Research paper
Names of God in the Old Testament
A. “Praise the name of the LORD”
B. What name?
C. God revealed His names
I. Among the names God chose to reveal to His people are the following five: Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai.
A. God is Elohim.
1. “Mighty One” or “All-Powerful One”
2. “to swear, to make a covenant”
B. God is Jehovah.
1. “to be” or “being”
2. “I AM”
C. God is El-Shaddai.
1. “Almighty”
2. “to supply, nourish, and satisfy”
D. God is El-Elyon.
1. “Most High”
2. above all other gods
E. God is Adonai.
1. “Master”
2. “Lord”
3. “Owner”
II. God is Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai.
A. continual disobedience
B. continual punishment
Names of God in the Old Testament
“Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted.” (Psalm 148:13) “‘Give glory to My name,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 2:2) “Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name.” (Psalm 29:2) “According to Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 48:10) “Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 113:2) “Sing to the LORD, bless His name.” (Psalm 96:2) If man is to praise and bless the LORD’s name, he must first know what that name is. God’s absolute power and limitless love makes finding an appropriate and encompassing name near impossible. What name could completely describe the One Who created the heavens, the earth, and its inhabitants in six days? What title would be able to give God’s people an accurate view of His majesty and might? How can an infinite Being be described in a finite word? Fortunately, man does not have to decide on a name for God. God has declared to man several names by which His attributes and character can be known. Some names emphasize His might, while other focus on His goodness to His people. Still others stress His supremacy. Among the names God chose to reveal to His people are the following five: Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai.
God is Elohim. The name Elohim signifies the power of God and His commitment and faithfulness. It is derived from “El” meaning “Mighty One” or “All-Powerful One” and “Alah” meaning “to swear, to make a covenant.” (Turner 18) Elohim in the beginning created the universe. All creation was made through His might. (Genesis 1:1-31) Elohim spoke and it was done. “God [Elohim] said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) After the worldwide flood that destroyed every living thing save what was in the ark, Elohim made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy all living things with water. He made a covenant that He would never again use His power over nature to repeat the flood. (Genesis 9:12-17) Elohim spoke to Moses at the burning bush, telling Moses that He would send him to Pharaoh to deliver the Israelites out of bondage. Pharaoh was the most powerful man in Egypt. Moses was only a shepherd. He knew he alone could not convince Pharaoh to free the Israelites. He needed a mighty God on his side, if he was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Elohim assured Moses that He would be with him. “‘I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you.’” (Exodus 3:10-12)
God is Jehovah. The name Jehovah refers to the eternal, unchanging nature of God. It comes from “havah” meaning “to be” or “being.” (Turner 21) When Moses asked God who he should tell the Israelites had sent him, God answered, “I AM.” (Exodus 3:13-14) Jehovah was attempting to give the Israelites some knowledge of His unending existence. Jehovah always had been, Jehovah was, and Jehovah always would be. The unchanging nature of Jehovah gives man a sense of security. “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) The Jewish commentator Moses Maimonides wrote in reference to the name Jehovah, “All the names of God which occur in Scripture are derived from His works except one, and that is Jehovah; and this is called the plain name, because it teaches plainly and unequivocally of the substance of God.” (Stone 20) Jehovah is eternal and so is His mercy. “The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:17) The praise of Jehovah will also continue eternally. “My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD [Jehovah], and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:21) Jehovah remains the same forever, and He rewards the faithful who trust in Him. “The everlasting God, the LORD [Jehovah], the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary…those who wait on the LORD [Jehovah] shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
