The name of G-d

[Hix]

Shalom!!

I have noticed lately there are a few people here who type out the name of G-d, and was wondering on everyones opinions. By that I mean do you agree that it is alright to type out G-ds name or that it should be kept in reverence as according to Jewish tradition? That name of cource is the tetragramton YHVH which comes from the hebrew letters Yod-Heh-Vav-Heh and is often reffered to as the Ineffable name.

By way of an introduction il include what Tracy R Rich briefly says on this on Judaism 101:

Jews do not casually write any Name of God. This practice does not come from the commandment not to take the Lord's Name in vain, as many suppose. In Jewish thought, that commandment refers solely to oath-taking, and is a prohibition against swearing by God's Name falsely or frivolously (the word normally translated as "in vain" literally means "for falsehood").

Judaism does not prohibit writing the Name of God per se; it prohibits only erasing or defacing a Name of God. However, observant Jews avoid writing any Name of God casually because of the risk that the written Name might later be defaced, obliterated or destroyed accidentally or by one who does not know better.

The commandment not to erase or deface the name of God comes from Deut. 12:3. In that passage, the people are commanded that when they take over the promised land, they should destroy all things related to the idolatrous religions of that region, and should utterly destroy the names of the local deities. Immediately afterwards, we are commanded not to do the same to our God. From this, the rabbis inferred that we are commanded not to destroy any holy thing, and not to erase or deface a Name of God.

It is worth noting that this prohibition against erasing or defacing Names of God applies only to Names that are written in some kind of permanent form, and recent rabbinical decisions have held that writing on a computer is not a permanent form, thus it is not a violation to type God's Name into a computer and then backspace over it or cut and paste it, or copy and delete files with God's Name in them. However, once you print the document out, it becomes a permanent form. That is why observant Jews avoid writing a Name of God on web sites like this one or in newsgroup messages: because there is a risk that someone else will print it out and deface it.

So what are your opinions, of cource there are many names of G-d each describing his wonder, but is it ok to use the name by which he will be known forever?

Shalom and G-d bless
~Hix~

 

[ShirChadash]

Hix,

I occasionally write the name, as I feel that YHVH Elohim sometimes seems to state my understanding of Who I am referring to, more completely than any other term. I don't care to use the term "G-d" most of the time, but will use it when I am especially talking with others who use that term... but I feel most people use it so casually... . If I am referring to the Messiah, I will say Yeshua or "Jesus" when I am speking with others who may be unfamiliar with Yeshua's name... and often I use Yeshua anyway because I want to highlight that He IS Salvation -- that's His NAME, Yeshua is yeshua for us who believe upon His name. When I use YHVH Elohim, it is because I am trying to convey the point that YHVH is a plural One, and I believe that Elohim is a whole picture: our Abba Who does all things - actions - through Yeshua (His salvation) by the power of Ruach Elohim (His Spirit). Saying HaShem alone, seems to speak in people's mind of Abba, but not Moschiach and not the Ruach. Speaking of Yeshua doesn't seem to speak in people's minds of Abba and Ruach as well. So for me, when I am trying to convey the fullness of Elohim... YHVH Elohim is what I feel completely explains/ indicates fully the One to Whom I am referring. In part, this is how I actively try to get past the compartmentalization that is constant in christian's minds, of the Father being so separate from the Son and from the Spirit... it's almost ridiculous to try and converse with people sometimes.

Honestly, no, I am not convinced at this point that I am in sin in using the Holy One's name... but I do not intend to misuse it, and would certainly never abuse it. I do try to avoid using His Holy Name itself on here most of the time in my posting, as I know that there are some who may be offended by me typing it out -- and frankly I would rarely use it in posting anyway. But lately I feel as though the term "G-d" is insufficient, and I am leery of it's origins. "Adonai" has never been a name I prefer to use, since it would seem to be from the same root (Adon?) which "Adonis" comes from, and I don't like the idea of referring to my Abba or my Yeshua by a name of doubtful origin, again... Among those who are familiar witht he terms HaShem and Elohim, I try to use those... but again sometimes I just don't feel they are sufficient in conveying the point I am trying to make...

*shrug*

My most sincere apologies is it disturbs you to see the Holy Name written, Brother. I will continue to avoid it. Please know I meant no offense when I have written it out, but it seems to me that the Name is the only adequate title to desribe the One, oftentimes. And I will say I am in love with the name YHVH... I am not sure it is really His will for us never to use it, respectfully of course, and I sense deep peace and a prayerfulness fall upon me whenever I breathe the names YHVH, Yeshua, Ruach.
Shalom,
~Zemi~

 

[Hix]

lo lo, I was only seeing what everyones opinion was. I have alot to learn and I appreciate your answer sister I was more interested in just what HaShem has convinced them of on this topic, toda rabba!!

Shalom and G-d bless
~Hix~

 

[yod]

I don't ever use "THE" name because of reverence. I used to write the hyphenated "G-d" but I found that it was such a distraction to folks who aren't jewish or messianic.

It's an honorable tradition and I go back and forth on it for seasons at a time...but this is also cultural, rabbinical, and non-biblically binding. In other words, I would definetly use the hyphenated in any situation where an Orthodox jew might be offended but it's optional anywhere else.

 

[Anapto]

My opinion is that if you truly understand His sacred name and even it's etymology and are in fellowship with another who understands, whether in writing or conversing, I see nothing wrong with using it. But to the tender and unlearned you should teach on a level they understand and then bring them up to yours.



Malachi 3. {KJV}
16.
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon His name.




-A.

 

[ShirChadash]

Bumpity