These are the generations of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord God made the earth and the heavens. Genesis 2:4
Jehovah-Elohim the Eternal Creator.
This title of ‘elohim’ is translated these ways… divine (1), divine being (1), exceedingly (1), God (2326), god (45), God’s (14), goddess (2), godly (1), gods (204), great (2), judges (3), mighty (2), rulers (1), shrine* (1). It means the self existent or Eternal Creator, the Elohim in covenant relationship with His people. But it can also mean ‘divine ones’ describing His angelic created beings.
As you can see ‘elohim’ can also be used for other eternal created beings. But when used with ‘Jehovah’ it is used to describe the Immutable One, HE who WAS, and IS, and IS TO COME.
The Hebrews used four consonants for His Name YHWH what came to be known as Yahweh and later translated as Jehovah and later translated as LORD into English. To me it seems a progression of His name to be diluted to a ‘common’ word. The Hebrews held His name with such reverence that they did not speak it… for it was Holy. Today we use the word ‘Lord’ like it’s just another word, and hold no fear or reverence in speaking it. In fact using His name (And His Son’s Name) in vain has become so common place in today’s vernacular that it most likely is the most common curse words. The enemy HATES His Name and will degrade it at every opportunity.
What does using His name invoke in you? Do you sense any holiness at all? Do you sense the Eternal Creator and His supremacy over everything? God takes to heart the use of His name. I think this is the reason for the third commandment.
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7 (The third commandment of the ten)
Benson Commentary says this… “The third commandment is concerning the manner of our worship: where we have, 1st, A strict prohibition. Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain — Supposing that, having taken Jehovah for their God, they would make mention of his name, this command gives a caution not to mention it in vain, and it is still as needful as ever. We take God’s name in vain, 1st, By hypocrisy, making profession of God’s name, but not living up to that profession. 2d, By covenant-breaking. If we make promises to God, and perform not to the Lord our vows, we take his name in vain. 3d, By rash swearing, mentioning the name of God, or any of his attributes, in the form of an oath, without any just occasion for it, to no good purpose, or to no good. 4th, By false swearing, which some think is chiefly intended in the letter of the commandment. 5th, By using the name of God lightly and carelessly. The profanation of the form of devotion is forbidden, as well as the profanation of the forms of swearing; as also, the profanation of any of those things whereby God makes himself known. For the Lord will not hold him guiltless — Magistrates, that punish other offenses, may not think themselves concerned to take notice of this; but God, who is jealous for his honor, will not connive at it. The sinner may perhaps hold himself guiltless, and think there is no harm in it; to obviate which suggestion, the threatening is thus expressed, God will not hold him guiltless. But more is implied, that God will himself be the avenger of those that take his name in vain; and they will find it a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
We most likely use His name mostly in our prayers. How does the Holy Spirit lead you in the use of His name? Or have you never been ‘schooled’ by the Holy Spirit in this aspect of using His name? Maybe you should ask Him about it? Consider how the Holy Spirit teaches you about His Name and the reverence and holiness concerning His Name. Invoking His Name can put you before His Throne. Are you ready to be judged by Him every time you use His Name?
I also am reminded of how Jesus often referred to His (Heavenly) Father in a way that which was the most intimate familial usage of ‘abba’ which also could be translated as ‘papa’ or ‘daddy’ or formally as ‘father’. (Mark 14:36) When Jesus used this ‘abba’ term …we right away get a sense of ‘love’ and intimacy between them.
The Holy Spirit is with us to teach us about Him in EVERY aspect. He is in us to reveal Himself to us in ways that are beyond words. The mystery, holiness, and love of being in relationship with the Eternal Creator.