Distinctively Different
“Then if they will really learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ even as they taught My people to swear by Baal, they will be built up in the midst of My people.” Jeremiah 12:16 NASB
As The LORD Lives – OK, you’ve read the verse in English. It doesn’t matter much which translation. Now reread it in Hebrew (hai-YHVH). The word “Lord” does not appear. You already know that the English substitution “LORD” isn’t what the text says. The text contains the Hebrew divine name, YHVH (in English consonants to accommodate the technology of the delivery systems). Now think about what this means.
YHVH says, “If the nations (those who are not Israel) really learn the ways of My people (those who are Israel), so much so that their oaths of fidelity are attributed to My name, then they will be built up in the midst of Israel.” Let’s look at the implications.
The first thing we recognize is that YHVH is not saying, “As the LORD lives.” That isn’t His name. He is speaking of a time when the nations actually say His name, YHVH. Apparently, neither Jews nor Gentiles have taken this seriously. The very fact that our English translations use LORD instead of His name is an indication of how far we are from incorporating His fidelity into our lives – whether we are Jewish or Gentile. Do you suppose God said, “ . . to swear by a religious substitute for My name”? Of course not! YHVH envisions a time when His real name is proclaimed by every mouth.
The second thing we notice is the relationship between the nations and His people. Gentiles do not become Jews. The nations do not become Israel. The nations are built up in the midst of Israel. They are not melded into Israel. The distinction still exists but, when it comes to serving the one true God, it doesn’t matter. All of God’s worshippers utter the same oath of fidelity, “as YHVH lives.”
Next we see that once the nations actually taught God’s own people to swear by something other than His holy name. They accommodated to the culture. They adopted the pattern of the nations. They swore by a substitute. In other words, they fell into idolatry. They no longer swore allegiance to the one true God, YHVH. But YHVH brought them back, just as He promises to bring back the nations when they really learn the ways of His people.
That, of course, is the last of our lessons from this verse. The nations are built up if and when they adopt the ways of His people. Gentiles don’t get to decide what those ways are. The ways are already in place – in Israel. This is a matter of conformity to a pre-existing pattern, not a matter of altering the pattern to fit a new approach.
So, there you have it. It looks like both sides have a long way to go, doesn’t it? There’s no time like the present to get started. Are you ready to swear by His real name?
Topical Index: name, YHVH, Jeremiah 12:16, swear, LORD
How much longer will we continue to bend and twist the rules and in some cases flat out make up new ones as we go…I guess as long as we act as spoiled children seeking to control those things we cannot, screaming to get our own way, crying “UNFAIR”! Yet desiring to have guidance and boundraies (a fence) to keep us safe.
It is like the kids I work with. So many that are in lock up complain that they want their freedom and that they are tried of having others tell them what to do. “I just want to be free.” they cry. So when they get out they celebrate…for a short time, only realizing that they crave and desire the structure and rules they once ran from. They say they have the freedom they crave on the streets (the world). The streets allow them to be free. No rules, no orders to be carried out, just freedom. Until they find out that the streets (the world) does have rules and consequences…ones that don’t forgive…and they desire once more to be back… following the rules that they ran from in the beginning. We cal them crazy and ask if they will ever learn…then I look into the mirror and ask the same question…Will he ever learn? “YHWH, teach me your ways. Lead me in your paths and teach me. For you are the G-d of my salvation.”
Skip, may I ask what is the correct pronunciation of “YHWH”?
Hi Tim,
My hardcopy of the Bible, which was translated from the French Catholic version by folks like J R R Tolkien (“Lord of the Rings”) uses “Yahweh” for YHWH.
And if they take care to learn my people’s way and to swear by my name, “As Yahweh lives”, as my people learned from them to swear by Baal, then they shall have a place among my people.
Jeremiah 12:16 The Jerusalem Bible (1966)
Then if they will really learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, ‘As the LORD lives,’ even as they taught My people to swear by Baal, they will be built up in the midst of My people.”
Jeremiah 12:16 NASB
Yahweh is the best guess among scholars. It is accepted in the academic community. But Google it and you will find plenty of difficulties. We do what we can after hundreds of years of not saying the name in a language without vowels.
As for the pronunciation of YHWH, no one knows for sure anymore. There are several theories, with arguments, but the name has been lost in the pages of history.
