. . . continued
Why God’s Name Matters
The Name’s Significance to God
God chose his own name; it wasn’t given to him. Jehovah declared as follows:
“This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation.”
– Exodus 3:15
In the Bible, God’s name appears more frequently than any of his titles, such as Almighty, Father, Lord, or God, and more often than any other personal name, including Abraham, Moses, David, or Jesus. Moreover, it is Jehovah’s desire that his name be known. The Bible states:
“May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, you alone are the Most High over all the earth.”
—Psalm 83:18.
Jesus’ Regard for the Name
In what is commonly known as the Our Father or the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus taught his followers to pray:
“Let your name be sanctified.” (Matthew 6:9) Jesus himself prayed to God: “Father, glorify your name.”
-John 12:28
Jesus prioritised glorifying God’s name in his life, enabling him to say in prayer:
“I have made your name known to them and will make it known.”
-John 17:26
The Name’s Importance to God’s Followers
Throughout history, God’s people have understood that their protection and salvation were connected to God’s unique name:
“The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.”
-Proverbs 18:10
“Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”
-Joel 2:32
The Bible indicates that God’s name would identify those who serve him:
“For all the peoples will walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of Jehovah our God forever and ever.”
-Micah 4:5; Acts 15:14.
The Divine Name
Jehovah is the Creator’s self-given name, denoting personality. This name is unique – there is only one Jehovah. Unlike other divine references, we never read of ‘the Jehovah of Israel’ or the ‘living Jehovah’, for Jehovah inherently lives.
Attributes of the Name
The name encompasses three distinct attributes: self-existence, unchangeableness, and eternity. It allows no limitations.
Divine Revelation to Moses
As revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14-15:
“And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM, Jehovah, the God of your fathers, this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”
– Exodus 3:14-15
The Source of Existence
While every living creature exists through Jehovah’s provisions, He alone ‘is because he is’. In this unique sense, no one else truly is. These definitions emphasise independent existence, uncontrolled will, and action. Jehovah remains constant, eternal, and unchanging.