11-20-2021         Names of God

         

We’ve seen how the “Essence of Love” impacts, or should impact our lives.  We stated that understanding the names by which God, the Father, is known can help us with that understanding.  The qualities and/or characteristics of God can give insight into who He truly is and why we can be assured that He always has our best interests at heart.

We are going to take a look at the name YHWH or YAHWEH or Jehova.  The four letters, read from right to left, are “yodh, he, waw”.  My understanding is the “Jehovah” wasn’t actually used until the 1901 American Standard Bible.  And at that, I understand, may have been a mispronunciation of “Yahweh”.  Nonetheless, that’s the name we are most familiar with today.   

Welcome to the first installment on the names of God.

YHWH with no vowels is how the Hebrews originally expressed the name of God and according to multiple resources, God’s name was considered to be too holy to be spoken aloud.  I guess that when God told Moses not to take the” Lord’s name” in vain (Exod. 20:7) it might have been easier to not speak His name at all rather than take a chance of messing it up.

Over this and the next two posts, we’re going to look at three group listing of the names of God.  The first is YHWH (Jehovah), the second will be derivatives from “El”, and the third will be qualities of who God is and not necessarily ‘names’ by which He is known.  I’ve used two primary resources for this presentation, http://www.godisreal.today/names-of-god/, http://www.navigators.org.Tools/Discipleship%20Resources/Tools/.  And, of course, I’ve added my comments.  I listed several resources for the ‘name of God’ in “Essence of Love, pt. 3” which you may also refer to.

 Let’s take a look at the Yahweh, or Jehovah, based designations of God

Jehovah (Yahweh) [Jeh ho vaw]

The self-existent One. He has always existed and will always exist. You can always rely on Him because He is our eternal source of strength.  He is the only self-complete, independent being – I AM THAT I AM.  All name references are according to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance.

Scriptural references: (Genesis 1:1-2, 2:4; Exodus 3:13-15 [1-22]; Exodus 6:1-4; Psalm 83:18; Isaiah 12:2)

Jehovah (H3068), scripturally, is used only in the Old Testament.  It is the traditional name of God (Storng’s) which is described as self-existent or eternal.  God identifies Himself as ‘The Alpha and Omega’, the first and the last, He who lived and was dead and lives for evermore (Rev. 1:11, 1:18)

In brief, God has always existed and will always exist.  We know, in Genesis chapter one, He created all that is (Gen. 1:1-31). 

   Jehovah-Maccaddeshem [… mac cad deshem]

The Lord our sanctifier. He forgives our sins and His Holy Spirit works in our lives to become like He is: pure, loving and true.  He is separate from all that is evil.

(Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 20:7-8; Ezekiel 37:28; 1 Thessalonians 5:23)

Father sanctifies us or makes us holy, clean or pure so we will be ready when Jesus either calls us home or comes for us in the last days.

Jehovah-Rohi [… row hee]

The Lord our shepherd. He cares for us, the way a shepherd tends his sheep. He cares for us and leads us to still waters and green pastures.

(Psalm 23:1-6, 80:1, 95:7; Isaiah 40:11; Jeremiah 31:10; Ezekiel 34:12; John 10:11)

The shepherd knows His sheep.  He feeds them, guides them and even helps them rest when they need it.  through “Spiritual” guidance, we also learn how to live life.  The sheep learn and know their shepherd’s voice.  Do we know the voice of Jesus?  Are we obedient to that voice?

Jehovah-Shammah [… shawm maw]

The Lord who is present. He never leaves us, nor forsakes us. He is with us forever. Our best friend, who never betrays us.

(Genesis 28:15; Psalm 23:4, 46:1, 139:7-12; Jeremiah 23:23-24; Ezekiel 48:35; Amos 5:14; Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5)

The Lord is always with us (H3074) and will never leave us nor forsake us.  We may not always realize Father’s presence, but remember, the Holy Ghost is with us and in us (John 14:17) so He IS always with us. 

Jehovah-Rapha [… rah fu]

The Lord our healer. “By His stripes were are healed” declares the Bible. Jesus Christ died to give us life. Not only was God the healer in the Old Testament, but Jesus Christ revealed the healing heart of God for all of us, more than ever.

