The concept of the Eternal Name of God is a profound and central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's unchanging nature, His sovereignty, and His relationship with His people. The Eternal Name is often associated with the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, YHWH, which is traditionally rendered as "LORD" in many English translations, including the Berean Standard Bible .

YHWH: The Self-Existent One

The name YHWH is first revealed to Moses in the book of Exodus. In Exodus 3:14 , God declares, "I AM WHO I AM." This declaration is foundational, as it conveys God's self-existence, eternal presence, and unchanging nature. The name YHWH is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," emphasizing that God is the One who is, who was, and who is to come (Revelation 1:8).

The Holiness and Reverence of the Name

Throughout the Old Testament, the name of God is treated with the utmost reverence. The Third Commandment, found in Exodus 20:7 , instructs, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain." This command underscores the sacredness of God's name and the importance of honoring it in speech and conduct.

The Israelites held the name YHWH in such high regard that they often substituted it with "Adonai," meaning "Lord," during readings to avoid misusing it. This practice highlights the deep respect and awe associated with the Eternal Name.

The Name as a Reflection of God's Character

The Eternal Name of God is not merely a label but a reflection of His character and attributes. In Exodus 34:6-7 , God proclaims His name to Moses, saying, "The LORD, the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and truth, maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin." Here, the name YHWH is linked to God's mercy, grace, and faithfulness.

The Name in Worship and Prayer

The Eternal Name of God is central to worship and prayer. The Psalms frequently exhort believers to praise the name of the LORD. Psalm 113:1-3 states, "Hallelujah! Give praise, O servants of the LORD; praise the name of the LORD. Blessed be the name of the LORD both now and forevermore. From the rising to the setting of the sun, the name of the LORD is praised."

In prayer, invoking the name of God signifies trust in His power and presence. Proverbs 18:10 declares, "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

The Fulfillment in Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, the Eternal Name finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Jesus, whose name means "YHWH saves," embodies the presence and salvation of God. In John 8:58 , Jesus asserts His divinity by stating, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" This declaration aligns Jesus with the "I AM" of Exodus, affirming His eternal nature and unity with the Father.

Philippians 2:9-11 further emphasizes the exaltation of Jesus' name: "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

Conclusion

The Eternal Name of God, YHWH, encapsulates His eternal, self-existent nature and His covenant relationship with His people. It is a name that commands reverence, reflects His character, and is central to worship and prayer. Through Jesus Christ, the Eternal Name is revealed in its fullness, offering salvation and inviting all to acknowledge His lordship.