Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor
of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
“God also spoke to Moses and said to him: ‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name The LORD I did not make myself known to them’” (Exodus 6:2-3).
When most people read these words, they fail to understand how important this text is for the proper understanding of the revelation of the name of God in the Hebrew Bible. However, when we use the names of God in this text, the reader gains a better comprehension of what God said to Moses:
“God also spoke to Moses and said to him: ‘I am Yahweh. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai, but by my name Yahweh I did not make myself known to them’” (Exodus 6:2-3).
God told Moses that he appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai. The name Yahweh was revealed to Moses on Mount Sinai. But, the patriarchs also knew God by other names and titles.
In the studies listed below, I have made an attempt at understanding the God of the Bible by studying his name and his titles. Most people are reluctant to pronounce the divine name Yahweh, but, as I show in my studies, God wants to be remembered by his name.
Most Christians use the name Jehovah to address the God of Israel, but, as I show in my study on the name Jehovah, Jehovah is not the name of God and Christians should know the origin of the name and decide whether it is proper to use it.
In discussing the names and titles of God, I have written a post on “Erkamka na Adonai” because the song “Adonai, Adonai” is sung in many churches almost every Sunday, but those who sing this song have no idea what the words Erkamka na Adonai mean. This is my attempt at explaining the meaning of this “mysterious” word.
There are other titles and names by which God is known in the Old Testament. In the future, I will continue writing posts on the names and titles of God. In the mean time, I hope you enjoy these studies.
Studies on the Name of God
God’s Name in a Gender-Sensitive Jewish Translation
Pronouncing the Divine Name – Part 1
Pronouncing the Divine Name – Part 2
Pronouncing the Divine Name – Part 3
Pronouncing the Divine Name: An Explanation
The Titles of God in the Hebrew Bible
Claude Mariottini
Emeritus Professor of Old Testament
Northern Baptist Seminary
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If you are looking for other series of studies on the Old Testament, visit the Archive section and you will find many studies that deal with a variety of topics.
Dr. Claude Mariottini - Professor of Old Testament 