(Exodus 15:26; 2 Chronicles 7:14; Psalm 6:2, 41:4, 103:3, 147:3; Isaiah 19:22, 57:18-19; Jeremiah 3:22, 17:14, 30:17; Matthew 8:5-7; Luke 4:18)

 Jesus tells us to love Father with all our heart, mind, soul and strength (Mark 14:30) and believe that we receive (Mark 11:24) and we shall receive healing and more.  Jesus went back to His hometown and could only heal a few sick folks because the people’s unbelief (Matt. 13:58).  How can we receive what we don’t believe?  Believe, receive and be healed!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Jehovah-Tsidkenu [… tsid kay noo]

The Lord our righteousness. When we believe in Jesus Christ, He becomes our righteousness. He forgives our sins and washes us with His blood.

(Psalm 4:1, 5:8, 24:5, 31:1, 36:10, 71:15, 89:16; Jeremiah 23:6; Rom. 3:25)

Being righteous is doing that which is the right thing to do (H3072).  However, this is not according to what we consider right, but knowing and following God’s principles!  Father always does what is right for us, our own good (Rom. 8:27-28) because we seek Him first (Matt. 6:31-34) then do as the Holy Spirit leads (Psalm 143:8, Mark 13:11).  In and of ourselves we cannot obtain righteousness but Jesus has become our righteousness (1 Corinth. 1:30).

Jehovah-Jireh […Yir eh]

The Lord will provide. Jesus Christ said that Father cares for us and we never need to worry about provision. He is our source of life, in every way.  (Genesis 22:13-14; Phil. 4:19)

Strong’s reference to God’s provision is H3070 (Gen. 22:14).  God will see to it.  That is it is He who will make sure it gets done.  He does provide for us out of His riches in glory.  He knows our needs (Mat. 6:8) and will meet them (Rom. 8:27).  All we have to do is ask, believe and trust Him (Matt. 7:7, Mark 11:24, Prov. 3:5-6). 

Jehovah-Nissi […nis ee]

The Lord our banner. The Lord gives us the victory in spiritual warfare. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises a banner of His love over us and covers us. He wages war on our behalf and makes us more than conquerors through Christ Jesus.  (Exodus 17:15; Rom. 8:37; 1Corinth. 15:57)

Father sets His banner over us.  A banner is a flag or symbol (H3071) designating our allegiance.  God’s love, to some degree, should be evident to others, in our lives and that His love in us and through us is His banner over us.  The banner also implies that we are under the protection of what, or who, is portrayed by that banner, that is we have refuge in that source (Psalm 46:1).

Jehovah-Shalom [… shaw lome]

The Lord is peace. Whenever there are storms in your life, hide in Him. He is your shelter in the storm. He gives peace beyond understanding, even when circumstances are chaotic. He is our shelter and our shield.   (Judges 6:24; Psalm 23: Psalm 23:1-6; John 14:27; Rom. 5:1)

God IS our peace (H3073)  Gideon built an altar to designate God’s promise of peace.  God gives us a peace which surpasses all understanding which keeps our hearts (no matter what) (Phil. 4:7).  As we abide in His will, His peace is with us (Phil. 4:6-9).  No matter how terrible a situation may seem, trust in the Lord and He will keep us calm, cool and collect.  We won’t be overcome with anxiety as we trust in Him.  Jesus gives us His peace so He is now, our source for peace.

Jehovah-Sabaoth [… saa buh owt]

The Lord of Hosts. The Bible mentions myriads of angels, who wage war against the armies of hell, which try to destroy mankind. Jesus Christ is the Lord of hosts, the Captain of the armies of heaven.  (1 Samuel 17:45; 2 Samuel 6:2, 7:26-27; 1Kings 22:19;  1 Chronicles 11:9; Psalm 46:7; Isaiah 6:1-3; Luke 2:13-15; Rom. 9:29; James 5:4).

Sabaoth (G4519) is Greek for armies or military.  A heavenly host appeared to the shepherds announcing the birth of our Lord, Jesus.  On the mount, when the Romans came to arrest Him, Jesus told His disciples He could call upon Father and more than twelve legions of angels would come (Matt. 26:53).  In the Roman army, a legion would range between 3000 and 6000 troops.  Remember 1/3 of the angels were cast out of heaven, leaving 2/3 with Father (Rev. 12:3-4).  So, Father is the head of whole bunches and bunches and bunches of angels.  Thousands, millions, ???.  who knows how many (Father does)?  We have a lot of heavenly support!   

