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Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Names of God

As I was thinking about relationship with God, I was reminded that God was referred to by many names. Some of those names described His character. Some were titles that were assigned by people, but for the most part, the names were ascribed by God Himself as He was describing Himself. Even when no particular name is used, the occurrence of the phrase "the name of the Lord" reveals something of God's character
To call on the name of the Lord was to worship Him. To take His name in vain was to dishonor Him. Not to follow the requirements of the Law involved profaning His name. Priest performed their service in the name of the Lord. So with that in mind, let me share with you the names of God as used in scripture. I was not aware of all the different meanings as I have read them in scripture. See if this helps you to get to know our God better. I will probably do this in a couple of blogs rather than make this so long you will not want to read and or respond.

1. Elohim (L O HEM)

The term elohim occurs in the general sense of deity about 2,570 times in the Old Testament. About 2,310 times it is a name for the true God. The first occurrance is in the first verse of the Bible. It is used in reference to false deities in Genesis35:2,4; Exodus 12:12: 18:11; 23:24

The meaning of elohim depends on its derivation. Some understand that it comes from a root that means fear and indicates that the deity is to be feared, reverenced, or worshiped. Others trace it to a root that means strong, indicating a deity of great power. Though not conclusive, the evidence seems to point to the latter derivation signifying in the case of the true God, that He is the strong One, the mighty Leader, the supreme deity.

The Compound Names of Elohim is; El Shaddai, El Elyon, El Olam, El Roi

El Shaddai is an Akkadian word that means "mountain". This name of God pictures Him as the Almgihty One standing on a mountain. It was the name by which God appeared to the patriarchs to give comfort and confirmation of the covenant with Abraham.(Gen. 17:1; 28:3; 35:11 Exod 6:3 Ps.91:1-2, Ruth 1:20-21

El Elyon means "the Most High God" and it emphasizes God's strength, sovereignty, and supremacy. It was first used by Melchizedek when he blessed Abraham (Gen 14:19)

El Olam means "the Everlasting God" from an original form meaning "the God of Eternity" Gen. 21:33 It emphasizes God's unchangeableness. (Ps.100:5 103:17 and is connected with His inexhaustible strength (Isa. 40:28

El Roi means "the God who sees" Gen. 16:13. Hagar gave this name to God when He spoke to her before Ishmael's birth.

I will give a total of seven names and many compound names in the next few blogs.

Question:

Do you know Him as Elohim? Get to know our God as Elohim. Be in awe of His power, reverence Him as the one and Only true God, Worship Him and Him alone, Acknowledge Him as our one and only strong , Almighty and Supreme God. He is our High and Lifted Up God, He is Everlasting and He see's and knows our every need.
Get to know "the name of the Lord" He knows you.

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