For the last few months, I’ve been going through the names of God in order to understand Him. Just like in any relationship, I have to know my Heavenly Father better and better, to maintain our relationship and to grow closer to Him. Examining His many names has given such insight into his character. Last week, I shared a review of the names that I’d already gone through. Interestingly enough, I started with Jehovah and most all of the names I’ve studied are variations of that key name.
Today, I’m examining Elohim. And many of the coming names will be variations of that one.
The very first name of God used in Genesis 1:1. “In the beginning, God …” Elohim.
El means “strong one.” In all cultures, this word inferred diety. Throughout the old testament, the word referred to false gods. But when it was used for our one true God, the plural form was the one use. (Intimating the trinune nature of our God.) Elohim is that word.
It speaks of creator God. Sovereign. Mighty. And creative considering all that He fashioned out of nothing. Rev. Don Robinson differentiates the two main names of God: “Jehovah is the God of revelation in the expression of Himself in His moral and spiritual attributes. Elohim is the general name of God concerned with creation and preservation.”
The aspect of plurality stands out. From the beginning, the trinity of God is revealed. The Three-in-One created the heaves and the earth.
He in all of His character and the magnanimity of all that encompasses put an invisible brush to an non-existent canvas and poured out all there is. The same plural was used in Genesis 1:26, “God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness.”
And this makes a perfect connection with John’s expounding that “All things were made through Him and without Him was not anything made.” John 1:3 Of course Christ was involved with creation. He, the second of the Trinity, breathed life into man and formed woman from the man’s rib.
Wow. Just. Wow.
There is so much to unpack on this name. I’ll be going deeper next week. Suffice it to say, The attributes of Elohim are almost too much to be fathomed.
Marji Laine 