Bible Devotion: Names of God –Elohim Creator of All

We began a journey of studying about the names of God by first looking at Yahweh “I Am” then we looked at His name “El Shaddai” and today we are focusing on Elohim. In Hebrew it is written as” אֱלֹהִים” and is pronounced “eh-low-heem.” Genesis opens with a breathtaking declaration. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Genesis 1:1. Here the first name given for God Elohin Scripture is a plural form of El (God, mighty one) and is not a reference to multiple gods but the name conveys God’s greatness, transcendence, majesty, and fullness of the One true God, pointing to the richness of God’s power and sovereignty and His role as Supreme Creator. While Moses may not have understood and had the full doctrine of the Trinity in mind when writing the name however right in the opening chapter of Scripture, we see not only God the Father but also the Spirit of God “hovering over the surface of the waters”in  Genesis 1:2. Later, the New Testament makes explicit what Genesis hints at: the son was active in creation as well.

John opens his Gospel by echoing Genesis. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him not even one thing came into being” John 1:1-3. Paul affirms the same truth in Colossians: “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible…all things have been created through Him and for Him” Colossians 1:16. The same Elohim who spoke light into the darkness is revealed in Jesus Christ, the Word through whom all things were made by and by whom all things hold together.

This means creation is not random, accidental, or impersonal. To so the deliberate work of Elohim. Father, Son and Spirit in perfect unity. Because He is our Creator, He is also our rightful Owner. Our lives, our breath, our talents, and even our tomorrows belong to Him. The God who shaped galaxies is the same God who shapes your story with purpose. The question is: do we live as if our lives truly belong to the God who created everything?

Other verses to read include:

·      Psalm 8:3-9: Reflects on God’s creation of the heavens and the earth.

·      Proverbs 3:19: Mentions God using wisdom and understanding to establish the earth.

·      Isaiah 40:26: Highlights God’s power in creating the stars.

·      Revelation 4:11: States that God is worthy of glory and honor because He created all things.

·      Psalm 77:13-14: Shows how the psalmist turns to God’s power during suffering.

·      Isaiah 40:18, 25-26: Compares God’s incomparable might to anything in creation.

·      Genesis 1:26: “Let us make mankind in our image.”

·      John 1:1-3: Refers to the Word (Jesus) as being with God and being God, and involved in creation.

Other uses of “Elohim”:

The word can refer to other power beings or entities, such as human rulers or judges, false gods, or even angels. Context is the key to understanding which “god” is being referred to, though it is ultimately clear that Elohim refers to the one true God of Israel in most instances, especially in the first 66 times it appears in the Bible. Consider the following.

·      Psalm 82:6: Refers to human judges as “gods” (“Elohim”), but later emphasizes that they must answer to the Supreme Elohim.

·      John 10:34-35: Jesus quotes this psalm to illustrate his point that the “gods” are not exempt from God’s judgment.

·      Deuteronomy 4:28: Refers to the gods of other nations (e.g., Ashtoreth, Chemosh).

Let us Pray: Dear Heavenly Father You are Elohim, Creator of the heavens and the earth, Forgive me hat too often I admire the beauty of creation without lifting my eyes to the One who spoke it into beings and for the times I have forgotten that my life is a gift from You and that every Breath I take comes from You. Humble me Lord to see Your hand in all things, from the vast galaxies to the smallest details of my day. Teach me Lord to live with gratitude, knowing that I am sustained moment by moment by Your power. Thank you that in Christ You are not only my Creator but also my Redeemer, making all things new. I pray these words in the mighty name of Jesus Christ.