Jehovah-Ghmolah [gmow lah]

The God of Recompense. The Lord says in Romans 12 “vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We should never avenge others for what they do to us, but leave it in God’s hands.  (Deut. 33:35; Isa. 61:6-7; Jeremiah 51:6; Matt. 5:44; Rom 12: 17-21; Col. 2:13-14; 1 Peter 5:10).

Jesus tells us to love and do good to those who do us ill will.  Father will repay our enemies accordingly as they have done to us BUT He will also give back to us what we have lost.  Recompense is not getting back “just” what we lost, but more.  Job received double for his trouble (Job 42:10; Matt. 19:29).  Yet, consider Moses who considered what Chris offers greater than the riches of Egypt (Heb. 11:24-29).  And don’t forget Paul who consider also considered knowing Jesus better than anything the world could offer (Phil.3:7-8).  It’s nice to receive, but e also need t keep things in perspective.

Again, this is just a starter on God’s names.  Next, we’ll look at those names/qualities that compound with “El”.  God bless.

Amen

11-6-2021 ESSENCE OF LOVE Part 3 – Many aspects of God

God is LOVE (many aspects)

We shared how God’s love impacts our personal life in “Essence of Love – Part 1”.  We talked about how God’s love should impact the church in “Essence of Love – Part 2”. 

We kept saying “God is love”.  His very essence is love.  So how do we know this?  The gospel of John states the expression of God’s love for us  is that He so loved the world  that He gave His only begotten Son (John 3:16).  And in his first epistle (letter), John reaffirms this when he tells us that we know Him (God) because we hear Him and love Him and that’s why we love others.  We love Him because He loves us – why?  For God is love (1 John 4:7-16 – actually, read the whole letter).    

God IS love and all that He expresses is love, therefore since we are made in His image (Gen. 1:26), He expects us to operate in love.  This is ‘agape’ love, giving and not expecting, doing because it is the right thing to do.  Edifying others to be all that they can be in Christ Jesus (1 Corinth. 4:12, Eph. 4:12).

That love is expressed in His written Word (the bible), His creation (the world & all that is around us) and how He interacts with us.  when we are aware and listen to Him, in how He gives us direction for our lives.

The fact that He loves us and desires that we love Him implies a relationship.  There can’t be a relationship until two people ‘get to know each other’.  I’m not talking in the ‘biblical sense’ between a man and his wife.  I am talking about getting to know how another feels, thinks, things they enjoy, things they don’t like, etc., etc.  Father (God) has already done His part.  He knows us before we are even a twinkle in mom and dad’s eyes.  He knows us before we are born into this world.  And He know us even after we have ‘arrived into this world (Jer. 1:5).  So now, it’s our turn (our time) to get to know Him. 

How do we do that?  First, we have to start reading the manual He has given us (the bible).  Whoa!  I can’t even understand half what the King James bible says.  Okay, so find a more modern translation that makes some sense to you.  We have to start somewhere!  Believe me, once we start reading, the Holy Ghost will guide us into tools such as other translations, ‘Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance’ or commentaries, or maybe even back into King James, as our understanding grows and our questions become deeper.  Father will give us today what we can receive and can understand today but tomorrow, He will give us what we need and can understand tomorrow.  When we were a child, we ate like a child, dressed like a child, talked like a child, but as we aged (matured) we moved into deeper things as we were able to handle taking care of ourselves.  A baby doesn’t walk the day he is born.  It usually take nine months to a year before he can do so.  So is our walk with our Lord.  Like the child, we see, we desire and Father will give it to us as we are able to handle it!

But the bible is best and most logical place to start.  Father then puts Pastors, Sunday School teachers, other ministers and friends into our lives to help us grow. 

A baby depends on mom and dad for everything, at first, but as he grows, mom and dad teach him to do things for himself with wisdom (hopefully) to make the right choices as he grows.  Father deals with us in the same way.  He continues to give us more as we are able to handle it and as we learn to walk with Him (Father), in Jesus Christ because His Holy Spirit (Ghost) dwells within our heart.    

As we come to know Father, more and more, we discover that He is not only our Savior (Jesus) but our comforter, provider, protector, teacher and so much more.    

