Today’s scripture: Exodus 3:13-15 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Today I met a young woman name Jamila (pronounced Ja- me-la), and I find it very interesting that we seldom see a very young Barbara or Edward any more. We name our children Heather or Blake without giving it any thought, other than it’s cute. Or we try to combine the parents name and come up with a new name for our little one; for example, Troyann (father named Troy, mother named Ann). However, in the Bible, names carry meaning. Names describe qualities and characteristics of the person who bears the name. For instance, the Hebrew name Jacob means taking hold of the heel (he was holding Esau’s heel when they were born), supplanter (he replaced Esau as inheritor), and layer of snares. However, after Jacob wrestled all night with God, God changed his name to Israel which means contender, soldier of God (Genesis 32:28).
But what about the names of God? What do they reveal about God — God’s nature, character, attributes, attitudes — God’s very being? Let’s take a look see . . .
The first name of God found in the Bible is Elohim (pronounced el-o-heem). Genesis 1:1: “In the beginning Elohim [God] created the heavens and the earth.” Thus we see God’s creative power and authority. Elohim is the plural form of El or Eloah. This plural form is not used to indicate a belief in many gods, but to emphasize the majesty of the one true God. We see this understanding of the plural nature of Elohim in Genesis 1:26: “Then God said, ‘Let us make humankind in our image, according to our likeness . . .”
Then there is El Elyon, the Most High God or the God above all gods. It was first used in reference to Melchizedek who was called priest of the Most High (Genesis 14:18-20). This name emphasizes that God is the highest in every realm of life. When you praise the Most High, you are worshipping the one whose power, mercy, and sovereignty cannot be matched.
El Shaddai (pronounced el-sha-die) is the Almighty God. God revealed this name to Abram (Genesis 17:1-2). Shaddai is derived from a Semitic word that signifies one who nourishes, supplies, and satisfies.
There are so many others, just to name a few:
Jehovah (Yahweh) Jireh: the Lord who will provide (Genesis 22:13-14)
Jehovah Rapha: the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26)
El Chay: the God who lives or the Living God (2 Kings 19:15-16)
Jehovah Shalom: the Lord is Peace (Judges 6:24)
If you do a Bible study of God’s names and titles, it can be very enlightening. To know God’s names is to know God.
Thought for the day: By praying the divine names and titles of God and by understanding the context in which they were first revealed, we can gain a more intimate knowledge of God.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.