(Israel’s Shem) GOD’s Name is Written on that People…and the Grafted-in Faithful
The Hebrew word “shem” means “name,” “renown,” “identity,” or “character.” It carries the idea of a person’s principles, spirit, soul and heart being made visible. That person’s reputation, authority, and the imprint they leave on the world is going to be in question.
Shem is not just a label. In Hebrew thought, a name reveals the inner nature of a person.
Noah had three sons, and one of them was named SHEM. If you look at all the people and cultures of the world, it brings on the recall of the diversified languages, religions and gods they believed in. SHEM is the son whose people became connected with monotheism (serving one god). They are also the Semitic people of the Scriptures.
NOTE: Per Scripture, the sons and daughters of SHEM are the people of Lydia, Assyria, Elam, Chaldeans, Aramaeans, Israelites, Arabian Tribes, Ammonites, Moabites and Edomites.
We can go a loooong way into this subject, but since I am a follower of the Most High GOD (Elyon), I will stick with the “SHEM” for Him. …His Name and Character.
In the story of Noah’s nakedness, Shem and Japheth honor their father while Ham dishonors him. The history reinforces the meaning of Shem’s name. He is seen and depicted as “a man of honor”, one who protects dignity and reputation. When reading the Bible and you see the word “name”, you can almost always use Shem in its place.
NOTE: Are you thinking about the references to Jesus (Yeshua), and prayer? I thought you would be.
If the context of Scripture refers to one of these things: destiny, character, purpose and identity, you’ve just embarked upon a great place to camp out and study. You will find much meaning in that area,
Every nation I list above all has a focus on these, but in their own culture’s way of showing those attributes and manner of expressing their shem.
NOTE: By naming one of his sons “Shem”, Noah effectively marks him as the bearer of “the name, the one through whom GOD’s Covenant identity will be continued and preserved. What about you, does your name do the same for you, when people hear it?
Do they think of destiny, character, purpose and identity? Are you a man of “renown”, or someone who is unworthy to carry the Character of the LORD GOD?
Maybe you are asking, “What is in the "Shem of ADONAI?” If you are, you are essentially asking about the identity, authority, and Character of GOD and His Son, Yeshua!
When you and I are walking and moving about in the Power and Authority of the Lord, we are supposed to be acting "in the name” of the Lord Jesus. This phrase means “acting with His explicit authority” – not your own. In Biblical culture, a name was not just a label but a extraction of a person’s spirit and influence.
NOTE: We are unable to truly tarnish the character of the Holy One, but we can certainly kill our own!
EXAMPLE: Misusing GOD's Truth to fit personal or denominational beliefs is a serious spiritual transgression that directly impacts one's relationship with the El Elyon (LORD, Most High). This act, can often be characterized (seen) as a form of taking GOD's name in vain. This action of choice moves you ad I beyond mere profanity, and drops us into an empty, insincere, and even deceitful MIS-representation of His Character.
YES! Your shem matters! If you are His, it should matter to you! His Name matters to Him.
When true believers fail to live by the Standards they profess, they cause the Holy Name of GOD to be "blasphemed among the Gentiles". This means their conduct, your conduct and my conduct contaminates GOD's reputation in the eyes of the world.
NOTE: Consider the importance of a “name of renown.” Now, think about this statement made by David, the king.
“I will give You thanks with all my heart; I will sing Your praises before the gods. I will bow down toward Your holy temple. and give thanks to Your Name for Your mercy and Your Truth; for You have made Your Word great according to all Your Name. On the day I called, You answered me; You made me bold with strength in my soul.”—Psalm 138:1-3
Is the Father’s Word important to you? How about a GOD-like character? To carry His name is to carry His character. God‑like character is therefore missional. How is that? It makes His Son visible through the lives of His creation.
GOD’s Word presents character formation not as self‑improvement but as restoring what was lost. we Created in Their Image (Genesis 1:26–27), but sin distorted that image. Becoming like Him is the process of being reshaped into what we were always meant to be.
The strongest Biblical purpose for developing God‑like character is that GOD created Adam (and his children) to bear His seed’s image—to reflect the Father’s Nature into the world through our relationships, decisions, and way of life. Everything else flows from that central design’s calling.
Prioritizing personal or denominational traditions over GOD's actual Commandments is defined Biblically as hypocrisy. It reflects a heart that may outwardly honor GOD while remaining distant from Him. Misapplying His Truth to fit specific allegiances leads to division within the body of Messiah, which contradicts Jesus' prayer for the oneness of His people.
The Bible never treats character as a checklist. It IS the fruit of communion with the Son of GOD:
“Walk by the Spirit” and the fruit will appear…—Galatians 5:16–23
“Abide in Me… and you will bear much fruit”—John 15:5
“GOD is love,” so those who know Him become loving—1 John 4:8
Your Character, your name, your integrity matters. The standard of honor—Biblical honor, involves a complete surrender of the will and mind to the LORD GOD’s revealed Truth without compromise. It IS the humble acknowledgment of His unchangeable character as the ultimate reality.