Names of God:Understanding the Hebrew names of God

Why do we have different names of God? When we pray or refer to God it is usually as the Lord, God or our Father. But did you know that God actually refers to Himself in the Bible with other titles? There are many Hebrew names that are linked to the specific circumstances of how God is revealing His power and glory to His people. The Lord's name stands in for His purpose, reflecting His qualities,character and attributes. For instance, if we are praying for a healing we would use the title Jehovah-Rophe or Jehovah-Rapha,"the Lord God heals".(Psalm 147:3) God wants to heal not only our sicknesses and physical health but also our emotional health or even our 'land' can be healed. 'Rapha' means restoring something to it's normal state.

Another of the names of God we call on is El Roi. We use this name if we are seeking God to open our eyes and reveal to us that even though men may not see our good deeds, God sees it all. El Roi or "the God of seeing" means God sees the afflictions or suffering of His people and if we humble ourselves and call on Him, He will come to our aid.(Hebrews 2:18)

God is also referred to as the Jehovah-Sabaoth or the Lord of Hosts which is the title of "the Commander to the Angelic Host and the Armies of God". We may call on Jehovah-Sabaoth if we have lost all hope and are defenseless and in trouble, feeling trapped like we have an army of enemies surrounding us on all sides.(Isaiah 36-37) As you can see, we use the specific names quite frequently to help us in our current circumstances. If we are having difficulties making ends meet we would call on the Jehovah-Jireh or "the Lord will provide". Because God always provides for our needs at the appropriate time. Abraham named the place on the mountain where he was ready to sacrifice his beloved son Isaac "The Lord will Provide", because at the last moment God provided a ram to sacrifice in place of Isaac.(Gen 22:1-19)

Here are some other Hebrew names of God that we can call on at the appropriate times:

El Shaddai- "God All Sufficient" This could be used in unison with Jehovah-Jireh because God supplies all our needs at the prescribed time according to His riches and Glory in Christ.

Jehovah-Nissi- "The Lord Our Banner" This often refers to the banner of God on the battlefield. His banner over us signifies His presence, His power and His provision. Remember Songs 2:4 which refers to His banner over me is love?

Jehovah-Shalom- "The Lord Our Peace" The way we gain God's peace over our lives is by trusting Christ and obedience to His commands which results in a 'wholeness' in our relationship with God and with others. Sometimes this is called a 'peace that surpasses all understanding'.(Romans 5:1)

El Elyon- "The Most High God" God is sovereign which means that God is in charge of the entire universe ALL the time. God is so in control of our lives that nothing can happen without His permission.(Psalm 57:2) No fortunes, evil dictator's plans or worldly circumstances can thwart His plans.

Jehovah Tsidkenu- "God Our Righteousness". The name speaks of the God which will always do what is right because I AM is the picture of perfect righteousness. (Psalm 129:4, Deuteronomy 32:4)

Jehovah Raah- "The Lord Our Shepherd" Roeh means shepherd in Hebrew. Our Shepherd feeds us and leads us to pasture. (Ezekiel 34:11-15) Another translation is from rea' which means companion. This portrays the picture of the Lord our Shepherd who desires intimacy with us as a friend.

Jehovah Mekoddishkem- "God Who Is Our Santification". Mekoddishkem is derived from the Hebrew word 'qadash' meaning holy, dedicated or sanctified. When we use this term we think of being separated or set apart for the Lord. This can apply to a person or to an object. Used in Jeremiah 23:6

Jehovah Shammah- "The Lord Is Present with Us". This is referenced in Ezekial 48:35 when the people proclaimed the city as 'The Lord is There". Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word 'Sham' roughly translated as 'there'. Jehovah Shammah is the symbolic name for Jerusalem, reminding us that God has not abandoned His Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins. He plans to bring restoration.

El Olam- "The Everlasting God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days". El designates God's character. Olam is translated as everlasting or forever. So we know El Olam as The Eternal God. (Genesis 21:33)

Jehovah Baal Perez- "The Lord of Breakthrough". (2 Samuel 5:20) This is in referance to David's victory as a result of Jehovah, without whose strength and counsel he could have done nothing. David said, "As waters break out, the LORD has broken out against my enemies before me." Baal-perazim - The plain or chief of breaches, because of the breach which God made in the Philistine army; and thus he commemorated the interference of the Lord. If you are in need of a major breakthough in your life call on Jehoval Baal Perez who will breakthrough like an overwhelming flood.

Last but not least is Abba Father- "Our Lover and Protector". Many refer to Abba Father as their Daddy who loves them. In Romans 8:15, Paul tells us that we have received the Spirit of adoption when we cry out "Abba Father". When we invite Jesus Christ into our hearts, we become His child and He becomes our Father and enter into an intimate personal relationship with Him.

For more detailed information on the names of God, you may be interested in the link below:

Additional names of God resources

Used by permission of Beth Rimstidt www.child-bible-lessons.com

All requests for other uses will be considered. Please ask.