As The LORD Lives (hai-YHWH)
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: [10] That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; [11] And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-11
And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. (Mathew 16.16)
When all the people saw this, they fell prostrate and cried, “The LORD–He is God! The LORD–He is God!” (I Kings 18.39)
Worthy Is The Lamb, Seated On The Throne
Crown You Now With Many Crowns
You Reign Victorious
High And Lifted Up, Jesus, Son Of G-d
The Darling Of Heaven Crucified
Worthy Is The Lamb
And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. (Revelation 5.9)
Lift up your heads, O you gates; even lift them up, you everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. (Psalm 24.9) Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? He is Yeshua Hamashiach- the Son of the living G-d (and G-d the living Son) The LORD- He is G-d.
The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory. Selah. (Psalm 24)
I serve a risen Savior, He’s in the world today;
I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy; I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He’s always near.
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today!
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way.
He lives, He lives, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know he lives?
He lives within my heart.
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian,
Lift up your voice and sing.
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ our King!
The Hope of all who seek Him,
The Help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.
He lives, He lives, -salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart.-
Hi Skip, I’ve been enjoying your commentary for a while now, from Adelaide Australia, where you have a growing following! Today’s Word includes a line I have to comment on – as I’ve been compiling some interesting verses as I read the Tanakh, and I’d appreciate your insight.
Esther 8:17 got my attention some time back – in which we read “…many people of the land became Jews…”, Hmm. Interesting ! In Acts 2:5,6, we have the account of Pentecost, and the CJB translates this as there being “Jews from every nation”, who hears in his own language… What’s that? Jews, but from other nations, with different native languages?? Well, some were dispersed among the nations, yes – but I put this together in my notes something along the lines of being Jewish therefor seems not a statement of race or ethnic origin – but is rather about belief, a matter of acknowledging and obeying YHWH’s Torah. So…your comment today about Gentiles not becomig Jews clearly got my interest! I hope this (my first post) does not seem critical – but I’d value your take on the above! Have I (or the translators) gone astray?
As for the rest of your post – I am encouraged! I have come to realise the importance of YHWH’s proper name – I still have debates with some friends about this. I work in a culturally diverse company, and often deal with folk from other cultures, who have what are at times challenging names to pronounce – and yet, even in this context, it is considered common courtesy to use their proper name (albeit perhaps pronounced with a mangled accent !), not some aberation let alone a completely different name. How much more then ought we to reverence and honour our creator and redeemer’s name, and not substitute something else … as though this name (and also Yeshua’s) was not profoundly significant and worthy of being hallowed.
I guess this is pretty basic stuff for many of your readers… but that’s my 2 cents worth!
Shalom,
Trevor.
Thanks for your inquiry. Let me take a shot at this. First, there was always a process by which Gentiles could become Jews. For males, this involved circumcision, adoption of Torah living, submission to the Tanakh and worship of YHWH. This process was still in place in the first century and was the basis of the claim of those whom Sha’ul attacks in Galatians. They claimed that in order to worship YHWH and receive Yeshua as the Jewish Messiah, one had to first go through the process of becoming a Jew. Sha’ul says NO. The Gentiles are accepted into the community of Messianic believers without going through the literal process of becoming Jews. This is why Sha’ul can argue that circumcision is not needed for Gentiles. It is for those born Jewish because the Torah commands such for Jews but it is not a REQUIREMENT for Gentiles.
In Acts we find Jews (ethnic description) from many lands (following the dispersion) who come to Jerusalem to worship at the time of the feast. The ceremony at the Temple was in Hebrew, but these men also spoke the language of their birthplaces (remember Sha’ul was also not born in Israel). So, they were at least bi-lingual. Hebrew was their religious language which was why they could understand Peter’s sermon, but they normally conversed in another language, which is why they were surprised to hear their own birth language spoken by men from Israel.
Sha’ul argues (the the Jerusalem council agrees) that Gentiles have been grafted in without the requirements usually expected to become Jewish. They are still Gentiles but now they have been adopted into the house of Israel. Being adopted into the house means living a certain way, but it does not mean that God’s grace isn’t available until AFTER they become Jewish. This is the great lesson for Peter at the house of Cornelius.
Shalom, Great commentary Skip!
[Revelation: 3:7 And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith He that is holy, He that is true, He that hath the key of David, He that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept My word, and hast not denied MY NAME. 3:9 Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee. 3:10 Because thou hast kept the word of My patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.]
All power within Abba has been freely given to The Son Who only does things in the manner revealed by Abba. The character of Abba is in Yeshua … perfectly! Therefore … to deny The Name of Yeshua as (ELOHIM manifest) is paramount to denying The Name of “YHVH”! …. Conversely to deny the character of YHVH (choosing to walk in ways contrary to HIS character) is rebellion.
