Tuesday, March 9, 2010

The Names of God (Elohim)

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Gen. 1:1)

A closer look:
God – Elohim (the plural form of the singular name Eloah).
The Bible goes no further in proving the existence of God than by simply declaring the fact that God (Who was already in existence prior to the beginning of time) created everything. God’s name in the Hebrew is “Elohim.” Elohim is a plural noun, and can be translated “gods” (ex. Psalm 82:1, 6). When it is referring to the God of the Bible, it is properly translated in the singular “God.” The name God (Elohim) is the name that is most frequently used in the Old Testament. The term is taken from the root word “El” meaning strength or mighty. The Arabic equivalent being “Allah.” His name Elohim suggests three things:

1. His strength or might - He is the Creator, Sustainer, and Ruler of all.

2. The plurality of persons within the Godhead - We have in the name “Elohim” an intimation of the Triune God, as each person was directly involved in Creation.

A. God the Father – Gen. 1:26
B. God the Son – John 1:1-2; Col. 1:16
C. God the Holy Spirit – Gen. 1:2; Job 33:4

3. The plurality of majesty - This is perhaps the most direct application to the uni-plural name of God. When we think of God, He is so immense, so ineffable, that within His divine essence is a vast, and incomprehensible array of attributes, and power that our finite minds cannot truly comprehend. Had He not reveal Himself, we would have no way of knowing Him.

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