Names not only tell us something about a person, but also about our relationship with that person. We may use a title such as doctor, pastor or mister. We may use a nickname revealing our familiarity and intimacy. Sometimes the name speaks specifically of our relationship, like mom, grandpa, or aunt. The same person will be called by many different names, depending on who is addressing them.
God has many names, too. Some describe a particular attribute, like Father, Lord, or Shepherd. There’s Jehovah Rapha, the God who heals or El Shaddai, God Almighty. The name of God represented by YHWH, the tetragrammaton that we pronounce Yahweh or Jehovah, is considered too holy to be pronounced out loud by our Jewish friends. It was said only once a year, on Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement, and then, only by the High Priest. Because it is not to be said aloud they use Hashem (or Ha Shem), which means, literally, “the name.”
Our holy and sacred God has a name above all others. He is Savior and Friend, but He also has a name we must not forget. Having a name that is too holy even to pronounce reveals His character and His very essence. Using “Hashem” tells us that He is an awesome God – in the terrifying and awe-inspiring kind of way.
As Yom Kippur approaches, I am reminded of the holiness of the name. I consider how I address God because it says something about my relationship with Him. Maybe what I won’t say reveals something, too.
…Now they may say to me, 'What is His name?' What shall I say to them?" God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM"… Exodus 3:13-14
1 Response