“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. Ch1 v1)
The English pronunciation “God” is the word “Elohim” in Hebrew
It is the first of the names of “Deity”, and is the plural noun in form; but is singular in meaning when it refers to the true God
In Gen. Ch1 v26 the emphasis is on the plurity of Deity “Let us make man”
In Gen. Ch1 v27. The emphasis is on unity of the Divine substance, this plural form of Deity suggests the Trinity.
See Gen Ch2 v4, Gen. Ch14 v18, Gen. Ch15 v12, Gen. Ch17 v4, Gen.Ch21 v21, v33, Ex. Ch34 v6, 1Sam Ch1 v3, Mal. Ch3 v18.
Up to this point the general term “God” has been used. In verse, in Gen Ch2 v4 the name “Jehovah (Lord) is introduced and continues to be used for several chapters. (See Ex .Ch34 v6) (Mal. Ch3 v18)
The primary meaning of the name “LORD” (Jehovah) is the self existing one,
the eternal “I am”
It is significant that the first appearance of the name “Jehovah” in Scripture follows the creation of man. It was God (Elohim) who said “Let make man in our image (Gen1 v26)
When in Genesis Ch.2 man becomes dominant over creation, It is the LORD God (Jehovah Elohim) who acts (see Gen. 2 v4)
This clearly indicates a special relation of Deity in His Jehovah character to man, all Scripture emphasizes this point.
Jehovah is the redemption name of Deity when sin entered the world, man’s redemption became necessary.
It was Jehovah Elohim who sought the sinning ones ( Gen.3 v9-13) and clothed them (Gen 3 v21)
It speaks of the righteousness provided by the LORD God through sacrifice (see Rom 3 v21-25)
The first distinctive revelation of Himself by His name Jehovah was in the redemption of the covenanted people out of Egypt (see Ex. 3:13-17)
As redeemer, the emphasis is laid upon those attributes of Jehovah which the sin and salvation of man bring to the forefront namly.
1. His holiness (see Lev.11 v44-45) (19 v1-2) (20 v26) (Hab 1 v12-13)
2. His hated and punishment of sin (see Deut 32 v35-42) (Gen 6 v15) (Ex 32 v6-7) (Psalm 11 v4- 6) (66 v18)
3. His love for, and the redemption of sinners (see Gen 3 v21) (8 v20-21) (Ex 12 v12-13) (Lev 16 v2-3) (Isa 53 v5-10)
Salvation apart from sacrifice is unknown in Scripture
The title “Jehovah Elohim” or LORD God, is the first compound names of God.
LORD God is used distinctively
Of the relation of Deity to man
a. As Creator Gen 2 v7-15
b. As Morally in authority over man Gen 2 v16-17
c. As creating and governing the earthly relationship of man Gen 2 v18-24, 3 v16-24
d. As redeeming man Gen 3 v8-21
In Gods dealings with man in relation to redemption, various compound names of Jehovah are used which reveal Him as meeting every need of man.
1. Jehovah Jirah. The LORD will provide, (Gen 22 v13-14
2. Jehovah-rapha The LORD who healeth Ex 15 v26
3. Jehovah-nissi The LORD is my banner Ex 17:8-15 illustrates the conflict, the war of the Spirit against the flesh, Victory was due to divine help Gal 5 v17
4. Jehovah-shalom The LORD our peace of the LORD sends peace Jud 6 v24 In Judges Ch6, the whole ministry of Jehovah finds expression and illustration.
5. Jehovah-tsidkenu. The LORD our righteousness Jer 23 v6
6. Jehovah-shammah The LORD is present Ezek 48 v35 The LORD’s abiding presence with His people Ex 33 v14-15
We have a further revelation of God “I am Almighty God, (Gen 17 v1)
“I am Almighty God, walk before me, and be thou perfect” “Almighty God” (Heb Shaddai)
Shaddai is the name of God used by the patriarchs prior to the giving of the law at Sinai. Its most frequent occurrence is in the book of Job
The name Jehovah largely replaces it from Exodus Ch6 onwards where attention is centred on Israel, God’s covenanted people.
Names of God
“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth” (Gen. Ch1 v1)
The primary meaning of the name “LORD” (Jehovah) is the self existing one, the eternal “I am”
The first distinctive revelation of Himself by His name Jehovah was in the redemption of the covenanted people out of Egypt (Ex.3 :13-17)
The title “Jehovah Elohim” or LORD God, is the first compound names of God. LORD God is used distinctively
In Gods dealings with man in relation to redemption, various compound names of Jehovah are used which reveal Him as meeting every need of man We have a further revelation of God “I am Almighty God, (Gen Ch17 v1)
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