The English language is not adequate for the task of interpreting the Bible (continued). Here’s another example.

20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Words matter. In this case, names matter. I read that the first few words of the Bible contain the Trinity: God the Father
God the Son
God the Holy Spirit

So, I looked it up and here’s what I found,

1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. ² And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. ³ Then God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.

The first thing we find is that the word, “God,” is “Elohim” in Hebrew (H430). “Eloah” is singular; “Elohim” is plural, so we begin the entire Bible with a plural God–not three gods, but one God in three Persons. “Elohim” is used each time the word, “God,” is used (31 times in just the first chapter). It is used four times in chapter 2 and then “Lord (Yehovah)” is added to “Elohim.” It is used that way 10 times in chapter 2 and 7 times in chapter 3. From then on, Lord (Yehovah) is used routinely. The closest word we have in English is “Trinity,” but it is used to describe God rather than being used as a name.

The second thing we notice is that the Trinity is at work in creation. God (Elohim) created; how? The Spirit was hovering over the surface of the waters when God spoke. The One speaking was Jesus Christ. How do I know? Consider these verses:

² in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom He also made the world. Hebrews 1:2

¹⁶ for by Him [Christ] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. ¹⁷ He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together. Colossians 1:16-17

When He marked out the foundations of the earth;
³⁰ Then I was beside Him, as a master workman [craftsman] at His [Yehovah’s] side, rejoicing day after day; Proverbs 8:29-30

The third thing we see is the fellowship between the three as they created. Consider it like this:

God the Father implemented creation;
God the Son spoke it into being;
the Spirit did the actual labor.

They were in perfect unity and harmony.

The fourth and last thing to point out is that we were invited to their party! “Then God (Elohim) said, “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness [notice the plural forms].” “And God saw everything that “he had” or “was” made, and behold, it was very good.” Genesis 1:31. “He had” was added for our English benefit, but it implies a singular God when “God” at the beginning of the verse was Elohim. At the same time, because the Trinity is actually one God, then “He” works. Like I said, English does not a good interpretive language make (best Yoda voice).

Want to really know who God is and what He’s like? Look deeper. There’s always more.

Why does the Trinity interest me so? Because I do not think that God the Father turned away from God the Son on the cross even while God the Spirit was at work expunging sin. More on that tomorrow.

Abba/Jesus/Spirit, bless You (plural). Thank You for inviting us into Your fellowship. The sad thing is how long it took for me to comprehend what You wanted! Now that I know, I’m all about our relationship. Keep drawing me in; I want to know more and more! Amen.