Yahweh Savior
Isaiah uses the root yasha’ (save) nearly thirty times in his prophecy. After chapter 43, the participle form is used seven times as a substantive, a title for Yahweh, in statements like: “I am Yahweh your God, your Savior” (43:3, 11; 45:15, 21; 49:26; 60:16; 63:8). Along with the simple verbal uses of yasha’ , the hope for salvation rustles throughout the book. Isaiah own name ( yesha’yahu ) echoes the theme.
And in that rustling is a whisper of something else. The substantive form Savior is moshiya’ , which echoes mosheh , the exodus savior of Israel. “I am Yahweh, your Moses,” Yahweh says, the one who will bring you out again in a second exodus.
Almost silently the word whispers another name: Lord Jesus ( kurios iesous ) is very nearly a Greek translation/transliteration of “Yahweh Savior.”
Peter Leithart
Peter J. Leithart is President of Theopolis Institute. He is the author of numerous books on theology, literature, and culture, including Theopolitan, Defending Constantine, and Baptized Body.
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