THE NAMES OF GOD

INTRODUCTION

            The study of the names of God reveals to us God’s character, personality and His nature.  God wants each person to come to know Him intimately.  Many are not aware that it is even possible to come to know the God of the universe in a personal and intimate way.  I pray that the following summary of God’s names or titles as used in Scripture will open the door and encourage everyone that reads this to come to know Him as much as He desires to be known.  For instance, when you become acquainted with me, you learn that I am a wife, a mother, a daughter, an employee, a church member, a teacher, etc. and each of those names or titles gives you insight into the person that I am. 

             I have often said that it is impossible to love someone that you do not know.  However, as you get to know that person, a relationship begins to develop.  This principle is no different when it comes to getting to know God.  God speaking in Exodus 6:7 (Amplified Version) tells Moses that “…I will take you to Me for a people [Israel] and I will be to you a God; and you shall know that it is I, the Lord your God, Who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians.”  The beginning of a relationship with God comes with the realization that He and only He can deliver us from the burdens placed upon us by the world and the effects of sin in our lives.  With time and if we choose, we progressively develop an intimate relationship with Him.  

             God’s greatest desire is to share a personal, intimate relationship with you.  He loves you as a dearly beloved child.  He has a plan and a purpose for your life.  Jeremiah 29:11 (Amplified Version) tells us God’s intentions.  “For I know the thoughts and plans that I have for you, says the Lord, thoughts and plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give you hope in your final outcome.”

             Please accept His invitation to get to know Him.  You won’t be disappointed.

Elohim

“In the beginning God [Elohim] created the heavens and the earth.”  Genesis 1:1

 Elohim translated from the original text here as God denotes God’s majesty and sovereign mighty power at work in creation.  Elohim is used more than 2500 times throughout Scripture and I would invite you to use a Strong’s concordance or other similar reference source to see these things for yourself.

 The root word “El” describes God’s greatness and glory and displays God’s power and sovereignty.  Elohim extends the scope of meaning so that He becomes the God who creates.  Hebrews 11:3 tells us that it is “by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that what we see was not made out of things which are visible.”

 Elohim (according to Strong’s concordance) is plural in form but singular in meaning.  It is interesting and exciting to me that the very first Scripture in the Bible lets us know that the Trinity; Father, Son and Holy Spirit were active in creation.   (See Genesis 1:2 and Hebrews 1:2)

 In addition, Elohim makes covenant with His creation.  (See Genesis 9:10, Genesis 17:1-10)  Amazingly, God provided to us the covenant of salvation and it is His power that sustains that covenant!  God invites everyone to enter into a covenant relationship with Him.  His covenant is everlasting.  He desires to protect us and to provide for us.  It is possible for Him to become your personal covenant-making God.

 Dear Father,

You are my covenant-making God.  You are my God of all power and might who is able to overcome all of my delays, unbelief and weaknesses by Your strength and Your power.  Thank You for choosing to enter into a relationship with me.

ADONAI – LORD AND MASTER

The previous names we have looked at relate to the person of God.  The name Adonai is used over 300 times in the Old Testament and is literally translated as master, owner or lord.  Adonai signifies ownership and indicates the personal responsibilities of being owned by God.  Adonai is also plural and possessive.

Exodus 21:1-6 gives us a picture of a bond slave who is a person that willingly makes the choice to remain as a slave to his owner for the rest of his life.  In such an instance, the slave makes this choice because of his loyalty to and love for the master.  Each has responsibilities toward the other.

Adonai as my Master is totally responsible for me.  He protects me, provides for me and directs me in the way I should go.  I am responsible to follow His instruction and direction.  I choose to serve Him because I love Him.

Jesus gives us the perfect example to follow as He was obedient to His Father.  In order to redeem us, He chose the Father’s will instead of His own and willingly laid down His life on our behalf.  (See Mark 14:36)  We too should yield our lives completely over to Him and allow Him to hold the reins of our lives.  He is the Master whose servants have chosen to serve Him because they love Him.

1 Corinthians 7:22-23 tells us that it is in becoming a slave to the Lord that we become truly free in Him.    2 Corinthians 3:17 tells us that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.

True freedom can be experienced only in complete surrender to Jesus Christ.  We are in good hands when we rest in His.  You will enter into His fullness for your life.  He whom the Lord sets free is free indeed!  John 8:36

Our God – Adonai – wants to call the shots in our lives so that we will be able to live and walk in His fullness, His victory and His provision.

Exodus 21:1-6              Psalm 110:1                            Acts 2:36                     Luke 22:42-44

Philippians 2:5-8         1 Corinthians 7:22-23             2 Corinthians 3:17       Job 28:28

Proverbs 9:10              Judges 2:1-3; 8-11; 14-22        Judges 3:1-12              Judges 7:2-22

Judges 6:1-31              Judges 8:23                             Isaiah 6:1                     Acts 9

Psalm 123:2                Psalm 109:21                          1 Corinthians 6:20       1 Corinthians 7:21-24

Dear Father,

Thank You for opening the door to true liberty in life to me.  Thank You for being a kind, loving and merciful Master Who cares for me deeply.  Thank You for watching over me, for protecting me and my family.  You truly are wonderful!

Genesis 16:7-14 tells us of Hagar’s encounter with God after having run away from Sarai. 

Let this short story remind you that your God sees you right where you are at this moment and will speak to you concerning your circumstances.

God is always with you, in every circumstance and situation.  He will reassure you that He is with you and knows what you are experiencing.  He will provide guidance to lead you through those circumstances.

Our God is the only God that promises to remain with us every step of the way.  You may have problems but you don’t have to go through them alone.  God has promised that He will never leave or forsake us.  Never means NEVER!

Hebrews 13:5                          Proverbs 11:3                          Psalm 31:3                  Psalm 32:8

Psalm 48:14                            Psalm 73:24                            Isaiah 58:11                 Luke 1:79

John 16:13                               Isaiah 53:3-11