God is El-Shaddai. The name El-Shaddai expresses the ability God has to provide for His children. It also implies God’s greatness. El-Shaddai literally translates as “Almighty” and “is believed to be derived from a word…which conveys the idea of one who is able to supply, nourish, and satisfy.” (Turner 20) El-Shaddai is beyond immense. He is incomprehensible and incomparable. Job’s friend Zophar asked, “Can you find the limits of the Almighty [El-Shaddai]?” (Job 11:7) El-Shaddai is not only a Sustainer of life, but a Giver of life. “[T]he breath of the Almighty [El-Shaddai] gives me life.” (Job 33:4) Although El-Shaddai cares and provides for His children, He does not extend the same assurance to those who disobey Him. The sinful will suffer. “This is the portion of a wicked man…and the heritage of oppressors, received from the Almighty [El-Shaddai]:…his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread. Those who survive him shall be buried in death.” (Job 27:13-15)
God is El-Elyon. The name El-Elyon implies the authority of God over all other gods. “This name [El-Elyon] denotes the God of Israel as the most high God. It distinguished Him from the pagan gods.” (Turner 19) Regardless of the great wonders El-Elyon had done for them and the protection He had provided for them, the Israelites turned away to other nations and their false gods. They were punished for their faithlessness to El-Elyon. Eventually, however, they realized their need for El-Elyon and that He alone was their salvation. “In spite of this they still sinned…When He slew them, then they sought Him…they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God [El-Elyon] their Redeemer.” (Psalm 78:32-35) El-Elyon is so far above any other god that those who worship false gods should be humiliated and their gods should worship the one true God, El-Elyon. “Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods…You, LORD, are most high [El-Elyon] above all the earth: You are exalted far above all gods.” (Psalm 97:7-9) Even though Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were captives in Babylon and surrounded by foreigners who worshipped false gods, they did not waver in their faith in El-Elyon. King Nebuchadnezzar noticed this. When he called the three men out of the fiery furnace, he called them “servants of the Most High God [El-Elyon].” (Daniel 3:26) Nebuchadnezzar knew of God, but this knowledge did not prevent him from growing prideful and, consequently, having to be humiliated before he completely acknowledged God as El-Elyon. This king did not give glory to God and became as a wild beast. Eventually, he learned the meaning of the name El-Elyon. El-Elyon is above all. “When his [Nebuchadnezzar] …spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne…he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God [El-Elyon] rules in the kingdoms of men…” (Daniel 5:18-21)
God is Adonai. The name Adonai means “Master,” “Lord,” or “Owner.” (Turner 20) When God visited Abraham and Sarah heard the promise of a son, Abraham addressed God with high respect and immediately began serving Him. He recognized the supremacy of Adonai. Abraham said, “My Lord [Adonai], if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant,” and then Abraham hastened to prepare a meal for his Lord. (Genesis 18:3-8) Nehemiah petitioned his Master to bless him. “O Lord [Adonai], I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant…and let Your servant prosper this day…” (Nehemiah 1:11) As a master is to be feared by his servants, so is Adonai to be feared by His people. This fear is critical to the growth of faith. “Behold, the fear of the Lord [Adonai], that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28) Man cannot overthrow the Master of the heavens. Adonai’s reign is undefeatable. He laughs at those who attempt to conquer Him. “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.’ He [Adonai] who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision.” (Psalms 2:1-4) As an owner protects his possessions, so too does Adonai protect those who serve Him. David claimed Adonai as his master and owner. In return, David asked the Lord to “preserve” or “watch over” him. (Psalm 16:1-2)
