In our journey of discipleship, we encounter the beautiful tapestry of names that God has used to reveal Himself to humanity. Each name holds deep meaning and significance, unveiling different aspects of His character, nature, and relationship with His people. Let us delve into the six primary names of God in the Old Testament: Yahweh (Jehovah), Elohim, Adonai, El, El Shaddai, and El Elyon. By understanding these names, we can gain insight into our discipleship and how we relate to our Heavenly Father.
Yahweh
Yahweh, the most frequently used name for God in the Old Testament, reflects His eternal and self-existent nature. It is used over 6,800 times. It conveys His personal and intimate relationship with His people. When God introduced Himself as Yahweh, He invited us into a covenant relationship, emphasizing His faithfulness, love, and commitment. As disciples, we are called to know Yahweh intimately and embrace the depth of His personal involvement in our lives.
Elohim
Elohim – used 2,500 times – reveals God as the Creator and Sovereign Ruler of the universe. It signifies His power, authority, and majesty. As disciples, recognizing Elohim’s role as the Supreme Being challenges us to submit to His lordship, acknowledging His rightful place as the source of our existence. It prompts us to trust in His wisdom and guidance, allowing Him to shape and mold us according to His divine purposes.
Adonai
Adonai, meaning “Lord” or “Master,” emphasizes God’s position as the ultimate authority. Adonai is used over 430 times. He is the one to whom we surrender our lives and submit our will. Understanding God as Adonai calls us to serve Him wholeheartedly, recognizing His rightful ownership of our lives. As disciples, we are called to embrace a posture of humility, obedience, and servant-heartedness, acknowledging Adonai’s lordship in all areas of our discipleship journey.
El
El, meaning “God,” reveals the power and might of our Heavenly Father. The Old Testament uses El over 200 times. It highlights His strength and authority to accomplish His purposes. As disciples, we find assurance in El’s unfailing ability to come through for us. In times of weakness or uncertainty, we can rely on His steadfastness and provision. Trusting in El reminds us that our growth, multiplication, and impact come not from our own strength, but from the power of the Almighty.
El Shaddai
El Shaddai, often translated as “God Almighty,” portrays God as the all-sufficient and bountiful provider. It signifies His ability to meet our needs, provide comfort, and nourish our souls. El Shaddai’s name invites us into a place of vulnerability and dependence, trusting in His abundant grace and sustenance. As disciples, we learn to rest in His provision and find contentment in His more-than-enough presence.
El Elyon
El Elyon, meaning “Most High God,” reflects God’s supreme authority and sovereignty over all. It highlights His unmatched position and the exaltation of His name. Recognizing El Elyon propels us to worship and reverence God above all else. As disciples, we are called to align our lives and priorities with His divine order, placing Him as the ultimate authority in every aspect of our discipleship journey.
Lord GOD
Have you ever noticed that in the Old Testament, the word Lord or God is in all caps or small caps? The usage of “Lord GOD” and “God LORD” in the Bible can be a result of the translation conventions used to represent the Hebrew names for God. In the original Hebrew text, the term “Lord GOD” is translated from the combination of two Hebrew names for God: “Adonai Yahweh” (or “Adonai Jehovah”). In this case, “Adonai” is the Hebrew word meaning “Lord” or “Master,” and “Yahweh” (or “Jehovah”) is the personal name of God.
On the other hand, “God LORD” is translated from the combination of two Hebrew names: “Elohim Yahweh” (or “Elohim Jehovah”). “Elohim” is a generic Hebrew word for God, and “Yahweh” (or “Jehovah”) is the personal name of God.
The reason for this combination of names can vary depending on the context and style of the original Hebrew text. It may serve to emphasize different aspects of God’s character or to reflect specific theological nuances. However, it’s important to note that the specific choice of “Lord GOD” or “God LORD” in English translations may vary among different versions and translators.
Ultimately, the combination of names highlights the richness and complexity of the Hebrew language and the various ways in which God’s nature and relationship with His people are expressed in the Old Testament. Let’s explore some usages:
Lord GOD (Adonai Yahweh)
Isaiah 40:10: “Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.”
Ezekiel 34:15: “I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep, and I myself will make them lie down, declares the Lord GOD.”
God LORD (Elohim Yahweh)
Psalm 50:1 (ESV): “The Mighty One, God the LORD, speaks and summons the earth from the rising of the sun to its setting.”
Another Example
Psalm 68:20 (ESV): “Our God [El] is a God [El]of salvation, and to GOD [Yahweh], the Lord [Adonai], belong deliverances from death.”
Conclusion
While this is not a comprehensive list of names, exploring the significance of these six names of God deepens our understanding of His character, fosters intimacy in our discipleship journey, and cultivates a heart of worship. By embracing Yahweh, Elohim, Adonai, El, El Shaddai, and El Elyon, we come to know God more fully and walk in greater alignment with His purposes. Let us continue to seek Him, study His Word, and allow these names to shape our discipleship, drawing us closer to the heart of our Heavenly Father.
