Abstract This article examines the theological and practical consequences of translating the Tetragrammaton YHVH (יהוה) as the functional title "LORD" ( Adonai ). Drawing a structural parallel to King Saul's failure to execute total obedience regarding the Amalekites in 1 Samuel 15, this analysis demonstrates that the substitution of human-tradition vowels for written consonants is a profound act of scriptural alteration. By replacing a verbal name of absolute, unconditioned self-existence with a relational title of political dominion, human conditioning over-emphasizes external, legalistic works of obedience. In doing so, it systematically erases the text's primary focus: the relational good of God. I. The Anatomy of Sauline Obedience: Works vs. Relation In 1 Samuel 15, King Saul is given an absolute, unconditioned command regarding the corporate entity of Amalek: destroy everything completely. The text records that Saul executed a modified version of the directive...
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