God is Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai. Each name contains a different meaning to describe some specific aspect of God’s character or attributes. Even though these names emphasize God’s power and authority and the Israelites had been shown numerous examples of God’s love and protection, they continued to turn away from God. The first couple, Adam and Eve, had been given dominion over all other living things. (Genesis 1:28) They had been placed in a garden that was planted by God and were to tend to it. (Genesis 2:15) God gave them freedom with one exception. He told them to not eat a certain fruit. (Genesis 2:16-17) They ate the fruit and were punished by being sent from the garden to live a cursed life. (Genesis 3:6, 16-24) Adam and Eve’s firstborn son, Cain, killed his brother, Abel, because of jealousy. (Genesis 4:4-8) When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the tablets on which God had written the Ten Commandments, the Israelites went to Moses’ brother, Aaron, and asked him to make gods for them. Aaron listened to the people and formed a calf out of the gold the people brought to him. The people worshipped it. They turned away from God who had led them out of Egyptian bondage and instead made sacrifices to an inanimate object. (Genesis 32:1-8) Moses, God’s mouth to Pharaoh, who had witnessed the plagues and argued with God in defense of the Israelites, did not believe God when He told him to speak to a rock and water would come forth. Instead, Moses struck the rock. His punishment was that he would not enter Canaan, the Promised Land. (Genesis 20:10-12) David, the man after God’s own heart, had not harmed Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed. (I Samuel 24:6) He slew the giant Goliath with a slingshot because God was on his side. (I Samuel 17:45-50) He was given authority to rule over God’s people. (2 Samuel 5:3) But David turned from God to commit adultery and murder. (2 Samuel 11) The kingdom of Israel was taken away by the Assyrians because of their sin. “Nevertheless they [the Israelites] would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their father, who did not believe in the LORD their God…Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight.” (2 Kings 17:14, 18) Judah did not learn from Israel’s example. They, too, were unfaithful to God and were removed from their land. (2 Kings 25:21) God did not completely wipe out His people. “In Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them.” (Nehemiah 9:31) There was a remnant left. The Israelites had a chance to decide to obey God and enjoy His mercies. Or they could repeat history by worshipping false gods and then being punished again. Unfortunately, the cycle of disobedience continued.
Works Cited
Holy Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997.
Stone, Nathan. Names of God. Chicago: Moody Press, 1994.
Turner, J.J., and Edward P. Meyers. Doctrine of the Godhead. Texas: Quality Publications, 1985.
A. “Praise the name of the LORD”
B. What name?
C. God revealed His names
I. Among the names God chose to reveal to His people are the following five: Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai.
A. God is Elohim.
1. “Mighty One” or “All-Powerful One”
2. “to swear, to make a covenant”
B. God is Jehovah.
1. “to be” or “being”
2. “I AM”
C. God is El-Shaddai.
1. “Almighty”
2. “to supply, nourish, and satisfy”
D. God is El-Elyon.
1. “Most High”
2. above all other gods
E. God is Adonai.
1. “Master”
2. “Lord”
3. “Owner”
II. God is Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai.
A. continual disobedience
B. continual punishment
Names of God in the Old Testament
“Let them praise the name of the LORD, for His name alone is exalted.” (Psalm 148:13) “‘Give glory to My name,’ says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 2:2) “Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name.” (Psalm 29:2) “According to Your name, O God, so is Your praise to the ends of the earth.” (Psalm 48:10) “Blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Psalm 113:2) “Sing to the LORD, bless His name.” (Psalm 96:2) If man is to praise and bless the LORD’s name, he must first know what that name is. God’s absolute power and limitless love makes finding an appropriate and encompassing name near impossible. What name could completely describe the One Who created the heavens, the earth, and its inhabitants in six days? What title would be able to give God’s people an accurate view of His majesty and might? How can an infinite Being be described in a finite word? Fortunately, man does not have to decide on a name for God. God has declared to man several names by which His attributes and character can be known. Some names emphasize His might, while other focus on His goodness to His people. Still others stress His supremacy. Among the names God chose to reveal to His people are the following five: Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai.
