as an exclamation which pays Him no heed. Even substitutes such as "oh my gosh" or "Jeez" (for Jesus) make me wince.

I've been guilty of having a potty mouth and have no room to condemn anyone. But I now desire to bless His name at all times. My Lord's given me great love for His name and the hunger to have His praise continually in my mouth, boasting of Him before others that they might likewise exalt His holy name.

In the story of Job, Satan's ultimate goal was that Job curse God. It had been said of Job that he made offerings on behalf of his children, lest they had even cursed God IN THEIR HEARTS. Job rebuked his wife's suggestion to "Curse God and die!" so he could be put out of his intense misery.

The greater misery would be the inability to bless the Lord in all circumstances.

Baruch ata Adonai Eloheinu Melach ha Olam! Blessed are You, O Lord our God, King of the Universe! May we bless Your name when You give and when You take away. May we bless You when we rise and when we sleep and every moment in between. With the last breath You lend us, may we bless Your holy name!

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

I Have Desired You

O LORD, we have waited for You;
The desire of our soul is for Your name
And for the remembrance of You.
With my soul I have desired You in the night,
Yes, by my spirit within me I will seek You early.
Isaiah 26:8-9 (NKJV)

Look upon me and be merciful to me,
As Your custom is toward those who love Your name.
Psalm 119:132 (NKJV)

"Behold, I have sworn by My great name," says YHWH, "that My name shall no more be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, saying, 'The Lord YHWH lives.' " ~ Jeremiah 44:26 (author)

A name can change everything. A newborn's identity begins with a name. The familiar receptionist, cashier or usher is a body with a function until a name is known and function becomes person. The one who would be friend, spouse and lover began to be mine in the moment I possessed the name that became sweet upon my lips and made my heart beat faster.

No one has more names than God. A few are Living Word, Creator, Light, I Am, Lamb, Judge, King, Friend, Rock, Shepherd, and Savior. Yet these are also attributes—names for other people and things. Even Hebrew names in an exclusively divine form such as Shaddai (Almighty) and Adonai (Lord) have origin in the common (shad, adon).

A single name is exclusive to God: YHWH (and its poetic emphatic form, YAH). Translated Yahweh, Jehovah, or LORD (with small caps), it's pronunciation and exact meaning were lost with its Hebrew vowels when the Jews stopped speaking the name YHWH for fear of violating it.

Interestingly, if the Hebrew consonants for YHWH are spoken ("yad he vav he"), the meaning is "behold hand, behold nail"—not unfitting until the day YHWH is fully known.

YAH, You are my Strength and Song and have become my Salvation. Your names are sweet upon my lips and make my heart beat faster. All my desire will be utterly fulfilled in the day I behold the hands which took the nails for me and I speak Your name.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

Rock of Ages

Rock of Ages

You will preserve in absolute peace
The mind resting on You,
Because he trusts in You.
Trust in YHWH as far as forever,
For YAH YHWH is Rock of Ages.
Isaiah 26:3-4 (author)

"Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." ~ John 14:27 (NKJV)

The two remarkable verses of Isaiah 26:3-4 contain four double emphases in the original Hebrew—peace, trust, forever, YHWH—all inextricably connected.

"Absolute peace" or "perfect peace" is originally shalom shalom. To have shalom is to be safe, prosperous and whole in mind and body, soul and estate.

"Trust" is stated twice, as both present condition and exhorted imperative for the future. The Hebrew batach is a verb indicating "to trust, to be confident, expressing the feeling of safety and security that is felt when one can rely on someone or something else" (from Strong's).

"As far as forever" is originally 'ad 'ad. Like olam in the following line (there translated "ages" or "everlasting"), it denotes so far away in time or distance that neither beginning nor end may be seen.

YHWH (usually translated "the LORD," "Yahweh," or "Jehovah") is combined here with its poetic emphatic form YAH in a manner described thus by Albert Barnes: "The union of these two forms seems designed to express, in the highest sense possible, the majesty, glory, and holiness of God; to excite the highest possible reverence where language fails of completely conveying the idea."

Such is our God. Such is His peace. Such may we trust—for our past, present, future.

Rock of Ages, language indeed fails to convey all Your majesty, glory and holiness. Cleft of the Rock, let us hide ourselves in Thee amid storms. Wherever Your children are troubled or anxious, please teach and remind us to fully rest in Your absolute peace and security, available through Jesus.

"No Jesus, no peace. Know Jesus, know peace." ~ Unknown

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. © 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

I AM YHWH

And God spoke to Moses and said to him: "I am [YHWH] the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, as God Almighty [El Shaddai], but by My name LORD [YHWH] I was not known to them. ... I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD [YHWH] your God."
(Exodus 6:2-3,7 NKJV)

"Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom,
Let not the mighty man glory in his might,
Nor let the rich man glory in his riches;
But let him who glories glory in this,
That he understands and knows Me,
That I am the LORD, exercising
lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth.
For in these I delight," says the LORD.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24 NKJV)

"I do not do this for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name's sake, which you have profaned among the nations wherever you went. And I will sanctify My great name ... and the nations shall know that I am the LORD," says the Lord GOD [Adonai YHWH], "when I am hallowed in you before their eyes."
(Ezekiel 36:22-23 NKJV)

At least 164 times, the Lord told Israel, "I am YHWH" (usually translated "I am the LORD"). Scripture records God saying this seventy times during the forty years the Israelites spent with Moses, as if to firmly establish with them His presence.

When tragedy strikes—whether named Katrina or Ike or Death or Suffering—it is often asked, "Where was God?" When tragedy strikes, we who trust in Him are often best able to know His presence with us, and glory in Him.

God fully intends that He be known and understood, and He fully intends that "Hallowed be His name." His name YHWH—"The LORD"—means "I AM." He exists. He is with us. He is all-knowing, all-powerful, all-present. And He indeed delights to exercise lovingkindness, and judgment, and righteousness.

Lord God, Adonai YHWH, Your love and power are without limit. Your presence in our lives is precious above all treasure. Please draw us to continually search You out, to better know, trust, and love you each day. Make it our privilege, pleasure, and passion to glorify Your name before others.

Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy

The Name

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of [YHWH] our God. They have bowed down and fallen; But we have risen and stand upright. (Psalm 20:7-8 NKJV)

The names of God reveal much of who He is. Yet few are truly names. They are titles, attributes, adjectives that are all precious. His name is YHWH. In English, neither rendering it Yahweh or Jehovah, nor giving it the substitute of Lord, conveys YHWH as Exodus 34:5-9 does. YHWH is personal. It is the name that gives salvation as no power of earth does. It is the name of Him who declared, "I am YHWH your God . . . who brought you out of bondage." It is a name to be remembered—and reverenced.

YHWH, You are my God, who has purchased me and raised me from death. You are my Lord, whom I willingly bow before and gladly obey.

Feedback invited. Post to BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2008, Anne Lang Bundy