This Article: (3 Pages)
- 1. Gentiles upon whom Name of God is... called
- 2. Future for Jerusalem
- 3. The name in the New Testament
1) Gentiles upon whom Name of God is called
Many might miss James' point
Simeon has declared how God at the first did visit the Gentiles, to take out of them a people for his name. And to this agree the words of the prophets; as it is written, After this I will return, and will build again the tabernacle of David, which is fallen down; and I will build again the ruins thereof, and I will set it up: That the residue of men might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles, upon whom my name is called, said the Lord, who does all these things. (Acts 15 :14-17)
The reference here to Simeon is to the time when Mary and Joseph were in the Temple following the birth of the Messiah, Y'shua. This is recorded in (Luke 2:25-32). Mary must have not only kept this is her heart but repeated it. The interesting thing we note here is to the name of God and the promise related to His name. These verses also prophesy of the rebuilding of David's Tabernacle and a promise to the Gentiles. The reader is directed to the prophets for the confirmation of these promises. It is here we are investigating a principle which is largely lost or ignored, but is a basis for salvation.
'This is My Name- forever'
When Moses was concerned about the people of Israel and how he could persuade them that he was being sent to lead them out of their bondage in Egypt, he was given the name of the God of Israel.
God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shall you say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations. (Exodus 3:15)
The phrase “LORD God” is literally 'Yahweh Elohim' and in the above passage we have a description of Yahweh as 'he who shall be (Yahweh) mighty ones (Elohim)'. This title expresses the Creator's purpose to take out a people for his name and these people will be the Elohim, that means the mighty ones, of the future age.
The nation of Israel were given the name of their God which was to be remembered by the nation in all generations. It was a most significant name full of meaning and promise.
Isaiah and his reverence for the God of Israel
Following this proclamation to Moses and the advice given above in Acts, we now turn to the prophecy of Isaiah, to chapter 12..
Behold, God (El) is my salvation; I will trust, and not be afraid: for the LORD YAHWEH is my strength and my song; he also is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water out of the wells of salvation. And in that day shall ye say, Praise Yahweh, call upon his name, declare his doings among the people, make mention that his name is exalted.
Sing unto Yahweh; for he has done excellent things: this is known in all the earth.(Isaiah 12:2-5)
This is a song of praise and proclaims that Yahweh is the source of salvation. Again we find reference to Yahweh's name and that his name should be exalted. This is important as shown again in the gospel of Luke 1:31-33. Mary was told that her son Y'shua (Yah will save) would reign on the throne of David in Jerusalem. This has not yet happened, but it will, as it has been promised to the Patriarchs of Israel and to the Gentiles.
In Isaiah 24, it is prophesied that the Yahweh Elohim of Israel will be praised and glorified, in the land (Israel) and also in the isles of the sea.
When thus it shall be in the midst of the land among the people, there shall be as the shaking of an olive tree, and as the gleaning grapes when the vintage is done. They shall lift up their voice, they shall sing for the majesty of the LORD, they shall cry aloud from the sea. Wherefore glorify ye the LORD (Yahweh) in the fires, even the name of the LORD God(Yahweh Elohim) of Israel in the isles of the sea.(Isaiah 24:13-15)
Isaiah 26 describes the destiny of the city of Jerusalem and the land of Judah. There will be righteous rule for the just and a day of salvation for those who trust in Yahweh, and for the residue of mankind who survive the judgement which is yet to come on this world, which is described in Zechariah 14. Isaiah refers to the blessings that will follow a time of judgement upon those whose desire is 'is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee'. .
In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks. Open ye the gates, that the righteous nation which keeps the truth may enter in.
Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusts in thee. Trust ye in Yahweh for ever: for in the LORD YAHWEH is everlasting strength: For he brings down them that dwell on high; the lofty city, he lays it low; he lays it low, even to the ground; he brings it even to the dust. The foot shall tread it down, even the feet of the poor, and the steps of the needy. The way of the just is uprightness: thou, most upright, dost weigh the path of the just. Yea, in the way of thy judgements, O Yahwewh, have we waited for thee; the desire of our soul is to thy name, and to the remembrance of thee. (Isaiah 26:1-8)
Isaiah 42 again stresses that 'Yahweh' is God's name. The name Yahweh signifies 'He who will be'. He is the all powerful creator and we are told that he calls people in righteousness. The quotation above from Acts speaks of the calling of the Gentiles, and here we have the nation of Israel as a 'light of the Gentiles'.
I Yahweh have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am Yahweh that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.(Isaiah 42:6-8)
The following verse also refers to Yahweh Elohim as the Holy one of Israel, and again it is implied that Yahweh is their saviour who is calling out a people who will reverence and fear him.
For I am Yahweh thy Elohim, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. (Isaiah 43:3)
The following verse advises people to seek out those things that relate to these promises. We can rely on the prophets, as stated by Simeon in the quotation from Acts 15 at the start of this article.
Thus said Yahweh, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker, Ask me of things to come concerning my sons, and concerning the work of my hands command ye me. (Isaiah 45:11)
There is no other Power or redeemer..
For thus said Yahweh that created the heavens; God himself that formed the earth and made it; he has established it, he created it not in vain, he formed it to be inhabited: I am Yahweh; and there is none else. (Isaiah 45:18)
As for our redeemer, Yahweh of hosts is his name, the Holy One of Israel. (Isaiah 47:4)
He will be Armies
The next quotation introduces another aspect of the process of salvation. 'Yahweh of hosts' that is Yahweh Sabaoth, is another description of the Creator. It is a military title and reveals that 'he will be armies or hosts', showing his power through the Divine armies or those who are the redeemed of the future. Those who will be redeemed acknowledge and reverence the God of Israel.
For they call themselves of the holy city, and stay themselves upon the Elohim of Israel; Yahweh of hosts is his name.(Isaiah 48: 2)
For my name's sake will I defer mine anger, and for my praise will I refrain for thee, that I cut thee not off. (Isaiah 48:9)
The following verses depict a future time when the Gentiles will acknowledge the God of Israel as all powerful. Kings and princes will worship him and all flesh will acknowledge Yahweh as the Redeemer of mankind. The nation of Israel will return to their God. Both Jews and Gentiles will be united in their worship of the Creator. In these verses there is a constant reference to the importance of the name of Yahweh.
Thus said Yahweh, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despises, to him whom the nation abhors, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of Yahweh that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee. (Isaiah 49:7)
And I will feed them that oppress thee with their own flesh; and they shall be drunken with their own blood, as with sweet wine: and all flesh shall know that Yahweh am thy Saviour and thy Redeemer, the mighty One of Jacob. (Isaiah 49:26)
Who is among you that fears Yahweh, that obeys the voice of his servant, that walks in darkness, and has no light? let him trust in the name of Yahweh, and stay upon his Elohim. (Isaiah 50:10)
But I am Yahweh thy Elohim, that divided the sea, whose waves roared: Yahweh of hosts is his name.(Isaiah 51:15)
Show All
