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The Case of the Hidden Saint

By Avi Lazerson

We can extrapolate this question further:

We state that G-d Hu HaElokim meaning that G-d (spelled in Hebrew yud hai vuv hai and meaning the Almighty who exists in the past, present and future and all at the same time) is Elokim, which is the name we relate to the interaction of G-d with the world and nature. This is a major part of Jewish belief that King Pharoah of ancient Egypt could not accept; he knew about Elokim, but could not accept that the true essence of G-d could or would descend into the physical world to save the Jews from their slavery. Why is this? Because the concept of G-d being the Almighty who exists in the past, present and future and all at the same time, the concept of G-d filling the world with all existence and yet removed from the world is beyond the mind's finite capabilities.

We understand that all good come from G-d and when bad happens it is G-d's way of chastising us. But this is merely our concept of G-d as Elokim interacting with the world. Like Pharoah of old, we can see that G-d is a personal caring G-d but it is difficult to say that about a concept of G-d that who exists in the past, present and future and all at the same time and yet fills the entire universe with his presence inward and outward of all matter including ourselves.

So it would seem that to say that HaShem Hu HaElokim is the same as calling some one a tzaddik nister; isn't that a contrived misrepresentation? Like a person who is a tzaddik he must be honest and if he is hiding himself from us it might seem that he is less than honest. Similarly, if the aspect of G-d as yud hai vuv hai is the true identity of G-d why hide behind the name Elokim?

Isn't that dishonest too?