God is Elohim. The name Elohim signifies the power of God and His commitment and faithfulness. It is derived from “El” meaning “Mighty One” or “All-Powerful One” and “Alah” meaning “to swear, to make a covenant.” (Turner 18) Elohim in the beginning created the universe. All creation was made through His might. (Genesis 1:1-31) Elohim spoke and it was done. “God [Elohim] said, ‘Let there be light’; and there was light.” (Genesis 1:3) After the worldwide flood that destroyed every living thing save what was in the ark, Elohim made a covenant with Noah that He would never again destroy all living things with water. He made a covenant that He would never again use His power over nature to repeat the flood. (Genesis 9:12-17) Elohim spoke to Moses at the burning bush, telling Moses that He would send him to Pharaoh to deliver the Israelites out of bondage. Pharaoh was the most powerful man in Egypt. Moses was only a shepherd. He knew he alone could not convince Pharaoh to free the Israelites. He needed a mighty God on his side, if he was to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Elohim assured Moses that He would be with him. “‘I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.’ But Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you.’” (Exodus 3:10-12)
God is Jehovah. The name Jehovah refers to the eternal, unchanging nature of God. It comes from “havah” meaning “to be” or “being.” (Turner 21) When Moses asked God who he should tell the Israelites had sent him, God answered, “I AM.” (Exodus 3:13-14) Jehovah was attempting to give the Israelites some knowledge of His unending existence. Jehovah always had been, Jehovah was, and Jehovah always would be. The unchanging nature of Jehovah gives man a sense of security. “For I am the LORD, I do not change.” (Malachi 3:6) The Jewish commentator Moses Maimonides wrote in reference to the name Jehovah, “All the names of God which occur in Scripture are derived from His works except one, and that is Jehovah; and this is called the plain name, because it teaches plainly and unequivocally of the substance of God.” (Stone 20) Jehovah is eternal and so is His mercy. “The mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him.” (Psalm 103:17) The praise of Jehovah will also continue eternally. “My mouth shall speak the praise of the LORD [Jehovah], and all flesh shall bless His holy name forever and ever.” (Psalm 145:21) Jehovah remains the same forever, and He rewards the faithful who trust in Him. “The everlasting God, the LORD [Jehovah], the Creator of the ends of the earth, neither faints nor is weary…those who wait on the LORD [Jehovah] shall renew their strength.” (Isaiah 40:28-31)
God is El-Shaddai. The name El-Shaddai expresses the ability God has to provide for His children. It also implies God’s greatness. El-Shaddai literally translates as “Almighty” and “is believed to be derived from a word…which conveys the idea of one who is able to supply, nourish, and satisfy.” (Turner 20) El-Shaddai is beyond immense. He is incomprehensible and incomparable. Job’s friend Zophar asked, “Can you find the limits of the Almighty [El-Shaddai]?” (Job 11:7) El-Shaddai is not only a Sustainer of life, but a Giver of life. “[T]he breath of the Almighty [El-Shaddai] gives me life.” (Job 33:4) Although El-Shaddai cares and provides for His children, He does not extend the same assurance to those who disobey Him. The sinful will suffer. “This is the portion of a wicked man…and the heritage of oppressors, received from the Almighty [El-Shaddai]:…his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread. Those who survive him shall be buried in death.” (Job 27:13-15)
God is El-Elyon. The name El-Elyon implies the authority of God over all other gods. “This name [El-Elyon] denotes the God of Israel as the most high God. It distinguished Him from the pagan gods.” (Turner 19) Regardless of the great wonders El-Elyon had done for them and the protection He had provided for them, the Israelites turned away to other nations and their false gods. They were punished for their faithlessness to El-Elyon. Eventually, however, they realized their need for El-Elyon and that He alone was their salvation. “In spite of this they still sinned…When He slew them, then they sought Him…they remembered that God was their rock, and the Most High God [El-Elyon] their Redeemer.” (Psalm 78:32-35) El-Elyon is so far above any other god that those who worship false gods should be humiliated and their gods should worship the one true God, El-Elyon. “Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols. Worship Him, all you gods…You, LORD, are most high [El-Elyon] above all the earth: You are exalted far above all gods.” (Psalm 97:7-9) Even though Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were captives in Babylon and surrounded by foreigners who worshipped false gods, they did not waver in their faith in El-Elyon. King Nebuchadnezzar noticed this. When he called the three men out of the fiery furnace, he called them “servants of the Most High God [El-Elyon].” (Daniel 3:26) Nebuchadnezzar knew of God, but this knowledge did not prevent him from growing prideful and, consequently, having to be humiliated before he completely acknowledged God as El-Elyon. This king did not give glory to God and became as a wild beast. Eventually, he learned the meaning of the name El-Elyon. El-Elyon is above all. “When his [Nebuchadnezzar] …spirit was hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne…he was driven from the sons of men, his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, till he knew that the Most High God [El-Elyon] rules in the kingdoms of men…” (Daniel 5:18-21)
