YHWH, Name of Action (Psalm 8)

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O YHWH, our Lord,
How magnificent is your name in all the earth!

Your glory which is set above the heavens.

Your name, YHWH יְהוָ֤ה You are a being of action. Literally Your name is a verb: היה meaning “to be.” You called yourself “I am” when Moses asked. Your people now call you “He who is” יְהוָ֤ה. O YHWH, who is action, who is our Lord. How incredible is THIS NAME in all creation!

YHWH יְהוָ֤ה you acted with a word, and separated the water. YHWH יְהוָ֤ה you acted with a word, and light burst into the blackness. YHWH יְהוָ֤ה you acted with a word, and sprouts rooted and grew leaves. YHWH יְהוָ֤ה you acted with a word and formed flesh upon breathing bone.

How insanely spectacular is Your active name in all the earth! In all creation! You who created. You who acted. YHWH יְהוָ֤ה our Lord.

From the mouth of babies and infants- 

You have established strength- 

On account of your foes,
To destroy the enemy and the avenger.

The contrast is striking. That the incredible power and might of Your name is set in the most feeble, immature mouths of babies and infants. They do not even know what they say, but their babbles reveal a ridiculous trust in You. That is where your name shines, where your action is most visible. In those who have no ability to care for themselves.

Yet the contrast is striking. You have established strength because of your enemies, those who are set against the purposes of God. The warriors and bloodthirsty who blame, fight and ignore the Almighty and his people. This is where you have established strength, because you have promised to destroy all who work against your great and awesome action.