The names which God is known by, throughout the bible, gives us insight to the many aspects of His love towards us.  Of course He is “El” (H410 – these, those.  God is a plurality, the Godhead, the trinity.  I like the way Father explained this to me - Father, Son, and the Holy Ghost.  Existence, Word or flesh, Spirit or breath.  God is Father, creator of all things.  He speaks words to get things done and He made those words flesh, born in the manger as Jesus.  God’s breath carries His Words into action and His breath IS the Holy Ghost.  AND He shares His Holy Ghost with us as He lives within our heart.  As promised by Jesus (Acts 1:8) and the initial outpouring as received by the disciples in the upper room (Acts 2:1-4).  I say ‘initial’ because Jesus couldn’t share the Holy Ghost with us until after He was glorified (John7:39).  Any argument that Jesus was fully glorified when He returned to Father (Acts 1:9-10)?  So, though we consider three aspects of God, He was, is and always will be ONE GOD!  And that God is love!

So, just what is God’s love?  Let’s look at the many aspects of that love.

To help us with a better understanding of just who God is, here’s a list of names by which He is known.  Now, these names don’t imply multiple “Gods”, but rather qualities of the love Father expresses towards us. 

There are more names than what is listed here, that’s why there are more references at the end of this list.

El is a compounding form and is usually used with another, descriptive word like ‘Rapha’ (heal), Raphael (God heals)

Of course, God is Jehovah, Yaweh.   

Here’s a short list of the names of God

http://www.godisreal.today/names-of-god/

Yahweh

The self-existent One. He has always existed and will always exist. You can always rely on Him because He is your eternal source of strength.

(Genesis 2:4, Isaiah 40:3; 10; 1 Samuel 1:20; Exodus 6:1-4, 3:1-22)

Adonai

God is the Lord over all. He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords, He reigns forever. Therefor you find safety in Him and Him alone.

(Genesis 15:2, Judges 6:15, Malachi 1:6, Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 2:4, 8:1, 97:5, 136:3; Isaiah 1:24, 6:1; Romans 10:9)

Yahweh-Maccaddeshem

The Lord your sanctifier. He forgiveness your sins and His Holy Spirit works in your life to become like He is: pure, loving and true.

(Exodus 31:13, Leviticus 20:8; Ezekiel 37:28)

Yahweh-Rohi

The Lord my shepherd. He cares for you, the way a shepherd tends his sheep. He cares for you and leads you to still waters and green pastures.

(Psalm 23, 80:1, 95:7, Isaiah 40:11, Jeremiah 31:10, Ezekiel 34:12, 23)

Yahweh-Shammah

The Lord who is present. He never leaves you, nor forsakes you. He is with you forever. Your best friend, who never betrays you.

(Ezekiel 48:35, Genesis 28:15, Ezekiel 48:35, Psalm 23:4, 46:1, 139:7-12, Jeremiah 23:23-24, Amos 5:14)

 

Yahweh-Rapha

The Lord our healer. “By His stripes were are healed” declares the Bible. Jesus Christ died to give you life. Not only was God the healer in the Old Testament, but Jesus Christ revealed the healing heart of God for all of us, more than ever.

(Exodus 15:26, Exodus 15:26, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Psalm 6:2, 41:4, 103:3, 147:3, Isaiah 19:22, 30:36, 57:18-19, Jeremiah 3:22; 17:14, 30:17)

Yahweh-Tsidkenu

The Lord our righteousness. When we believe in Jesus Christ, He becomes our righteousness. He forgives our sins and washes us with His blood.

(Jeremiah 23:6, Genesis 15:6, Jeremiah 23:6, Psalm 4:1, 5:8, 24:5, 31:1, 36:10, 71:15, 89:16)

Yahweh-Jireh

The Lord will provide. Jesus Christ said that Father cares for us and we never need to worry about provision. He is our source of life, in every way.  (Genesis 22:13-14)

Yahweh-Nissi

The Lord our banner. The Lord gives us the victory in spiritual warfare. When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Lord raises a banner of His love over us and covers us. He wages war on our behalf and makes us more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.  (Exodus 17:15)

Yahweh-Shalom

The Lord is peace. Whenever there are storms in your life, hide in Him. He is your shelter in the storm. He gives peace beyond understanding, even when circumstances are chaotic. He is our shelter and our shield.   (Judges 6:24)

Yahweh-Sabbaoth

The Lord of Hosts. The Bible mentions myriads of angels, who wage war against the armies of hell, who try to destroy mankind. Jesus Christ is the Lord of hosts, the Captain of the armies of heaven.  (Isaiah 6:1-3, 1 Samuel 1:3, 17:45; 2 Samuel 6:2, 7:26-27; 1 Chronicles 11:9; Haggai 1:5)

Yahweh-Ghmolah

The God of Recompense. The Lord says in Romans 12 “vengeance is mine, I will repay.” We should never avenge others for what they do to us, but leave it in God’s hands.

