Adonai
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Introduction
Introduction
This evening we are going to proceed with the next name of God. I know that last week I said that we would come back to El Elohe Israel. However, after doing some more study, I came to conclusion that nothing more needed to be said about that particular name. All of what we noted last week about Jacob’s life leads us to only one conclusion and that is this. El Elohe Israel simply means the God of Israel. There is no doubt that God is the God of Israel. So, upon further consideration, I didn’t want to make this name of God any more than it is. As we noted last week, Jacob fathered twelve sons. From those twelve, Israel grew into a might nation of twelve tribes. God’s promise to Abraham lived on through Abraham’s son, Isaac, and later through Isaac’s son, Jacob. He fulfilled part of His promise to Abraham by blessing those twelve tribes, making them into a might nation through which He Son, the Lord Jesus Christ came as the Savior of all men. Later, we know that Christ will return and completely fulfil God’s covenants with both Abraham and David when Christ assumes His rightful place as King of all the earth sitting upon David’s throne in Jerusalem. He will then be known as the Lord, the God of Israel even as He is known by that name now.
So, having said all that, let’s focus on the next name of God.
Looking at your charts, you will see the word “FATHER” listed and next to it I have modified the chart. I did so realizing that I needed to make a change. This is my first time preaching/teaching through the names of God and it is very much a work in process. Please forgive me as I make adjustments. This adjustment was needed. Our next name for consideration is “Adonai” or as we see in our English Bibles as “Lord.”
Now, look down under our listing for “Elohim” that we just completed. You will see the English word “LORD” and note that it the Hebrew word “YHWH or Jehovah.”
What are the differences between the two words?
The Connection between Adonai and YHWH
The Connection between Adonai and YHWH
The name “YHWH” is God’s personal name given to Moses for the children of Israel.
Over time, this name of God became so sacred to the Jewish scribes that did everything they could to avoid pronouncing this Divine name for fear they would misuse it breaking God’s commandment in Exodus 20:7
7 Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
Consequently, their desire to reverence God’s name extended to reading His name from Scripture even within Jewish synagogues. It thus became the custom in the synagogues to use the title “Adonai” whenever they came to the name “YHWH.”
When the English translators of the King James took up the same task, they followed the same tradition as the Jewish Scribes.
When see the “LORD” in small caps, that indicates God’s given name “YHWH.’ However, when you see “Lord” in upper and smaller case that indicates the Hebrew title “Adonai.”
Now, let’s take an even closer look at the title “Adonai” or “Lord.”
“Adonai” is also written as “Adon.” Both are the same word just are variations of spelling in Hebrew. The word essentially means “lord, master, owner” and, in some instances, “husband.”
It is a term used for a person who deserves respect for his position or title. Whenever “adon” appears in the special plural form with a singular suffix (adonai), it refers to God some 300 times. As you might recall, God’s name “Elohim” is often plural in Hebrew. “Adonai” is often plural as well, however, the difference is that is an intensive plural. In other words, it’s plurality speaks to a specific trait, it is a plural of majesty.
Now, for some clarification.
“YHWH” is God’s personal name. “Adonai” is more of a title than a name.
There are times when Scripture will use both in parallel.
Psalm 97:1 (KJV 1900)
1 The Lord (YHWH) reigneth; let the earth rejoice; Let the multitude of isles be glad thereof.
Psalm 97:5 (KJV 1900)
5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord (YHWH), At the presence of the Lord (Adonai) of the whole earth.
There are times when “adonai” appears in phrases such as “Lord of lords,” which as the same meaning as “King of kings” or “God of gods.”
Occasionally there is a combination of both “adonai” and “YHWH.” In the King James, you will see it rendered as “Lord God.”
8 Now when I passed by thee, and looked upon thee, behold, thy time was the time of love; and I spread my skirt over thee, and covered thy nakedness: yea, I sware unto thee, and entered into a covenant with thee, saith the Lord God, and thou becamest mine.
All of the names we have considered up to this point were names that revealed God’s nature.
Elohim - God of Covenant noting that He does not change in His promises
El Shaddai - He is pours out both blessing and cursing
El Elyon - He is the Most High God.
However, as we move on to the title “Adonai” and His name “YHWH”, we are going how these names speak to His relationships with men.
The first time we find the title “Adonai” is once again with Abram. The event is one what we have already encountered. Remember Abram meeting Melchisedek? It was after that meeting, God says to Abram the following in Genesis 15:1-2
Genesis 15:1–2 (KJV 1900)
1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward.
2 And Abram said, Lord (Adonai) God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?
Abram uses this name again repeatedly as intercedes before God on Lot’s behalf when God reveals His intent to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah.
Genesis 18:30 (KJV 1900)
30 And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord (Adonai) be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
From there, the title “Adonai” is used continually by God’s servants throughout Scripture.
What then does the name “Adonai” reveal?
As we noted earlier, “Adonai” is the plural form of “Adon” which means lord or master. Both the singular and plural forms are applied to God. Whereas, when it is applied to men, it expresses two obvious earthly relationships. The first being the relationship of a master to a slave or servant. The second is that of a husband to his wife. We find both of these relationship applied to God in relation to men and women as well. What then do we learn by its use?
God is a God of PERSONAL Relationships
God is a God of PERSONAL Relationships
No matter how you cut it, but relationships mentioned are personal relationships. The title “adon” or “Lord” whether used of a master or a husband expresses personal relationships. Both situations involve rights of authority and possession. Neither slave or wife were “their own.” Either voluntarily or involuntarily, both belong to and are property of their “adon” (master/husband).
