The Names Of God: El Shaddai
Joe Morgan
God reveals Himself through His-Story Source: The Bible Knowledge Commentary
God reveals Himself through actions, creation, written scriptures, and His names.
Ex 20:7; Lev 18:21; Lev 19:12; Lev 20:3; Lev 21:6; Lev 22:2; Lev 22:32; Deut 5:11; Psa 139:20; Prov 30:9; Isa 52:5; Rom 2:24; Rev 16:9 We are to use His name very carefully!
Lev 19:12 Oaths taken in God's name were considered extremely serious.
Nations feared Israel, not because Israel was so strong, but because they represented and were associated with The Lord.
Jn 17:6,26 Jesus reveals God's name
Matt 28:18-20 Our life's work involves making disciples in God's name
Matt 18:19,20 Gathering in His name implies His presence
John 14:13; 1 John 5:14 Praying in His name is associated with His authority and His willingness to respond to our prayers.
Names of God,
|
|
8. Shadday (or El Shaddai)
In the patriarchal literature, and in Job particularly, where it is put into the mouths of the patriarchs, this name appears sometimes in the compound el shadday, sometimes alone. While its root meaning also is uncertain, the suggested derivation from shaôdhadh, "to destroy," "to terrify," seems most probable, signifying the God who is manifested by the terribleness of His mighty acts. "The Storm God," from shaôdhaô, "to pour out," has been suggested, but is improbable; and even more so the fanciful she, and day, meaning "who is sufficient." Its use in patriarchal days marks an advance over looser Semitic conceptions to the stricter monotheistic idea of almightiness, and is in accord with the early consciousness of Deity in race or individual as a God of awe, or even terror. Its monotheistic character is in harmony with its use in the Abrahamic times, and is further corroborated by its parallel in Septuagint and New Testament, pantokrañtoôr, "all-powerful."
El Shaddai in the Old Testament
| Verses | Comments | Concerns of God's People |
| Gen 17:1-9 | Covenant maker with
Abraham Gracious |
Old, tired, afraid of
change and changing? Fear of insignificance Fear of name dying An alien in Canaan, not of the power structure
|
| Gen 28:1-5 | Isaac blessing Jacob, asking for God's blessings | Fear that Isaac would
intermarry; lose his heritage Fear that children would mess up when we are not there to pick up the pieces
|
| Gen 35:9-15 | God blessing Jacob, naming him Israel | Wondering if would be
able to carry on family name and honor. Distrust of God. Note: Israel means "He struggles with God
|
| Gen 48:3-9 | Jacob (Israel) blesses Joseph's sons Ephraim and Manasseh | Wonder about future Death How will children fare? Will they fight over the land? Will they take care of it?
|
| Gen 49:22-26 | Jacob blessing Joseph | Carry on God's blessings
|
| Num 24:1-9 | The oracle of Balaam | Security of the nation Food from crops Hostile neighbor nations
|
| Num 24:15-19 | Balaam perhaps foretelling David and Jesus' coming |
|
| Ruth 1:20,21 | Naomi lamenting her misfortune | Security Famine The future of their name Shelter The future for her daughters-in-law Grief over husband and two sons
|
| Is 60:15,16 | God will bless Israel yet | Exile in foreign land
|
| Is 66:10-13 | Jerusalem will be renewed | Center of Worship in
shambles
|
Applications/Responses
What am I afraid of? Can I trust God with it?
What bitterness do I hold on to? Can I trust God with it?
What dreams do I have? Can I trust God with them?
How does God see me? Does He really want to bless me?
Is God really interested in my concerns? Is any concern either too small for Him to care about or too big for Him to influence? A popular song reminds us, "No sin is too big, no problem too small, Jesus is Lord of all."
Just as God was big enough and interested enough to meet the needs and concerns of former saints, He is also interested and aware of my concerns. As Almighty God, He is well equipped to bless and provide for my every need.
Matt 6:25-34
Phil 1:6
