Hyphens and God’s Name
At the burning bush, Moses asked God what His name was. God gave His name. He was Jehovah (Ex. 3:14). God explains the meaning of that name. It means, “I AM” or “I AM WHO I AM” and emphasizes the eternal, unchanging nature of God. In the rest of the Bible, this name is tied to various qualities of God. The translators often use the words “the LORD” and then translate that quality. In the English, this is sometimes made obvious by using hyphens.
He is Jehovah-Jireh (Genesis 22:14)
After the Lord had spared Isaac and provided the ram in the thicket, Moses writes, “And Abraham called the name of the place, The-LORD-Will-Provide.” He is Jehovah-Jireh—He is our Provider.
He is Jehovah-Rapha (Exodus 15:26)
The Jews had just crossed over the Red Sea, and God miraculously gave them water and promised them that He would not bring on Israel the afflictions He brought on the Egyptians. He then told Israel that He was The-LORD-Who-Heals. He is Jehovah-Rapha—He is our Healer.
He is Jehovah-Nissi (Exodus 17:15)
The nation of Israel was not equipped to fight against the Amalekites who attacked them before they got to Mt. Sinai. The battle was won because Moses’ hands were lifted high as he appealed to God. Moses built an altar and called its name, The-LORD-Is-My-Banner. In our struggle against evil, He is our Jehovah-Nissi—He is our Banner.
He is Jehovah-M’Kaddesh (Leviticus 20:8)
Before the Jews left Mt. Sinai, Moses warned them of the sinfulness of idols and seeking God’s messages from mediums and familiar spirits. He told them that God had said, “I am the LORD who sanctifies you.” He is The-LORD-Who-Sanctifies. He is our Jehovah-M’Kaddesh. He is our Sanctifier.
Space does not permit us to look at other times a quality of God is tied to the name of Jehovah. Take time to study the context and meaning of times when the name of God is hyphenated with His character. He is Jehovah-Shalom—the LORD-Is-Peace (Judg. 6:24). He is Jehovah-Sabbaoth—the LORD-Of-Hosts (1 Sam. 1:3). He is Jehovah-Rohi—the-LORD-Our-Shepherd (Psa. 23:1). He is Jehovah-Shamah—the LORD-Is-There (Ezek. 48:35). He is present. Finally, the sacred name of Jehovah is applied to Jesus. He is Jehovah-Tsidkenu—The-LORD-Our-Righteousness (Jer. 23:6).
God gave to Moses a name which signifies so much about God. This name is tied to His character in other places in the Bible. Make sure that the LORD-Is-Your-God.