(Jeremiah 51:6)  Elohim

God is creator, powerful and mighty, Lord of lords. He is the Lord Most High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything. When you face impossible circumstances or adversaries, now that your God is stronger.  (Gen. 1:1, 17:7, Ps 19:1 Jer. 31:33)

 

 

El-Elyon

The most high God. Do not fear the enemy who tries to intimidate you. Know that your God is the Most High God. There is none above Him. Jesus Christ is exalted high above every name.  (Genesis 14:17-20, Deuteronomy 26:19, Isaiah 14:13-14)

El-Gibhor

Mighty God. The Lord is mighty to save. His arm is not too short. Whatever problem you are facing, know that your God is El-Gibhor, MIGHTY!  (Isaiah 9:6)

El-Olam

The everlasting God. God is eternal, while your problems are temporary. His love will never change. His promises are true. Build on Him, who is eternal and do not focus on your temporary situations. He will show you His great and eternal goodness.  (Isaiah 40:28-31)

El-Roi

The strong one who sees. When you feel lonely and abandoned by people, know that God is with you. He sees you and He knows you. He hears the cry of your heart and He loves you more than you can imagine. he will lead you through and fill your hear with His praise.(Genesis 16:13)

El-Shaddai-Rohi

God Almighty, the mighty One of Jacob. God is not just another ‘god’ like the countless idols. He truly is the Almighty Creator of heaven and earth.  (Gen. 17:1, 49:24, Ps. 91:1, 132:2, 5)

El-Chuwl

The God who gave birth. God is our Creator and our Father. He saw us and He loved us, even before we were born. He has a plan for your life and if you walk with Him, He will fulfill His dreams over your life and amaze you.  (Psalm 139:13-18)

El-Deah

God of knowledge. Wisdom comes from the Lord. Man tries to become wise apart from God, ut ends up in foolishness. When we fear God and keep His commandments, to love one another, we will know Him as He is and His wisdom will guide us.  (1 Samuel 2:3; Romans 11:33-36;           1 Cor. 1:18-31)

Attiyq Youm

The Ancient of Days. God is eternal. He was before the beginning of time. Therefor He has all authority. Every knee bows before Him.  (Daniel 7:9, 13, 14)

And here are some other lists you can check out.

http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/namesofgod.html#top          900+ names

https://www.lwf.org/names-of-god      21 names

http://www.bible.ca/trinity/trinity-definition-god-titles.htm      56 OT, 16NT, 44 Jesus, 12 HG names

https://www.gotquestions.org/names-of-God.html       19 names

http://www.characterbuildingforfamilies.com/names.html      625 names + brkdwn some Hebrew & I Am

Understand, I’m still learning (in part) so bear with me as this is what Father has shared with me, to pass on, so far.  Father is continually tweaking what He has shared with me, so I look forward to when we are in His presence.  For then, tweaking will no longer be needed.  All we will have to do is ask and He will tell us, plainly and clearly.  Jesus tells us that He has made known known to His disciples (John 15:15), all that Father revealed to Him.  Remember, Jesus is the living Word of God so if Father said it, Jesus knew it.  Yet, after describing the end times, Jesus tells the disciples “No one knows the day nor hour, not man, not even the angels in heaven, only Father (Matt. 24:36).  Again, Jesus is the “living Word of God, so apparently Father never said (spoke) exactly when the end times would be.

As a capper for us is that we show our love for God by loving Him and allowing that love not just to flow into our heart, but also allowing that love to flow out of our heart to those around us. whatever we face, e yield it over to God – and don’t take it back.  This means we give everything over to Father then follow His direction.  Yes, there are times we may have to do something!

The essence of God is LOVE and I pray this series on the “Essence of Love” will help you attain a little better understanding of what that actually involves.  I pray this helps you walk a little closer with Father, through Jesus Christ because the Holy Ghost is alive and well within our heart.

May the love of God abide in you always!

Amen