To Seth, to him also a son was born; and he called his name Enosh. Then men began to call upon the name of the LORD. (Genesis 4:26)

The first mention of the name of God, Yahweh, in Scripture is actually recorded in the second chapter of the Bible: “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the LORD [Yahweh] God made earth and heaven” (Gen 2:4). So began Moses’ second telling of the creation events. (While the original biblical languages did not use capitalization, we have adopted this tradition when referring to God).

The first telling is the general layout of the six days of creation, whereas the second telling focuses on the details of the sixth day, in particular the creation of Adam and Eve and their assignment as God’s representatives in the world. His work of creation in general was as Elohim, but when He began interacting with His image bearers, He acted not simply as Creator, but as Yahweh, the God who acts in a real way on their behalf.

The point is that God is personal, not just an abstract, omnipotent Creator who fashioned the world like a wind-up toy and threw it out to run on its own. He is the One who acts on behalf of His people. Notice the very personal description of God coming down to fellowship with Adam and Eve: “They heard the sound of the LORD [Yahweh] God walking in the garden in the cool of the day…” (Gen 3:8a). He gave them a garden, every tree to enjoy, with only one exception. He provided Adam with a partner that was perfect for him. He gave Adam the supreme privilege of naming the animals, and He gave the two complete security with no fear or shame.

They knew innately that God was personal and was actively involved in their lives. After their sin, they instinctively knew that He was not turning a blind eye to their disobedience: “… and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD [Yahweh] God among the trees of the garden” (Gen 3:8b). They now feared His involvement in their lives. They knew Him to be the God who acts on their behalf.

Only after the birth of Seth, their third son, did “men began to call upon the name of the LORD [Yahweh]” (Gen 4:26). This came after Cain’s murdering his brother Abel, and the listing of Cain’s genealogy. The clear implication is that the descendants of Seth, and not those of Cain, desired a relationship with God. This reminds us of what Paul wrote: “Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom 10:13).

LORD, thank You for the privilege of calling on Your name, for You are the God who acts in my life on my behalf.