Names of God in the Old Testament

(Thanks to P.G. for handing this out during Bible study tonight)

1) God (Hebrew Elohim): often regarded the plural of majesty for God in all the OT the name signifies His role as the transcendent Creator of all that exists. (Gen 1:2)

2) God Most High (Hebrew El-Elyon): This name indicates God's superior position above all the other gods of the nations (Gen 14:18-20)

3) Lord (Hebrew YHWH or Yahweh or Jehovah): The "I Am" God of the burning bush episode in Moses' call to deliver Israel from slavery in Egypt (Ex 3:14-15). The name signified God would be an inexhaustible resource for accomplishing all that he had charged Moses to do. The name is also associated with God's covenant with Israel and speaks to personal and relational nature of his character.

4) Lord (Hebrew Adonai) Revealed God as owner and master of all His creation (Josh 3:11)

5) God Almighty (Hebrew El-Shaddai): Recalls god's power in creating and sustaining all life (Gen 17:1) Literally means "God of the Mountains" and later it became associated with the awesome display of divine might at Mt Sinai (Ex 19)

6) God Everlasting (Hebrew El-Olam): Emphasizes God's immensity and eternality (Gen 21:33)

7) God, the One Who Sees (Hebrew El-Roeh): Reveals god's beneficent omniscience, a God who sees the needs of His people and responds with help and deliverance (Gen 16:13)

8) God of the Covenant (Hebrew El-Berith): God's immanence as a covenant maker with humanity, His faithfulness as a covenant keeper, and the security found in relationship with Him (Judg 9:46)

9) God, the God of Israel (Hebrew El-Elohe-Israel): God's sovereignty and providential watch and care over Israel as His elect people (Gen 33:19-20)

10) The Lord our Provision (Hebrew (YHWH/Yahweh-Yireh or Jehovah Jireh): Witnesses GOd's ability to sustain the faithful in trial and testing (Gen 22:13-14)

11) The Lord Heals (Hebrew YHWH/ Yahweh-Rapha): A name revealing God's potent curative powers to overcome sin and disease in the fallen creation (Ex 15:26)

12) The Lord our Banner (Hebrew YHWH/ Yahweh-Nissi): God Himself goes before His people in battle and in all of life (Ex 17:15)

13) The Lord our Peace (Hebrew YHWH/ Yahweh-Shalom): The righteous may rest secure in God (judg 6:24)

14) The Lord our Shepherd (Hebrew YHWH/Yahweh-Ra'ah): God tends to His people like a shepherd for His sheep. (Ps 23:1)

15) The Lord our Righteousness (Hebrew YHWH/Yahweh-Tsidkenu): Exalts the perfection and impeccable character of God (Jer 23:6)

16) The Lord is present (Hebrew YHWH/ Yahweh-Shammah): Omnipresence of God as the personal Creator and Redeemer of the world and all lpeople (Ez 48:35)

17) The Lord of Hosts (Hebrew YHWH/Yahweh-Sabaoth): Designates God as Creator and Leader of teh angel armies of heaven (1 Sam 17:45)