The phrase “the name of the Lord” appears throughout the Bible, representing the power, character, and authority of God Himself. To call upon, proclaim, or revere the name of the Lord is central to the lives of God’s people, signifying an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and an invitation for His intervention and blessing. In this study, we’ll examine specific instances in Scripture where “the name of the Lord” is exactly mentioned and explore its significance in each context.
The First Mention: Calling on the Name of the Lord in the Days of Seth
The first time “the name of the Lord” appears is in Genesis 4:26:
“And as for Seth, to him also a son was born; and he named him Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord.”
This mention is significant as it shows that after the fall, people began actively reaching out to God. Calling on “the name of the Lord” implies worship, dependence, and recognition of God’s authority. As humanity multiplied, they turned to God for guidance, protection, and blessing, establishing a pattern of worship that would carry through Scripture.
Proclaiming the Name of the Lord: Moses’ Encounter
In Exodus 34:5-7, God reveals His name to Moses, proclaiming His character and attributes:
“Now the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, by no means clearing the guilty…’”
Here, God’s proclamation of “the name of the Lord” involves declaring His attributes—mercy, grace, patience, justice, and love. God’s name is more than a title; it encompasses His entire character. Proclaiming His name is an act of revealing His nature and invites worship and reverence.
Blaspheming the Name of the Lord
The Bible warns against misusing or blaspheming the name of the Lord. In Leviticus 24:16, God instructs Moses:
“And whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall certainly stone him, the stranger as well as him who is born in the land. When he blasphemes the name of the Lord, he shall be put to death.”
This passage underscores the holiness of God’s name and the seriousness of treating it with respect. Blaspheming the name of the Lord is seen as a direct affront to His character and authority. For Israel, reverence for God’s name was fundamental to honoring Him.
Calling on the Name of the Lord for Deliverance
In the Psalms, “calling on the name of the Lord” expresses a deep trust in God’s power to deliver and protect. Psalm 116:4 declares:
“Then I called upon the name of the Lord: ‘O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!’”
David’s calling on the name of the Lord in distress reflects the assurance that God’s name is a source of refuge and salvation. To call on God’s name is to appeal to His mercy and strength, trusting in His ability to save.
The Name of the Lord as a Place of Refuge
Proverbs 18:10 beautifully captures the protective power of God’s name:
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
This verse likens the name of the Lord to a fortified tower, a place of safety and security for the righteous. It portrays God’s name as more than a title; it is a place of protection, symbolizing the strength and reliability of God Himself for those who seek Him.
Salvation in the Name of the Lord
In the prophecy of Joel, the name of the Lord is directly connected with salvation, a theme that carries into the New Testament. Joel 2:32 says:
“And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
This promise of salvation reveals the life-giving power of God’s name. To call on the name of the Lord is to place one’s faith in God, trusting in His provision of salvation and deliverance. Peter later cites this verse in Acts 2:21, demonstrating its fulfillment through faith in Jesus.
Blessing in the Name of the Lord
The phrase “blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord” is used in Psalm 118:26 to express a joyful greeting for those who represent God’s name:
“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! We have blessed you from the house of the Lord.”
In both the Old and New Testaments, this phrase is associated with the coming of God’s messengers and, ultimately, with the arrival of the Messiah. Jesus quotes this verse in reference to Himself in Matthew 23:39, associating His coming with the blessing of God’s name.
My Final Thoughts: The Name of the Lord is a Foundation for Faith
The “name of the Lord” throughout Scripture is more than a phrase; it embodies the character, authority, and saving power of God. To call upon, proclaim, and honor His name reflects a heart of faith, trust, and reverence. As we see in these examples, His name offers safety, deliverance, blessing, and salvation for those who seek Him. Let us revere the name of the Lord, honoring His character and finding our refuge in His everlasting strength.
