The Tetragrammaton, Elohim, and the Divine Manifestation of the Kingdom of God | A Synthesis of Spiritual Wisdom

Eric P. Felton Jr.
5 min readAug 10, 2024

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The Tetragrammaton, יהוה (YHWH), is more than just a name; it is the embodiment of the divine mystery at the heart of Hebrew spirituality. This ineffable name of God, central to both Jewish and Christian mystical traditions, holds the key to understanding the complex relationship between the divine and the created world. The journey to manifesting the Kingdom of God involves understanding how Elohim (אלהים) uses the Tetragrammaton, the Tree of Life (עץ החיים), and the structure of the Four Worlds to bring forth divine order and purpose. By weaving together insights from ancient texts and modern spiritual teachings, we can unravel the profound connection between the divine name, the cosmos, and the soul’s ultimate destiny.

The Tetragrammaton: The Sacred Name of God

The Tetragrammaton, consisting of the Hebrew letters י (Yod), ה (Heh), ו (Vav), and ה (Heh), transcends time and space, representing the eternal nature of God. It embodies the divine presence across all dimensions of reality, as articulated in Exodus 3:14, where God declares, “אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה” (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh) — “I Am Who I Am” or “I Will Be What I Will Be.” This declaration not only asserts God’s self-existence but also His ongoing interaction with creation, as explored in “Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus,” which illuminates how the Torah points to its fulfillment in Yeshua (Jesus).

The Tetragrammaton is more than a static name; it is a dynamic force that resonates throughout the cosmos. It is the divine code, as suggested in “Bloodline of the Gods,” linking human existence to higher realms of consciousness and to the mysteries of the universe. This sacred name is the foundation upon which the entire universe is built, vibrating through every level of creation, from the spiritual to the physical.

Elohim and the Four Worlds

The process of creation, according to Kabbalistic tradition, unfolds through the Four Worlds (עולמות, Olamot), each representing a different stage of divine manifestation:

1. Atzilut (אֲצִילוּת) — The World of Emanation: This highest world is where the divine light remains undifferentiated, pure, and close to the source. It corresponds to the unity of the Tetragrammaton, where God’s presence is direct and unmediated.

2. Beriah (בְּרִיאָה) — The World of Creation: Here, the divine light begins to take form, representing the blueprint of creation. As described in “The Incomplete Church,” this world reflects the initial separation and individuation necessary for creation to unfold, resonating with the first “Heh” (ה) of the Tetragrammaton.

3. Yetzirah (יְצִירָה) — The World of Formation: In Yetzirah, the divine blueprint is further shaped into the spiritual forces that will govern the material world. The “Vav” (ו) of the Tetragrammaton corresponds to this stage, where the spiritual beings and energies take on distinct forms, as discussed in “The Council of Light.”

4. Assiah (עֲשִׂיָּה) — The World of Action: This is the lowest world, the physical realm where the divine plan is fully manifested. It represents the culmination of divine intention in the material world, corresponding to the final “Heh” (ה) of the Tetragrammaton. The teachings in “Needless Casualties of War” highlight the challenges and spiritual warfare that accompany this manifestation.

Through these Four Worlds, Elohim’s will is progressively revealed, moving from the highest spiritual realms to the physical plane. Each world serves as a channel for divine light, facilitating the gradual manifestation of the Kingdom of God.

The Tree of Life and the Four Trees of Life

The Tree of Life (עץ החיים) is central to Kabbalistic thought, symbolizing the structure through which divine emanations flow. Composed of ten Sefirot, the Tree of Life represents different aspects of God’s nature, from Keter (כֶּתֶר, Crown) to Malkhut (מַלְכוּת, Kingdom).

In the context of the Four Worlds, there are four Trees of Life, each corresponding to one of the worlds:

1. The Tree of Life in Atzilut: In Atzilut, the Tree of Life is a pure expression of divine will, with the Sefirot in their most exalted form. This tree reflects the unity and oneness of God, as the Tetragrammaton is fully realized in this world.

2. The Tree of Life in Beriah: In Beriah, the Tree of Life takes on more distinct forms, representing the archetypal ideas that shape creation. This tree serves as the divine blueprint, with each Sefirah representing a specific aspect of God’s interaction with creation.

3. The Tree of Life in Yetzirah: In Yetzirah, the Tree of Life is associated with the formation of the spiritual beings and forces that govern the physical world. The Sefirot here act as channels for the divine light, shaping and sustaining the cosmos.

4. The Tree of Life in Assiah: In Assiah, the Tree of Life represents the manifestation of the divine plan in the material realm. The Sefirot in this world govern the forces of nature and human existence, with Malkhut representing the realization of God’s kingdom on Earth, as highlighted in “A Handbook on the Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith.”

Manifesting the Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God (מַלְכוּת אֱלֹהִים, Malkhut Elohim) is the ultimate goal of creation, representing the full establishment of God’s reign over all existence. This process is intimately connected with the Tetragrammaton, the Four Worlds, and the Four Trees of Life.

In Isaiah 11:9, it is prophesied, “For the earth will be full of the knowledge of the LORD (יהוה), as the waters cover the sea” (World Messianic Bible). This prophecy speaks to the culmination of God’s plan, where His presence will be fully realized in the material world, and His kingdom will be established in its fullness.

The path to manifesting the Kingdom of God begins in Atzilut, where divine will is pure and undivided. Through the progressive stages of Beriah, Yetzirah, and Assiah, this will is gradually brought into tangible form, ultimately culminating in the establishment of God’s kingdom in Malkhut. This process is mirrored in the teachings of Yeshua (Jesus), who taught His disciples to pray, “Your Kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth” (Matthew 6:10, World Messianic Bible).

Conclusion

The Tetragrammaton, the Four Worlds, and the Four Trees of Life form an intricate tapestry that reveals the divine plan for creation. Elohim uses these sacred structures to manifest the Kingdom of God, moving from the pure emanation of divine will in Atzilut to its full realization in the physical world of Assiah.

Through the Tetragrammaton, God’s name is made known in every aspect of existence, guiding the process of creation and ensuring that His kingdom is established. The Tree of Life, in its various forms across the Four Worlds, serves as the blueprint for this divine manifestation, leading all of creation towards the ultimate goal of unity with the Creator.

As the scriptures affirm, the knowledge of the LORD will fill the earth, and His kingdom will be established in its fullness. By understanding the profound significance of the Tetragrammaton and the Tree of Life, we gain insight into the divine process of creation and our role in bringing the Kingdom of God into reality.

References

- Hoffman, D. R. (2013). *The Council of Light: Divine Transmissions for Manifesting the Deepest Desires of the Soul*. Bear & Company.
- Jackson, J. P., & Sanford, J. (1999). *Needless Casualties of War*. Streams Publishing House.
- Joseph, H. B. (2005). *Book of Wisdom*. Sterling Publishing.
- One for Israel. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.oneforisrael.org
- Roberts, S. J. (2017). *Power Moves*. Thomas Nelson.
- Roth, S. (2007). *The Incomplete Church: Unifying God’s Children*. Destiny Image Publishers.
- Warren, R. (2002). *The Purpose Driven Life*. Zondervan.
- World Messianic Bible. (n.d.). *The Holy Bible*.
- Yeshua, (n.d.). *Reading Moses, Seeing Jesus: How the Torah Fulfills Its Goal in Yeshua*.

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Eric P. Felton Jr.
Eric P. Felton Jr.

Written by Eric P. Felton Jr.

Visionary | Performance Driven Consultant | Transformation Consultant | Creator | Thought Leader

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