The "Name." We miss so much in English translation that Hebrew is able to bring to light the meaning, power and clarity of a name. "Name" in Hebrew is “Shem”- meaning “hear, understand and obey.” Most Biblical names are clear statements of character and purpose:
- ADAM - red man or first blood
- EVE - Life
- ABRAHAM - Father of multitude
- NOAH - rest
- DAVID - beloved
- JOSHUA - Hebrew for Jesus - Salvation
- DANIEL - God is my Judge/Protector.
To know God’s NAME is to know His character, reputation, fame and authority. The 3rd Commandment is “Do not take the NAME of THE LORD YOUR GOD in vain.” God’s NAME “YHWH” was given to Moses in a burning bush, “I AM WHO I AM.” He is the ONE WHO EXISTS, Brings everything into existence, He is also THE ONE WHO LIVES. To take God’s name in vain (empty, worthless, not real) would be to deny the reality of God as the Life Giver, Savior or Shepherd.
When we trust God’s name (YHWH) in the midst of a crisis the harvest that follows is God’s faithfulness and miracles (often the miracle is completed in our heart or character). When we treat God’s NAME as empty there is a harsh harvest that follows denying the greatest Reality (WHO GOD IS).