For the slave, the relationship was binding regardless of slave’s own will or desire. God established two ways by which Israel were to deal with captives of war. They were either put to death or taken into slavery. Thus, a slave in the household of an Israeli family usually meant they were either purchased or taken captive of an enemy.
For the wife, in the Old Testament, it meant that she was either given or sold by her father (endowment). There might be a little bit more of the element of free will involved, but not much more. In the case of Isaac and Rebekah, there was good deal of free will.
58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.
However, in all cases, once a woman became a man’s wife, she was to be his wife for life unless she was put away for some evil on her part or for unfaithfulness. In both instances, slave or wife, both individual’s will was subject to the master or husband. Faithfulness was honored and rewarded. Unfaithfulness was judged.
Now, take that same principle and apply to God as “Adonai” or “Lord.”
Knowing Him as Master (Adonai) Signifies a Personal Relationship
Knowing Him as Master (Adonai) Signifies a Personal Relationship
Those who know Him as “Adonai” are those who have a personal relationship with Him. This something clearly seen both in the world and in Scripture. The world obviously cares nothing about Christ as their Master. Yes, God is God of all things. He is the Creator of all things. It is His world, His universe, and His rules. However, the majority of people do not see and recognize this because they are blinded by the god of this world and they are born already in darkness.
20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:
4 In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
There are many more such verses. However, I believe you get the point. In contrast, each person who puts their faith in Christ understands how through that one willful choice they become bound to Him as their Master. In fact, it can be contended strongly from Scripture that you are not truly one of His if you do accept Him as Master of your life.
13 Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.
14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.
2 Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led.
3 Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.
For now, those who know Him personally call Him “Lord” or Adonai. However, there is coming a day when all will bow before Him as Lord.
23 I have sworn by myself, The word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, Every tongue shall swear.
24 Surely, shall one say, in the Lord have I righteousness and strength: Even to him shall men come; And all that are incensed against him shall be ashamed.
25 In the Lord shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Here is another principle surrounding the God’s title “Adonai.”
Knowing Him as Master (Adonai) Means Abdicating Your Will
Knowing Him as Master (Adonai) Means Abdicating Your Will
Again, this ties back to first having a personal relationship with God. We must sacrifice our will for His. That is an action that can only take place once we have the Holy Spirit indwelling us. An action that New Testament consistently encourages us to do.
1 What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound?
2 God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
11 Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Over in Galatians, we find this.
24 And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
Instead, we are own Him as Master of our life. We must place Him on our heart’s throne and abdicate the crown of lordship to Him.
8 I delight to do thy will, O my God: Yea, thy law is within my heart.
10 Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: Thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.
50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
17 If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.
6 Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart;
15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
And, then last, but not by any means the least, is this.
Knowing Him as Master (Adonai) Ensures that You Belong to Him Forever
Knowing Him as Master (Adonai) Ensures that You Belong to Him Forever
Christ Himself purchased with us a great price. The price for our redemption was His blood. It would stand to reason then that once we accept all He has done by faith and He has extended to us eternal life that it would be bond that stands the test of time. Just like a man and woman make a covenant to each other to love and cherish each other until death, God promises us complete assurance that we will remain bonded to Him. However, unlike most marriages today with fail, God’s commitment to us does not fail and last for an eternity.
3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
Thankfully, our assurance of Heaven does not depend upon us. Instead, it is completely based on God’s promise and His procurement.
1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Saviour Jesus Christ:
Here is great verse.
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
Isn’t great to know that the Lord Jesus Christ is praying for you right now? He “he ever liveth to make intercession” for us. Thus, we are saved “to the uttermost.” Why? I will answer that questions with another question. Can God die? No, He cannot. He is eternal. Thus, as long as He lives (which is perpetual), our salvation is secure in Him.
Now, here is something important to know and consider. There is a difference between saving faith and practical faith. Practical faith is that day to day practice of living our lives and trusting in His promises. Saving faith is based solely on what God has done and our acceptance of it. We may fail in our practical faith, but we never are without salvational faith.
By the way, we are talking about God as our Master and we just mentioned that we must abdicate our will for His. Do you know that is the will of the Father that your salvation be permanent?
39 And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.
40 And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.
It is also the will of Christ, the son of God.
11 And now I am no more in the world, but these are in the world, and I come to thee. Holy Father, keep through thine own name those whom thou hast given me, that they may be one, as we are.
12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled.
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
Oh, guess what? Adonai is also Elohim. He is a mighty, powerful God who is quite capable of keeping His people.
10 Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times the things that are not yet done, Saying, My counsel shall stand, And I will do all my pleasure:
3 For what if some did not believe? shall their unbelief make the faith of God without effect?
4 God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.
Futhermore, God doesn’t need your permission in keeping His promises. If He says that your secure in Him and you cannot lost your position with Him, then He is free to keep that promise.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?
33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth.
34 Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.
Each of those verses explain that yes we may sin and yes we will mess up, but, praise God, our salvation is solely depends on what Christ did for us at the cross of Calvary. It is all about Christ.
9 Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.
10 For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.
I could go on. There is so much more to say about our security in Him. He is Adonai, the Master, Lord.
To know Him as Adonai is to know Him personally. A thought that will lead us to our next study about His names. For the next name is a study about His PERSONAL name, YHWH!