Topical Encyclopedia The revelation of God's name is a profound theme throughout the Bible, signifying His character, authority, and relationship with His people. The name of God is not merely a label but a declaration of His nature and His covenantal promises.YHWH (Yahweh/Jehovah): The most significant and sacred name of God revealed in the Old Testament is YHWH, often rendered as Yahweh or Jehovah. This name is first introduced in Exodus 3:14-15 when God speaks to Moses from the burning bush: "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'" (Exodus 3:14). The name YHWH is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," indicating God's eternal existence and unchanging nature. It is a personal name that signifies God's covenantal faithfulness to His people. Elohim: Another name for God used frequently in the Old Testament is Elohim, which emphasizes God's power and majesty as the Creator. It is a plural form, suggesting the fullness and complexity of God's nature. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." (Genesis 1:1). Elohim is used in contexts that highlight God's sovereignty and creative authority. Adonai: The name Adonai, meaning "Lord" or "Master," is used to express God's lordship and authority over all creation. It is often used in conjunction with YHWH to emphasize God's supreme rule. In Psalm 8:1, the psalmist declares, "O LORD, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1). El Shaddai: This name, meaning "God Almighty," is used to convey God's ultimate power and sufficiency. It is first revealed to Abraham in Genesis 17:1: "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, 'I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.'" (Genesis 17:1). El Shaddai underscores God's ability to fulfill His promises and provide for His people. Jehovah Jireh: Meaning "The LORD Will Provide," this name is revealed in the context of God's provision for Abraham on Mount Moriah. In Genesis 22:14, after God provides a ram as a substitute for Isaac, Abraham names the place Jehovah Jireh, signifying God's provision and faithfulness. Jehovah Rapha: This name, meaning "The LORD Who Heals," is found in Exodus 15:26, where God promises healing to the Israelites: "He said, 'If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His statutes, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you.'" (Exodus 15:26). Jehovah Nissi: Meaning "The LORD Is My Banner," this name is revealed in Exodus 17:15 after the Israelites' victory over the Amalekites. Moses builds an altar and names it Jehovah Nissi, acknowledging God's protection and leadership in battle. Jehovah Shalom: This name, meaning "The LORD Is Peace," is revealed to Gideon in Judges 6:24. After encountering the Angel of the LORD, Gideon builds an altar and names it Jehovah Shalom, recognizing God's peace amidst turmoil. Jesus (Yeshua): In the New Testament, the revelation of God's name reaches its fullness in the person of Jesus Christ. The name Jesus, derived from the Hebrew Yeshua, means "The LORD saves." In Matthew 1:21, the angel instructs Joseph: "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins." (Matthew 1:21). Jesus embodies the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan and reveals the Father to humanity. I AM: In the Gospel of John, Jesus makes several "I AM" statements, echoing the divine name revealed to Moses. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, "Truly, truly, I tell you, before Abraham was born, I am!" (John 8:58). These statements affirm Jesus' divinity and His identity as the eternal God. The revelation of God's name throughout Scripture is a testament to His character, His covenantal relationship with His people, and His redemptive work through Jesus Christ. Each name reveals a different aspect of God's nature and His interaction with humanity, inviting believers to know Him more deeply and to trust in His promises. |