- the LORD[YHWH]:
- On the import of the word yehowah, which we translate Lord, see note on "And Godª saidª° moreoverª unto¹ Moses,ª Thus¹ shalt thou sayª° unto¹ the childrenª of Israel,ª The LORDª Godª of your fathers,ª the Godª of Abraham,ª the Godª of Isaac,ª and the Godª of Jacob,ª hath sentª° me unto¹ you: this¹ [is] my nameª for ever,ª and this¹ [is] my memorialª unto all² generations.ª" {Exd 3:15}. The word elohim, which is rendered God, in the singular, eloah, and in Arabic allah, is derived from the Arabic alaha, he worshipped, adored, was struck with astonishment, fear, or terror, and hence, he adored with sacred honour and veneration. It also signifies, he succoured, liberated, kept in safety, or defended. Here we learn that elohim denotes the sole object of adoration; the perfections of whose nature must astonish all who contemplate them, and fill with horror all who rebel against him; that consequently he must be worshipped with reverence and religious fear; and that every sincere worshipper may expect help in all his weaknesses, etc., freedom from the power, guilt, and consequences of sin, and support and defence to the uttermost.
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