God is Adonai. The name Adonai means “Master,” “Lord,” or “Owner.” (Turner 20) When God visited Abraham and Sarah heard the promise of a son, Abraham addressed God with high respect and immediately began serving Him. He recognized the supremacy of Adonai. Abraham said, “My Lord [Adonai], if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant,” and then Abraham hastened to prepare a meal for his Lord. (Genesis 18:3-8) Nehemiah petitioned his Master to bless him. “O Lord [Adonai], I pray, please let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant…and let Your servant prosper this day…” (Nehemiah 1:11) As a master is to be feared by his servants, so is Adonai to be feared by His people. This fear is critical to the growth of faith. “Behold, the fear of the Lord [Adonai], that is wisdom, and to depart from evil is understanding.” (Job 28:28) Man cannot overthrow the Master of the heavens. Adonai’s reign is undefeatable. He laughs at those who attempt to conquer Him. “Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, ‘Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.’ He [Adonai] who sits in the heavens shall laugh; the LORD shall hold them in derision.” (Psalms 2:1-4) As an owner protects his possessions, so too does Adonai protect those who serve Him. David claimed Adonai as his master and owner. In return, David asked the Lord to “preserve” or “watch over” him. (Psalm 16:1-2)
God is Elohim, Jehovah, El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, and Adonai. Each name contains a different meaning to describe some specific aspect of God’s character or attributes. Even though these names emphasize God’s power and authority and the Israelites had been shown numerous examples of God’s love and protection, they continued to turn away from God. The first couple, Adam and Eve, had been given dominion over all other living things. (Genesis 1:28) They had been placed in a garden that was planted by God and were to tend to it. (Genesis 2:15) God gave them freedom with one exception. He told them to not eat a certain fruit. (Genesis 2:16-17) They ate the fruit and were punished by being sent from the garden to live a cursed life. (Genesis 3:6, 16-24) Adam and Eve’s firstborn son, Cain, killed his brother, Abel, because of jealousy. (Genesis 4:4-8) When Moses was on Mount Sinai receiving the tablets on which God had written the Ten Commandments, the Israelites went to Moses’ brother, Aaron, and asked him to make gods for them. Aaron listened to the people and formed a calf out of the gold the people brought to him. The people worshipped it. They turned away from God who had led them out of Egyptian bondage and instead made sacrifices to an inanimate object. (Genesis 32:1-8) Moses, God’s mouth to Pharaoh, who had witnessed the plagues and argued with God in defense of the Israelites, did not believe God when He told him to speak to a rock and water would come forth. Instead, Moses struck the rock. His punishment was that he would not enter Canaan, the Promised Land. (Genesis 20:10-12) David, the man after God’s own heart, had not harmed Saul because he was the Lord’s anointed. (I Samuel 24:6) He slew the giant Goliath with a slingshot because God was on his side. (I Samuel 17:45-50) He was given authority to rule over God’s people. (2 Samuel 5:3) But David turned from God to commit adultery and murder. (2 Samuel 11) The kingdom of Israel was taken away by the Assyrians because of their sin. “Nevertheless they [the Israelites] would not hear, but stiffened their necks, like the necks of their father, who did not believe in the LORD their God…Therefore the LORD was very angry with Israel, and removed them from His sight.” (2 Kings 17:14, 18) Judah did not learn from Israel’s example. They, too, were unfaithful to God and were removed from their land. (2 Kings 25:21) God did not completely wipe out His people. “In Your great mercy You did not utterly consume them nor forsake them.” (Nehemiah 9:31) There was a remnant left. The Israelites had a chance to decide to obey God and enjoy His mercies. Or they could repeat history by worshipping false gods and then being punished again. Unfortunately, the cycle of disobedience continued.
Works Cited
Holy Bible: New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1997.
Stone, Nathan. Names of God. Chicago: Moody Press, 1994.
Turner, J.J., and Edward P. Meyers. Doctrine of the Godhead. Texas: Quality Publications, 1985.