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in the singular. While plurality can be In keeping with the concept of master
employed in Hebrew to express intensity, or owner, the necessary corollary is that
it certainly appears that God is introduc- it implies responsibility on the part of the
ing Himself as a trinitarian God. To ap- master’s subject. Malachi 1:6 clearly tells
preciate it as plural is consistent with the of this responsibility: “If then I be a Father,
remainder of Scripture that reveals to us where is mine honour? And if I be a master
God acting as a trinity. [adown], where is my fear?” Numerous
Adonai instances can be adduced when “Adonai”
is employed at the commissioning of a ser-
This title is first introduced to us in Gen- vant. When Moses was “bargaining” with
esis 15:2: “And Abram said, Lord [Adonai] God about his capability to be a leader,
GOD [Jehovah], what wilt thou give me, it was Jehovah who addressed Moses,
seeing I go childless, and the steward of but Moses’ replies were to Adonai (Exo
my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?” 4:10-12). When Isaiah was afforded that
Some insight into its meaning and sig- majestic view of divine glory in Isaiah 6,
nificance can be reaped from its use in it was Adonai that he saw high and lifted
Psalm 123:2 where the word “master” is a up. Uzziah had died; the throne of Judah
derivative of our word. The major nuance was vacant. But the throne above was oc-
suggested by the divine title “Adonai” is cupied, and Isaiah was to learn that His
Master or Owner. This is substantiated by call demanded obedience (Isa 6:8-9). Da-
a review of some of the passages in which vid bowed in worship before this Adonai
it is found. who had so richly blessed him (2Sa 7:18-
“Adonai” is used as a name of God well 20). Jeremiah and Daniel also owned this
over 300 times in the Old Testament. It is title as Master and Lord.
also employed more than 200 times to re- In addition to relationship and respon-
fer to an earthly master or owner, Exodus
21:5 being a prime example of this: “And sibility, there is contained in this name the
if the servant shall plainly say, I love my truth that God is our resource. His calls to
master [adown] …” In keeping with the Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah and Gideon all
concept of “master,” Hebrew scholars in- suggest that He was sufficient for that to
form us that the word is almost always in which He was calling them.
the plural and possessive, “Lords.” When When the Hebrew Old Testament was
it is used in the singular, it is always a di- translated into the Greek Septuagint,
vine title. But far more than a master-slave this title, Adonai, was translated as Lord
relationship is in view. “Adonai, coming (Kurios). So when Paul said, “Lord, what
from human lips, expressed honor for wilt thou have me to do?” (Act 9:6), he was
God and humble submission on the part employing the equivalent of Adonai. Like-
of the believing person. Adonai, thus, is wise, notice the Lord’s words in the Upper
the name that expresses faith, assurance, Room: “If I then your Lord [Kurios] and
security, ready service, and thanksgiving Master …” (Joh 13:14). An appreciation for
(Psa 16:2; 57:9-10).” “Lord” as the New Testament equivalent
2
of Adonai confirms the thoughts of rela-
2 Walter A. Elwell, Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible tionship, responsibility and resources for
(Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 1988). us in our day.

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