Ever Had Shrimp Scampi?

ByCarolyn E. Jacobs

We’ve all seen Shrimp Scampi on the menu. It’s shrimp in a garlic butter sauce, right? But what does scampi mean? Scampi is a small crustacean, similar to a lobster or prawn. Pretty similar to shrimp. So Shrimp Scampi basically means Shrimp Shrimp.

What does this have to do with the names of God?

We’re looking at Adonay this week–it means Lord. Quite often in the Old Testament, Adonay is coupled with YHWH. Yahwey Adonay – Yahweh, the Lord. But since YHWH is translated LORD, that makes for an awkward translation – LORD Lord.

We first see YHWH Adonay together in Genesis 15:2 when Abram says, “O Lord GOD.” The NASB changes LORD (all caps) to GOD (all caps). The NIV uses Sovereign LORD.

But Abram’s meaning is clear. Yahweh is His name, and Adonay is His title or position.

Dictionary.com defines “god” this way:

  1. one of several deities, especially a male deity, presiding over some portion of worldly affairs.: Compare goddess (def. 1).

  2. an image of a deity; an idol.

  1. any deified person or object.

  2. a nebulous powerful force imagined to be responsible for one’s fate:The god of poker dealt me two aces.

  3. gods, Theater.

    • the upper balcony in a theater.

      the spectators in this part of the balcony.

Ever heard of Asatru? It’s a modern revival of the worship of Norse gods. Scientism? Looking to science as our savior. Atheism? God is the self. The atheist looks to himself to determine truth and morality.

We’re created for worship. When you choose your Adonay, don’t settle for anything less than the real deal – Yahweh.

In this increasingly secular and pluralistic culture, followers of the One True God must not allow any ambiguity as to exactly which god we worship.

When you come across Lord GOD in your Bible reading, take a moment to appreciate what it truly means. Yahweh, my Lord and my Master.

Amen and amen.

 

Similar Posts

  • All Consuming Fire

    Fire consumes. It destroys.  As I’m writing this, the Smokehouse Creek fire in the Texas Panhandle has burned more than a million acres. Uncontrolled, fire is terrifying. Yahweh appeared as a consuming fire at Mt. Sinai during the Exodus. I can’t imagine how terrified the Israelites were. And to the eyes of the sons of…

  • The Breath of God

    What’s in a name? In Genesis 17, God reiterates and expounds on promises he gave Abram 24 years before. Then He changes Abram’s name. My promise is still with you. You will become the father of many nations. So your name will no longer be Abram [Exalted Father], but Abraham [Father of Many] because I have…

  • The Gloves Come Off

    I am the bread of life. – John 6:48 Jesus’s proclamation in John 6 that he is the Bread of Life heralds a shift in his ministry. After the feeding of the five thousand, the crowds become demanding. Having seen such a large scale miracle, they pursue him for what he can do, not who…

  • I and the Father are One.

    “Before Abraham was born, I AM” – John 8:58ff   Jesus’ declaration is a challenge. It’s a WWE smackdown. He’s in a contentious dispute with the Pharisees–again. This particular argument concerns who their respective fathers are. Read John 8 for context. It always puts a smile on my face. They claim Abraham as their father…

  • Another Son of David

    But when he had thought this over, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit. – Matthew 1:20 Today, we start with a different heir to David’s throne….