WFTD: “Elohim”–Punctuation Matters

Jeremiah 16:20“Do people make their own gods? Yes, but they are not gods!”

EXPOSITION: Punctuation matters. Elohim can mean the one, singular, eternal “Big G, no ‘s’ God”, or the many, plural, temporary “Little ‘g’ with an s” gods.” It depends on where you put the “s”. Think of it as symbolic of significance and service.

BACKSTORY: In Jeremiah’s day, God’s people chose the “Little ‘g’ with an ‘s’” over the “Big G” Elohim who delivered them from Egypt. That choice got them invasion, eviction and near extinction at the hands of Babylon, the northern nation who God used as an instrument of judgment for the idolatry of His people.

13So I will hurl you out of this land into the land which you have not known, neither you nor your fathers; and there you will serve other gods day and night, for I will grant you no favor.'

Choosing the right punctuation is significant to future consequences. Before you choose that career promotion for the gain of a bigger house and fancier car, consider how your absence during Junior and Baby Girl’s formative years will affect them down the road? You want your children to make news headlines for the right reason that reflect God not greed and neglect.

APPLICATION: Choose the punctuation that fits your long view, favorable purpose: living large and blessed by God’s eternal orchestration or living large and limited orchestrated by gods who have no eyes, ears or hands. Where you put the ‘s’ matters.

NOTES: Add your own exposition, illustration background and application here. Engage the text. You are also called to “…rightly divide the word truth.” (II Timothy 2:16)