Covenant Names of God: What’s in a name?
A name is a word or phrase by which a person, place, or thing is known and called. It serves as a means of identification or differentiation. Though, people are sometimes called by names purely because the names sound nice or fanciful, traditionally, names by which people are known are meaningful and significant.
It is interesting to note how people around the world arrived at their names. In some parts of the world names are given as a way of remembering a positive incident in the life of individuals, e.g. in the Bible, we see this in the lives of Abram and his wife, Sarai, when God changed their status. The name of the former being changed to “Abraham” and the latter to “Sarah.” Conversely, names in some cases are also given in remembering sad incidences. In the 35th chapter of the book of Genesis that Rachel, just before she died at child birth, named her son, “Ben-Oni,” which means “Son of my sorrow,” but this was later changed by her husband, Jacob to “Benjamin” i.e. “Son of my right hand” (An allusion to strength and virtue)
In some instances, a person’s name is descriptive of their physical appearance, e.g., Jacob’s wife in Genesis 29:16-17 was called Leah, because she had delicate/pale eyes. At other times, a person or people are called names which tell us a bit about them or what they should be. These names are given because they best describe how the person is viewed by the one who names them. Numerous examples are found in the Bible, with respect to the people of God and if you are a Christian like me, the names by which God calls us in the pages of scripture, should create a sense of worth in us like nothing or no one else can.
Paul tells us in Roman 1:7 that we are, "Beloved of God," whilst also reminding us that we “Saints”. Genesis 24:31 tells us that we are "Blessed of the Lord." The prophet Isaiah in chapter 51:11 says we “Redeemed of the Lord” which means "Bought back” (To Himself.) We are called, "Holy People," in Deuteronomy 26:19, “Christians,” in Acts 11:26, "Salt of the Earth," in Matthew 5:13, "Godly" in Psalm 4:3, and in chapter 148:14, "A People near to God." In Revelations, we are known as "Pillars in the Temple of God" and in other passages, we are variously called, "Friends of God," "Servant of Christ, “Chosen Generation,” “Witnesses of God,” Vessels of Honour,” “Strangers and Pilgrims on Earth, “Sheep of Christ,” and the list goes on. All of these names intimate to us how God views us and should serve to make us see ourselves from God’s perspective.
In the same vein, God also has many names by which He is known. Some might ask, “why so many names?” “What's in a name?” Quite unlike most names, each name of God is more than just a distinguishing title. It is the very essence of His person, i.e. It is who He is. Every name speaks of a unique attribute of His nature in relation to His creation, so that how we perceive Him is of great importance and knowing His names and their significance will be help us in relating to God appropriately.
The names of God in relation to His nature (Characteristics)
The names listed immediately below reveals to man the attributes of a God that should be worshipped…one whose invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood as seen by them in the created things in nature…so that man is without excuse.
ELOHIM: “God” This speaks of the power and might of the creator God, i.e. God as the author and cause of creation. It indicates the plurality of the Godhead…Father, Son and Holy Ghost. - Genesis 1:1, 17:7, 9:15, Isaiah. 40:1.
EL-ELYON: “The Most High God” This speaks of His sovereignty - Genesis 14:17 – 20, Isaiah 14:13
EL-OLAM: “The everlasting God” This speaks of His eternal nature and hence His immeasurable wisdom and knowledge - Isaiah 40:28 - 31
EL-ROI: “The Strong One Who Sees” - Genesis 16:11 - 13
EL SHADDAI: “God Almighty” or "God All Sufficient." (Self-Sustaining) - Gen. 17:1, 2. Gen. 31:29, 49:24, 25; Psalm 91:1Ruth 1:20, 21
ADONAI: Lord or Master. This is always plural when referring to divinity (God,) and singular when referring to a human master. Gen. 15:2. - Exodus. 4:10; Judges 6:15; Malachi 1:6
The names of God in relation to His People
Jehovah (YAHWEH)
This is the covenant name of God. This is the name by which he revealed Himself to the Israel and entered into a covenant with them to show them His mercy and loving-kindness, to protect and delivered them in time of need. (The name, Jehovah in English is derived from consonants in the Hebrew word, YHWH combined with vowels from the divine name, ADONAI)
WHAT IS OUR RELATIONSHIP?
The covenant name, Jehovah is used in combination with other names or phrases that further explain the relevance of the name, Jehovah in relation to God’s people in given circumstances. For examples, people would call on the name of God (Pray to), Jehovah-Jireh in time of need, remembering that He is the “Lord who provides” all their needs.
JEHOVAH-JIREH: The Lord will provide. Gen. 22:14. From jireh (to see or to provide). God always provides at the right time. He will “See To” your needs.
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU: The Lord Our Righteousness. Jer. 23:5, 6, 33:16. From tsidek (full weight, justice, right, righteous, declared innocent.) God our Righteousness.
JEHOVAH-M'KADDESH: The Lord Who Sanctifies. Lev. 20:8. Means to make whole and set apart for holiness and His service.
JEHOVAH-SHALOM: The Lord Our Peace. Judges 6:24. Shalom. Is translated peace 170 times. Means whole, finished, fulfilled, perfected. Is related to well, welfare. Deut. 27:6; Dan. 5:26; I Kings 9:25 8:61; Gen. 15:16; Ex. 21:34, 22:5, 6; Lev. 7:11-21. Shalom refers to the kind of peace that result from being a whole person in right relationship with God and one's fellow man.
JEHOVAH-RAPHA: The Lord Who Heals. Ex. 15:22-26. From rophe (to heal); implies spiritual, emotional and physical healing. (Jer. 30:17, 3:22; Isa. 61:1) God heals body, soul and spirit.
JEHOVAH-NISSI: The Lord Our Banner. Ex. 17:15. – This speaks of God being our victory banner in the battles of life…the one that causes us to triumph.
JEHOVAH-ROHI: The Lord Our Shepherd. - Psalms 23. From ro'eh (to pasture). – To lead, guide and protect.
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH: - Ezekiel 48:35. Literally, it means, “The Lord is There”, that is in the midst of His people. This speaks of His abiding presence. The Lord desires that we walk with Him daily. The word, “abide” means to stay, not to visit.
JEHOVAH – SABBAOTH: They also should call on Him, “Jehovah-Sabbaoth,” the “Lord of Host” for help when they are under attack by the forces of nature.
The Crux of the Matter
The name of the Lord engenders confidence, trust and faith to believe in God by those who know His name (Him). It serves as a dependable fortress in time of need. (The name of Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe ~ Proverbs 18:10 – 11.)
Who do you turn to at perilous times, knowing that man cannot always help you. We see for instance when man has a terminal illness; he cannot rely on another man to save him. Only God can by working a miracle according to His will. I encourage you to seek to understand and appropriate the names of God today. Invite Him into your life to be your Lord and Saviour. (If you have not already done so) and your life will never be the same.
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Francis regularly writes and teaches on relationships, i.e. man’s relationship with man and man’s relationship with God. To find out about his speaking engagements, contact him using the email address above.
