Names of God

Then Moses said to God, “Indeed when I come to the children of Israel and say to them ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” Ex. 3:13

What’s in a name?  Some have said it is the most important and sweetest sound to a person’s ear.  Sons are named after their fathers and people honor those that have had an impact in their life by naming one of their children after that person.  In some cultures a new name is given to signify a child is now an adult. 

Today we use names as a means of identification but to the people in biblical times names meant so much more.  For them the very existence of a thing was tied to its name.  Especially a divine name, this was critically important to them.  And it should be for us as well.

So why is should it be important to us?  Why should we study the names of God?  There are several reasons.  First, we are commanded to honor His name.  “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in Vain.” (Ex 20:7)  There is more to this than avoiding using God’s name in a slang or profane way.  The name of God has to do with His character, and when we live in a covenant relationship with Him, we become accountable for reflecting his character.

Another reason to study the names of God is because of the inherent greatness of His name.  “O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Thy name in all the earth…” (Ps. 8:1)  By understanding the names of God we can understand how to praise and worship Him more effectively. 

Third, God’s name provides protection to all believers.  “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” (Pvb. 18:10)  As our understanding of God grows, we will find ourselves running to His name to find safety and strength.

Finally, in the various English versions of the bible simply translate His name as “God” or “Lord”, but there are a number of other names used throughout the scriptures, both in the Greek and Hebrew.  These names reveal many different aspects of God’s character or His relationship with us; they contain a wealth of truth about the God we serve.

Let’s look at a few of the names of God:

Elohim – Powerful God – This speaks to the idea that God is the Supreme Being and to His triune nature.

El-Shaddai – Almighty God – This speaks to God’s control of everything.

El-Elyon – God Most High – This speaks to God’s strength, sovereignty, and supremacy.

El-Olam – The Everlasting God – This speaks to God’s unchangeableness.

Jehovah-Jireh – The Lord Will Provide – This speaks to God’s provision for all our needs.

Jehovah-Rophe – The Lord Heals – This speaks to God healing us, both physically and spiritually.

Jehovah-Shalom – The Lord is Peace – This speaks to God being a source of peace in our life.

Jehovah-Sabboth – The Lord of Hosts – This speaks to God defeating evil.

Jehovah-Rohi – The Lord Is My Shepherd – This speaks to God’s relationship with us as a source of comfort and strength.

Part of how God shows us His love is by being all these things for us and more, so much more.  Here are just a few verses:

 

"Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.  For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."  (Rom 8:37-39)

 

“Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not of more value than they?”  (Mt 6:26)

 

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life." (Jn 3:16)

 

As you continue your walk with God, ask Him to reveal new things about His names (the above list is not a complete list) and Himself to you.  You will see there is so much to learn and the more we learn the more we grow closer to Him.  What better way to be an example to those around you than by growing closer to God.