Who Exactly Does The Bible Say To Worship?

In the Hebrew Bible, worship is primarily directed towards Yahweh, the God of Israel. The name “Yahweh” is derived from the Hebrew verb “hayah,” meaning “to be” or “to exist,” signifying God’s eternal and self-existent nature. This name emphasizes God’s transcendence and sovereignty over all creation.

In Exodus 3:14, when Moses encounters God at the burning bush and asks for His name, God responds, “I am who I am,” which in Hebrew is “ehyeh asher ehyeh.” This revelation of the divine name solidifies the Israelites’ understanding of their God as the one true God, distinct from all others.

Essentially, God defines himself. He has authority over his own name, hence him saying, “I am who I am.” This is also a significant statement in the New Testament because the Pharisees asked Jesus who he was and how he was descended from Abraham. Jesus responded: “Before Abraham was born, I AM (John 8:58).”

There are several verses in Scripture where Jesus equates Himself with God Almighty. I will list just a few of them below:

1. John 8:58: “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.'” In this statement, Jesus uses the divine name “I am” (ego eimi in Greek), which echoes God’s self-identification in Exodus 3:14. By applying this title to himself, Jesus asserts his eternal existence and divine nature.
2. John 10:30-33: “I and the Father are one.” The Jews picked up stones again to stone him. Jesus answered them, ‘I have shown you many good works from the Father; for which of them are you going to stone me?’ The Jews answered him, ‘It is not for a good work that we are going to stone you but for blasphemy, because you, being a man, make yourself God.'” Here, Jesus claims unity with the Father, which the Jews interpret as blasphemy, indicating that they understood his claim to be divine.
3. John 14:9-11: “Jesus said to him, ‘Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father. How can you say, “Show us the Father”? Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me, or else believe on account of the works themselves.'” In this passage, Jesus equates seeing him with seeing the Father, indicating his oneness with God.
4. Matthew 26:63-64: “But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest said to him, ‘I adjure you by the living God, tell us if you are the Christ, the Son of God.’ Jesus said to him, ‘You have said so. But I tell you, from now on you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power and coming on the clouds of heaven.'” Jesus’ affirmation here, especially in the context of the high priest’s question about his identity, suggests his claim to divine authority.

Additionally, the Hebrew Bible uses the name “Elohim” to refer to God, which is a plural noun but often used with singular verbs, highlighting God’s unity and majesty. This name emphasizes God’s power and authority as the Creator of the universe. In Genesis 1:1, the opening verse of the Bible, it states, “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth.” This declaration establishes God’s role as the supreme being worthy of worship and obedience.

Moreover, this name of plurality presumes the notion of the Trinity. In Genesis 1:26, God says Let “us” make man in “our” image. Advocates of this view say that the plurality of God as three persons is being represented here. Those who oppose this view say that the plurality is indicating that God is speaking with the angels and uses the plural form. But angels are not created in the image of God; only humans are so this would be a weak argument.

Furthermore, the Hebrew Bible also employs the name “Adonai,” meaning “Lord” or “Master,” to express reverence and submission to God’s authority. Unlike “Yahweh” or “Elohim,” “Adonai” is used as a title rather than a personal name. It signifies the relationship between God and His people as their sovereign ruler and caretaker. Psalm 8:1 exemplifies this reverence, stating, “O Lord (Adonai), our Lord (Adonai), how majestic is your name in all the earth!”

There are many stories in the Bible that associate the name of God with His character. For example, in Genesis 17:1, God appears to Abraham and introduces Himself as “El Shaddai,” meaning “God Almighty,” emphasizing His power and ability to fulfill His promises. This name reassures Abraham of God’s faithfulness and sovereignty over all circumstances. While it can be overwhelming to know that God is in complete power over his creation, it’s also comforting to know one of God’s primary attributes is love. He is a good God who wants the best for us.

The story of Jacob wrestling with God in Genesis 32:22-32 provides another example. During the encounter, God renames Jacob “Israel,” signifying his transformation and the establishment of the nation of Israel. This event underscores God’s authority to redefine identities and shape destinies according to His divine purposes.

Additionally, the prophet Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel in 1 Kings 18 demonstrates God’s supremacy over false gods. Through miraculous intervention, God vindicates His name by consuming Elijah’s sacrifice with fire, showcasing His power and sovereignty over all creation.

Understanding the significance of these original Hebrew names of God is essential for believers as it provides insight into the nature and character of the divine. Each name reveals different facets of God’s identity, such as His eternity, power, and authority, fostering a deeper appreciation for His role in their lives and the world. Ultimately, the Hebrew Bible emphasizes worshiping Yahweh, Elohim, and Adonai as the one true God deserving of all honor and adoration.