20 October 2024

JEHOVAH-M’KADDESH: THE LORD WHO SANCTIFIES

(The Names Of God: TNOG 12)

The Name “Jehovah-M'Kaddesh” means “Jehovah Who sanctifies”. It is found in Leviticus 20:7-8:"Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am Jehovah your God.... I am Jehovah Who sanctifies you." The NIV translates it as: “Consecrate yourselves and be holy because I Am the LORD your God… I Am the LORD Who makes you holy”.

It is this Holiness which gives to God grandeur and majesty, and more than anything else constitutes His fullness and perfection. This teaches us the way that we may approach the Holy God and walk in a manner approved of Him, for it is written, "Be holy, for I Jehovah your God am Holy." The Apostle Peter quoted this verse and exhorted the believers thus: “Just as He Who called you is HOLY, so be holy in all you do; for it is written, “Be holy, for I AM Holy” (1 Peter 1:15-16). We are also reminded that “Without holiness no one shall see the Lord”.

In the vision that changed Isaiah's life and made him a great prophet, there is that wonderful description of Jehovah, "Holy, Holy, Holy is Jehovah of Hosts" (Isa 6:3). Ever after, Jehovah is to Isaiah “the Holy One of Israel”. This phrase is peculiar to Isaiah and occurs some thirty times in his prophecy. The prophet Hosea also speaks of Jehovah as "the Holy One in the midst of thee" (11:9). Hence, we are reminded to “Worship the LORD in the Splendor of His Holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth” (Psalm 96:9).

Leviticus teaches about the life of the Redeemed: his walk and worship. Therefore, sanctification is its most appropriate and important theme. This teaches that the redeemed should walk worthy of their calling (Eph 4:1), and the spiritual worship which Jehovah demands of them.

The word “sanctify” occurs frequently in the Old Testament Scriptures. The Hebrew word is also translated by other English words such as “dedicate, consecrate, sanctuary, hallow, holy”, but especially by the word holy, and often byHoly One . In its various forms it appears some 700 times. Its primary meaning, however, is to “set apart” or “separate”. The word often used of both Tabernacle and Temple is mikdash, so similar to this Name of Jehovah, and meaning Sanctuary. Thus, it is a place set apart for the special Presence and Worship of Jehovah, Who sanctifies. The Church is thus a Place set apart for the Worship of God.

This word is also used in the setting apart of persons. Individuals were set apart from birth or even before birth. So, Jeremiah was sanctified to Jehovah's service as a prophet to the nations (Jer 1:5). The firstborn of Israel was set apart (Ex 13:2). Upon the head of the high priest as the crowning mark of his high office was that perpetual sign of his setting apart to Jehovah: Holiness (Kodesh) to Jehovah (Ex 28:36). And not only the priesthood but all the people were sanctified and set apart for Jehovah (Deut.7:6). Similarly, all believers in Christ are also set apart for God; so, they are to be holy as He is Holy.

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