Why Moses Called God ‘Yahweh’

The title of this article, 'Why did Moses call God "Yahweh" instead of "Elohim"?' poses a profound question about the evolution of religious beliefs and practices in ancient Israel. This inquiry delves into the complexities of naming and worship, offering insights into the religious journey of the proto-Israelites and their eventual transition to monotheism.

The Origins and Nature of Yahweh and Elohim

Elohim: In ancient Canaanite religion, Elohim (meaning "the gods") referred to the children of the supreme god El and his wife Asherah. The term reflects a polytheistic belief system, where multiple gods were acknowledged, each with their own characteristics and domains.

Yahweh: Yahweh, on the other hand, originated as a thunder and war god with an obscure background. He was adopted by the proto-Israelites, who lived in the northern Canaanite highlands during the Bronze Age collapse. The transition from traditional polytheism to henotheism (where one god was recognized as supreme) to monolatrism (where other gods were acknowledged but only one could be worshipped) and ultimately to monotheism (where only one god existed) reflects the gradual crystallization of Israelite religious thought.

Religious Evolution and Textual Interpretation

The Bible, far from being a seamless and unified text, is a compilation of stories and writings from different eras and backgrounds. The use of diverse names and descriptions of God throughout the scriptures reflects the evolution of religious beliefs and practices over time.

For instance, the name Yahweh is not mentioned until Exodus, where God explicitly reveals this name to Moses. Prior to this, God is referred to in the Old Testament as Elohim. This shift in nomenclature underscores a significant theological development: the belief that the God who spoke to Moses was the same God who had appeared to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai.

The Significance of YHVH in Exodus

God's chosen instrument, Moses, recounts a pivotal conversation in Exodus where He clarifies this development:

"Exodus 6:3 I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai, but I did not make Myself known to them by My name YHVH."

This statement emphasizes a deliberate revelation of the name YHVH to Moses. The name YHVH, a self-referential deity name meaning "He who causes to be," solidifies the identification of the God of the Israelites with the one who spoke to the patriarchs. This action not only validates Moses' mission but also ensures that the Israelites recognize the continuity of their religion.

Making Sense of the Old Testament

The Old Testament is structured in a way that sometimes presents a patchwork of narratives and beliefs. The use of Yahweh instead of Elohim is a testament to the dynamic nature of religious evolution. The prohibition against taking the Lord's name in vain, recorded in the 10 Commandments, further underscores the sacredness of divine names and the importance of reverential use.

In temple Judaism, the name YHVH was to be spoken only once a year during the temple service, a practice reflected in the tradition of replacing the name with Ha-Shem (The Name) when reading the texts. This custom is carried forward in some English translations, including the King James Version (KJV), which uses the word "LORD" in all caps whenever YHVH appears.

Conclusion

The story of Moses and God's name, from Elohim to Yahweh, encapsulates the transition from polytheistic belief to monotheism. This transformation wasn't merely linguistic but represented a profound shift in religious and philosophical thinking. The careful use and reverence of divine names reflect the deep reverence and complexity of ancient Israelite worship.