Collective Church Kinston: Adonai

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Adonai is a reverent name for God used throughout the Hebrew Bible, meaning “Lord” or “Master.” It reflects God's supreme authority, sovereignty, and intimate relationship with His people. Unlike human kings or false gods, Adonai is the One who sits enthroned in heaven, ruling with justice, mercy, and power. He is not a distant ruler, but the living Lord who governs all creation. In Isaiah’s vision (Isaiah 6), the prophet sees Adonai seated on a high and exalted throne, surrounded by seraphim crying, “Holy, holy, holy,” underscoring God’s absolute holiness and majesty.

In sharp contrast, idols are man-made objects, lifeless and powerless. Crafted by human hands, they cannot see, hear, speak, or act (Psalm 115:4–7). Idols sit silently in temples or homes, offering no real help or salvation. People may bow to them, but they are mere creations—wood, stone, or metal—void of presence or authority. Worshiping them leads only to spiritual emptiness.

Adonai, by contrast, is the living God who speaks, moves, judges, and saves. He alone is worthy of worship, the true King above all false gods. His throne is eternal, and His lordship is unmatched. To call Him Adonai is to submit to the rightful ruler of heaven and earth.