The new directive from the Vatican to stop using the Divine name YHWH (Yahweh) in songs and prayers has no authorization from Scripture.

The truth is, no one knows the exact pronunciation of even the Hebrew name “Jesus” which was most likely “Yeshua.” This doesn’t keep us from expressing the name of God’s Son does it?

It goes without saying we must have deep reverence for God but where in Scripture are we authorized to pluck out God’s name? We can’t point to the traditions of the Jews because Jesus said they made the word of God “invalid” because of their man-made traditions. (Matthew 15:1-6)

Jesus, on the other hand, came to make God’s name known. (John 17:26) He was well aware that the third commandment tells us not to use God’s name “disrespectfully” but he knew this didn’t mean to stop using it altogether.

Beyond that, there are many Bible examples in the Bible of God’s servants of old, like Abraham and David, using and saying God’s name frequently in song and prayer. Apparently the angels felt it was fine to praise God using his name. Hallelujah actually means “praise Jah.” Jah being an abbreviated form of Jehovah. (Revelation 19:1)

The LXX had God’s name, YHWH, all over it before it was eventually removed. This can easily be seen by comparing LXX early manuscripts with later ones.

The big question is. Where were scribes given permission to do this? They weren’t…but did anyway. The Vatican should reexamine their decision to hide this most wonderful name that reigns supreme in the earliest, most sacred documents-the Holy Scriptures.

Nick Batchelor
nickhawaii@gmail.com

(Snife was the Evil God in Dave Sutherland’s campaigns that Mary, Margie and I ran in. He was known popularly as the Nameless One, though his followers more formally called him He Who Must Not Be Named. We were greatly amused to learn his true name and that the incessant giggling at hearing it was apparently the main reason he went by his nom d’guerre.)