As Skip declares there is further to go … we must get past the partial blindness on both sides. (Jew & Gentile). Submission to Yeshua mandates submission to The One (YHVH) in Whose Name is in HIM. So we must walk in the ways prescribed in Torah (do our best … whole heartedly without legalistic expectations or judgment) and rely (trust/have faith) upon grace through the perfect blood of Yeshua to cleanse us. As has been revealed!
YHVH and Yeshua … echad … ELOHIM eternal … the only ONE in WHOM Life resides! There is only futile failure awaiting those who attempt to tear asunder what is divinely inseparable!
Currently asking a Jew (one who denies Yeshua) to adopt the Christian faith is paramount to asking the Jew to follow the ways of Baal … no?
Conversely asking a Christian to revoke the name of Yeshua is apostasy!
Why oh why can’t the Body of Mashiach (Yisrael) see the solution which is revealed to us in The Word?
Aren’t we speaking of the same Almighty Sovereign using different language? Is He not El, Elohim, Jehovah, Savior, Deliverer, Redeemer, Wonderful Counselor, Rose of Sharon, our Peace, Elder Brother, Son of Man, Son of God, Lamb of God, The True Vine, Immanuel, Bright and Morning Star, the Good Shepherd? Can we say to-mah-to or to-may-to and be speaking of the same fruit? Could this be the purpose for the gifting of tongues as spoken of in:
Genesis 10:20, 31; Isaiah 66:18; Acts 2:4, 11; Acts 10:46; 1Corinthians 12:28; Rev. 7:9; Rev, 10:11
Unlike the god represented by the name Allah, the God of Israel and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords we serve are One in the Same.
“Unlike the god represented by the name Allah, the God of Israel and the King of Kings and Lord of Lords we serve are One in the Same.”
Hi Mary,
I’m not sure what you as saying in the sentence above, but as I understand it Arabic speakers of all Abrahamic faiths, including Christians and Jews, use the word “Allah” to mean “God.”
What I notice about All ah is that, like Yah weh, it is a sound that we can make when we listen to our breath in meditation.
breathe in (Al) out (lah)
In a Sufi practice known as zikr Allah (lit. remembrance of God), the Sufi repeats and contemplates on the name Allah or other divine names while controlling his or her breath.
The term “whirling dervish” comes from the practice of these Sufi mystics.
Reminds me of the final scene in The Professionals, where Jesus Raza (Jack Palance) is referred to the “whirlingist dervish of them all.”
You are right, of course, when it comes to the titles and descriptions of the Holy One of Israel. Just as Emmanuel is a title-name, so there are title-names of YHWH. But Yeshua is His name, and YHWH is His name. I have titles too. Dr. Moen, Academic Dean, D. Phil. etc. but my name is something else. IN Hebrew this is even more important since a name is about the essence of a person.
Hi Michael,
I want to make the point that Jesus, Yeshua, God said:
I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.
The Islamic faith denies the Supremacy of Christ. They do NOT follow Him…they follow another MAN…Mohammad who professes a secret personal revelatory message and this is what is contained within the Koran. They believe Jesus lived, however, they do NOT profess Him to be the Son of God who is the Messiah. I must admit I am limited in my knowledge of Islamic theology, however, I know the Scriptures are clear, the only way to know the One True God is to through the Christ of God.
The Scriptures of Christ followers uses the term “meditation” with reference to the “law” and precepts” of Yehovah and the purpose for this practice is to draw closer to Him, for His Words to become etched in our hearts, rather than to have them just fall on deaf ears that makes us hearers only and not doers also. This does not indicate a change in metaphysical consciousness as the meditation practice you refer to above does and which, by the way, denies the Scriptural admonishment to be “sober”(1Peter 5:8- nēphō and 1Peter 4:7-sōphroneō) and “vigilant” (grēgoreō), to be calm, composed AND watchful to avoid the pitfalls and trappings of an enemy. Those practicing metaphysical meditation are inviting opportunity for spiritual calamity guised as “serenity”. No doubt deep and purposeful breathing has physiological benefits to immediately reduce stress and even avoid/defer panic attacks. But the intents and purposes of meditation as a spiritual practice to achieve a higher consciousness level is dangerous and it is REAL, no doubt. Use caution Michael and consciously trust in Yeshua and listen to the Words of YHWH, NOT your breath.
Lovingly,
Mary
Hi Mary,
First let me say that I don’t tend to argue with others about their religious beliefs, because they are personal and at least partly subjective IMO.
