DAY THIRTY-SEVEN - BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE PEOPLE
..when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens.
Genesis 2: 4
Reading: Genesis 1; Genesis 2
We’ve looked at some of the key similarities and differences between the two Creation accounts found in Genesis 1 and 2, as well as the significance of being made in God’s image. Today we’re going to look at another fascinating difference in the two accounts. This difference relates to the God in whose image we are made.
God. Lord.
In Genesis 1, the Hebrew word Elohim (translated God) is used.
In Genesis 2, the Hebrew tetragrammaton, YHWH, is used (translated as Lord God).
We find in the first two chapters of Genesis two different names for God. In Genesis 1, God is exclusively referred to by the name Elohim. However, from Genesis 2: 4 for the remainder of chapter two, He is called by the compound name Yahweh-Elohim. As much as Genesis 2 is a focus on mankind, it also provides us with an incredible revelation about God Himself.
The reason for the differences in names has to do with the emphasis the author is making. Elohim is the general name for God and is used in the context of God as Creator. Genesis 1 tells us that everything was made by an awesome and majestic Creator, a God.
In Genesis 2, we discover that this God is personal and His name is Yahweh. This is the covenant name for God, the name used in the context of God having a relationship with His people. Genesis 2 connects the God of Creation with the covenant-making, relational God.
Prayer
Father, how blessed we are that You have chosen to reveal Your personal name to us, as part of our covenant with You.
For the family
Ask
Ask the children if they can remember when they discovered that your names were not just Mom and Dad (or Granny and Grandpa) but that you also had personal names.
Explain
Explain that it is the same with God. In Genesis 1 we read that God made everything, but in Genesis 2 we discover that His personal name is Yahweh. Explain that we know God by many other names as well, like Lord and Jesus – but this was the first time He shared His name with His people.
Worship
Listen to this song together and worship the Lord.
