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For centuries the Jews pronounced the name of God without hesitation. This was their original tradition. As we have seen from the biblical witness, there is no evidence of avoidance until very late in the canonical timeline. Nor do we find any hint of reverent substitutions for the Name in the Hebrew Bible. In short, the most significant period of Israel’s early history is marked by the use of the divine name in different contexts without reservation. The golden era of David and Solomon saw no limitation on the pronunciation of the Name.

Therefore, we must not forget that it was the Jews themselves who began a longstanding tradition of saying and singing God’s name. Today, when we view the later tradition of the Jews concerning the avoidance of the Name, it is only logical to keep in mind that it is a secondary tradition without the same weight of antiquity, authenticity, primacy, and proximity to Yahweh’s special presence. Indeed, it is only one of two Jewish traditions. Thus, to uphold the pronunciation of the Name is to do no less than honor and uphold an ancient Jewish tradition sanctioned by the most esteemed men in the Hebrew Bible.

Chapter 12