On the other hand, I don’t mind arguing about an interpretation of a text, because a text is more objective IMO.
With that “introduction,” I’ll respond to your “argument” and share some of my beliefs.
My response to your “Jesus, Yeshua, God” would be that I don’t think Jesus ever says he IS God.
Rather Jesus says that he is the “Son of God,” and there are other “Sons” of God in the Torah who are clearly NOT God.
When Jesus says “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and “No one comes to the Father but by me,” I believe him.
In my view, Jesus thinks of himself as the Messiah with a special assignment from God.
And when Jesus speaks, he seems to want others to listen carefully and act like they are getting his words from “our Father.”
But for me the bottom line is that Jesus is a role model who shows us how to live our lives and find forgiveness and salvation in God.
As far as I know Jesus does not talk about meditation, but in my view meditation is about clearing the mind of “thoughts” by focusing on breathing or chanting the “Om.”
Regarding Islam, they can think whatever they want IMO.
Most Muslims I interact with are extremely kind, intelligent, and thoughtful and never mention their religious beliefs to me.
Hope this helps clarify my view; I appreciate your kind thoughts and concern.
Mike
Let me add just a few comments.
First, when we read the Gospels from a Hebraic perspective (as they were written), we find constant and consistent allusions, verbal phrases, Scriptural claims and behaviors that assert Yeshua is God manifest. In fact, there is hardly a conversation or interaction that doesn’t declare this in one way or another. The “Messianic secret” is an invention of German higher criticism, along with the claim that “Jesus” only said He was the Son of Man or the Son of God. Any reading of the text with an eye toward the Tanakh can’t miss the implications, and any Hebrew reader in the first century would have understood the claim. This is, of course, one of the reasons why orthodox Judaism had so much difficulty with Messianic Judaism.
Secondly, while Muslims may be quite kind, intelligent and thoughtful, their personal and individual behavior is not the issue (as is also the case with any other philosophical or religious system). Michael is correct. The real argument is about the sacred texts, the basis of the belief system. Unfortunately, the Quran contains a great deal of pretty confusing, inconsistent and clearly violent proclamations – and not just toward unbelievers. While it is true that people choose to believe what they want to believe, no matter what religion, it is not true that all religious beliefs are on par. Suggesting that religious belief is simple a matter of personal and subjective preference removes the argument from any discussion of truth since the truth is neither personal nor subjective (although, of course, our abilities to discover it must account for the personal and subjective). The issue here is an epistemological one (please listen to my lecture on this subject). Contemporary culture has reached the point of epistemological bankruptcy and has moved toward a conventionalism where everyone has his own view of truth. But obviously, this is concession to chaos. The man with the gun becomes the prophet.
So, the argument is not about individual behaviors or individual perspectives. It is about the truth claims of the texts. Not all of them can be true since they claim opposing things. Therefore, it isn’t possible to simply say, “Whatever.” Who wants to live a life based on a lie?
Hi Skip,
Just some quick responses; got to get to bed soon, then take the kids to school 🙂
Skip: Yeshua is God manifest
Mike: OK
Skip: “Jesus” only said He was the Son of Man (This is false argument)
Mike: I realize the text implies “Son of Man” is God, but it seems ambiguous and paradoxical to me. For example, if Yeshua is God, why does he feel forsaken by God? And he talks about our Father.
Skip: it is not true that all religious beliefs are on par
Mike: I agree
Skip: The issue here is an epistemological one
Mike: Just for the sake of simplicity, let’s agree the Muslims are wrong. What can I do about it? can’t they can think what they want? Can’t we agree to disagree?
Skip: Who wants to live a life based on a lie?
Mike: Based on my view of the world, a large portion of the world population 🙂
Quick reply. As for “My God, My God, why have you forsaken me,” please look at the TW on that verse. You will find it isn’t quite what you think.
As for what we can do about those who hold (and live according to) false beliefs, we engage in dialogue, we live the truth, we love our enemies and we pray that God will open the minds. This, of course, applies to a lot more than Muslims. Think about all those “Christians” who believe Torah has nothing to do with faith in Jesus.
As for living a lie, in some respect, we are all in the same boat. SO, constant re-thinking, vigilance, debate in community and study are required. Think about all that we have learned together in the last few years. Wow. New things every day that we thought we had taken care of.
Dear Skip,
Thank you for being willing to go over and over..”New things every day that we thought we had taken care of.” It often takes more than once for some of us to get it. Thanks also for the reminder about past TW posts.
Cathy