This is fascinating!

It’s fascinating to see that Genesis to Deuteronomy could essentially be God introducing Himself to mankind. And how does He do it? Through His names—each one revealing a new aspect of who He is. Here’s the order in which we encounter them in the Torah or instructions according to the Jews:  


1. Elohim (God, the Creator) – Genesis 1:1

2. YHWH (Yahweh/Jehovah) (The LORD, the Self-Existent One) – Genesis 2:4

3. El Elyon (God Most High) – Genesis 14:18-20

4. Adonai (Lord/Master) – Genesis 15:2

5. El Shaddai (God Almighty) – Genesis 17:1

6. YHWH-Yireh (The LORD Will Provide) – Genesis 22:14

7. El Olam (Everlasting God) – Genesis 21:33

8. YHWH-Rapha (The LORD Who Heals) – Exodus 15:26

9. YHWH-Nissi (The LORD Our Banner) – Exodus 17:15

10. YHWH-M’Kaddesh (The LORD Who Sanctifies) – Leviticus 20:8 

11. YHWH-Shalom (The LORD Our Peace) – Judges 6:24 (Technically in Judges, but continuing the revelation).  


This grand introduction culminates through a man named Moshe (Moses), whose name means "drawn out of water." Perhaps a foreshadowing of baptism? A sign that after meeting God, one must go through the waters?  


Then comes the book of Joshua—interestingly, it should rightly be called Yehoshua, meaning "Yahweh saves." And isn't that profound? Because after God reveals Himself 11 times, the 12th and last great revelation is that He is our salvation.


Now, as we moved into Judges, it becomes clear that Yehoshua (Joshua/Yeshua—Jesus) cannot be replaced. Not by the twelve tribal leaders, not by a single priest, and not even by kings (how many did Israel end up with before exile?). Judges, Samuel, and Kings drive this point home—human leadership is no substitute for God's rule. Moshe was replaced by Yehoshua, but there was no one person found worthy to lead the whole nation after Yehoshuas departure.


And right in the middle of all this, Ruth sneaks in—not just as a beautiful story but as a signpost. She takes us to Bethlehem. Away from Moab(remember how this guy's came to be?), and not just for food and drinks, but instead she points us to a Redeemer.


Do you see what I’m seeing? There's a picture being painted. Let's keenly follow the strokes of God as we keep studying and sharing what we find out.

.


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