Elohim was the first name of God used in the Bible. It was first used in Genesis 1:1, and later used in Psalms 19:1. Elohim is a reference to God's power and might, giving credit to His role as creator and judge.
Elohim is used to reference His sovereignty, creative work and mighty work. Isaiah 40:1 uses the name Elohim. "Comfort, comfort my people, says your God." In this scripture, the word Elohim has been translated to God to be better understood in the English language. Now, in the original context it would say, "comfort, comfort my people, says Elohim." Says Elohim, the God who created all and judges all. Comfort, says the sovereign God of all. He is not just whispering comfort into the ears of His crying children; He is commanding there to be comfort with all of His sovereign power. The use of the name Elohim creates a different feel then the use of the word God.
"I am the Lord, the God of all humankind. There is, indeed, nothing too difficult for me." (Jeremiah 32:27) In this verse, the word Elohim has been translated again. In this we see that God is the God that all humankind belongs to and worships. With Elohim at the name being used, it shows that Elohim is the God that created all humankind, judges all human kind, and is sovereign over all humankind.
There are many other places where Elohim has been used (Genesis Genesis 6:18; Genesis 9:15; Genesis 14:18-20, 22; Genesis 17:7; Genesis 50:24; Deuteronomy 5:23; Deuteronomy 8:15; 1 Kings 8:23; Psalms 68:7; Isaiah 45:18; Isaiah 54:5; Jeremiah 31:3) These are all giving praise and glory to God for being who He is.
Elohim was the name given to God in Genesis 1:1 so there was not a time when God said to humanity, "this is my name." It is a part of Him that was always with Him and that we always recognized. Many names have been given to God created from this name.
El Shaddai, "God Almighty" (Genesis 17:1; Genesis 28:3; Genesis 35:11; Exodus 6:1; Psalms 91:1-2)
El Elyon, "The Most High God" (Genesis 14:19; Psalms 9:2; Daniel 7:18; Daniel 22:25)
El Olam, "The Everlasting God" (Genesis 16:3)
El Roi, "The Strong One Who Sees" (Genesis 16:13)
These names are all derived from the same source as Elohim and are all a testament to glorify God and place Him correctly. El Shaddai is a testament to God's strength, referring to Him standing on the mountain, which is a position of supreme power. El Elyon is emphasizing God's supremacy, His sovereignty and power. El Olam is expressing the fact that God's strength never runs out of energy and His reign will never end.
When you begin to see the different titles of God, you begin to see the intensity of who He truly is. Is he above us and deserves respect. He created us, reigns over us, and is all powerful. He is not a God to be played with. He is personal, though, and loving. We must remember that no matter how powerful, how sovereign, how magnificent; God still loves us and wants a personal relationship with us; so all of His power and sovereignty is used to benefit is. In his sovereign power and love, He makes all things work together for the good of those who love Him back. (Romans 8:28)
-D
No comments:
Post a Comment