Monday 10th February 2019 Devotion
Scripture:- Genesis 17:1-17
Topic:- The Names of God in the Old Testament:- [1]
Text:- Psalm 148:13
In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was attached to the name.
Names had, among other purposes, an explanatory purpose. For Example, Nabal, whose name means “fool,” is the target of Abigail’s explanation to David: “For as his name is, so is he; Nabal is his name, and folly is with him.” See 1 Samuel 25:25.
Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we study these names that He reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God really is.
The meanings behind God’s names reveal the central personality and nature of the One who bears them.
Who is God to you? Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father? We must be careful not to make God into an “it” or a “thing” to which we pray. He is our Jehovah Raah, the Lord our Shepherd. God knows us by our name, shouldn’t we know Him by His?
Hallowed be Your name?
To hallow a thing is to make it holy or to set it apart to be exalted as being worthy of absolute devotion. To hallow the name of God is to regard Him with complete devotion and loving admiration. God’s name is of the utmost importance. See Nehemiah 9:5.
Therefore we ought reserve it a position of grave significance in our minds and hearts. We should never take His name lightly, but always rejoice in it and think deeply upon its true meaning. See Exodus 20:7; Leviticus 22:32.
1. EL SHADDAI (LORD GOD ALMIGHTY). (el shad-di’). All-Sufficient One, Lord God Almighty. Use in the Bible. In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used in Genesis 17:1. El Shaddai in the Septuagint: theou saddai – God Shaddai; pantokratôr (for Shaddai) – the Almighty.
The Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character.
Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning “breast” in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning “mountain,” suggesting strength and power.
This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.
Further references of the name El Shaddai in the Old Testament, See Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11; 43:14; 48:3.
2. EL ELYON (THE MOST HIGH GOD). (el el-yone’). The Most High God. Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Elyon occurs 28 times. It occurs 19 times in Psalms. El Elyon in the Septuagint: ho theos ho hupsistos – the God most high. See Genesis 14:18.
Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character. Elyon literally means “Most High” and is used both adjectivally and substantivally throughout the Old Testament. It expresses the extreme sovereignty and majesty of God and His highest preeminence.
When the two words are combined – El Elyon – it can be translated as “the most exalted God.” See Genesis 14:18; 14:19; 14:20; 14:22; Psalm 57:2; 78:35.
Prayer Point:- Oh Lord God, let Your name work effectively for me always henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Have A Lovely Monday!