By He Reads Truth
In this Names of God reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Rather than having our writers share their own reflections on these passages, we’ve instead provided research-rich content to aid in your study of each day’s featured name of God, including the background of the name(s), a brief explanation of the character of God emphasized by the name(s), and a reflection question to help you dig deeper into the text.
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God
Elohim, El (Hebrew)
Description
Elohim is the first name used for God in the Bible. It appears in the opening verse of Scripture: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gn 1:1). The Israelites adapted the name Elohim from El, an ancient word for “god,” to refer to the one true God. This name emphasizes His greatness and majesty over all creation and all other gods. Throughout Scripture this name is paired with descriptive words to distinguish God and His character from pagan gods (e.g., El Olam, “everlasting God,” El Roi, “God who sees,” and El Rahum, “merciful God”). Elohim is a reminder that the one true God is distinctly powerful.
Emphasis
God’s unmatched power and majesty
Reflection
What does this name teach me about God?
11 thoughts on "God"
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Tim Bowditch says:
God is unimaginably greater than what we could ever think. His wisdom is beyond our capacity. Job could not get beyond his greatness and was humbled by his power.
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Troy says:
Elohim — majesty; all-powerful. Today this reminds me that he is BIGGER than the minutia in my life that can get me so worked up. I’m also convicted that I don’t see him the way that I should. I often look only to myself when assessing whether a situation or circumstance can be handled. As I look 6 months or a year down the road in terms of ministry… can God handle it? The answer? If I’m willing to let Him.
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Joshua H. says:
This name shows that God is our majestic provider and comforter. He is second to none!
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Greg says:
This name properly reflects Gods power. These passages show that nature listens and beckons to his will. He even iterates in the final passage that there are no others out there who can overturn his rule. He is absolute and when his will be done, only he can undo it.
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Ryan Orndorff says:
Our God is whoever we need him to be. He is a God that fulfills our needs, but remains the one true God. Through Him we learn how to stay faithful to ourselves just as he remains God.
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Patrick says:
I am particularly drawn to the passage from Psalms as David is in distress and preaching to his soul. He acknowledges that in the midst of his turmoil, angst, oppression, and depression he will praise God again. He intends to fixate on a time when God was faithful and kind, when God demonstrated His power, majesty, and sovereignty. I think that is so critical for us to do when we feel alone and doubtful or fearful. We must remember all that God has done for us. Often times we must ask God to remind us of what He has done and He is faithful to open our eyes to the ways and times He has led us, spoken to us, provided for us, corrected us. The overwhelming theme here is that He is powerful and active in the world. He has not left us alone. He is motivated by His love for us. He is the only God, the only salvation, the only good and faithful God.
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Blake WOODS says:
God is good, man. Even when we chose lesser gods, he’s always waiting for us to turn back into his arms. His hands are mighty, but they’re also always open. I love that about Him.
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Kevin says:
Day 2: The part that makes this name stand out to me was that it was derived from an ancient word for God, but meant “the one God”. A big difference between Christianity and other religions is our recognition of one single God. Our God specialties in ALL things and doesn’t need help. How strong. How powerful. ⚒
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Ryan Miller says:
There can only be one true God. We don’t live like this is true functionally but it has to be true philosophically. YHWH is the one true God and whenever I am functionally living outside the context of that truth I am doing damage to my soul and to the abundant life He promises me!
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