Elohim, The Creator God

Elohim, The Creator God

Elohim is the Hebrew word for God that appears in the very first sentence of the Bible. In fact, God calls himself Elohim 35 times in the start of the Scriptures. It is the plural form of El and indicates the idea of a plural majesty when used in reference to the one true God. This name means “to be strong” or “to be in front of”, and conveys the idea of God’s preeminent supremacy, authority and sovereignty. Because the name is in the plural form, it also indicates the idea of the Trinity – the Three-in-One God.

The Hebrew name, Elohim, means Almighty Creator, The Strong Creator God, The One God; The God of Might and Power”. This name is one of the more frequently seen names of God, occurring more than 2,500 throughout the Bible. It is most often used to refer to God’s power, especially evidenced in His creation.

The very first name of God that we find in the Scriptures is Elohim in Genesis 1:1 – In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.”

Elohim, the plural form of El, is one of the oldest designations for divinity in the world, and means “The All-Powerful One; The Creator”. The Hebrews borrowed the term El from the Canaanites. It can refer either to the true God or to pagan gods. In its plural form, Elohim is used not to indicate a belief in many gods but to emphasize the majesty of the one true God. He is the God of gods, the highest of all. This name at the very beginning of recorded time reveals something central to the character of God – Creator.

It’s His introduction of Himself to us. It’s the first impression that He offers to us, His creation. Imagine Him saying, “Hello, I am Elohim.” This name reminds us that He is the one who began everything, separating light and dark, day and night, land and sea. It contains the idea of God’s creative power, as well as his authority and sovereignty.

It’s interesting to note that the term “created” is used only when God is bringing something into being; it is not used of men. This is because men reconfigure, recalibrate, or reform things. Mankind does not create something from nothing. We lack the power, ingenuity, and ability to create something from nothing. God, on the other hand, DOES create from nothing. It could be said that men play with God’s Lego blocks!!

“Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” – Hebrews 11:3

Now that we’ve gotten all the definitions and explanations out of the way, let’s think for a moment about what this name God calls Himself means to us as we walk through life, and particularly through a journey of grieving.

He created the universe and yet He is intimately personal to you. He personally, intricately made you. Just think on that for a moment!

“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.” – Psalm 139:14-15

Grief can cause us to feel overwhelmed with the circumstances that arise just living our daily lives. When we feel as though we’re hopeless and helpless – powerless – it’s important for us to remember the God who introduces Himself to us as the Almighty Powerful One…the Strong One. When we feel like our strength is completely gone, it’s time to remember that He is our Strength.

There will be those times when we feel as though we simply cannot see what will come next for us. The pathway will seem dark ahead, and we won’t be able to see anything there. That’s when the mighty Creator God will step in and create something new for us! We can trust that He is able to create something from nothing!

Isaiah 43:19 tells us this: Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.”

This God, who is the Creator, will make a way ahead for you even when there seems to be nothing!

Isaiah 30:21 says this: Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.

This Elohim, who is Strong and full of Might and Power, is doing a new work in your life. If he is capable of creating it, He is powerful enough to sustain it. God never changes; He hasn’t lost any of his Creativity or His Power. What a comfort to us when we feel at loose ends to realize that He has it all under control, and He is working on our behalf even when we don’t see it right away. Turn your thoughts towards Elohim and rest in His Strength.

Como siempre, sus pensamientos y comentarios son bienvenidos aquí o puede enviarme un correo electrónico a sheryl@freshhope.us. Si está buscando un nuevo propósito y un camino para seguir adelante, considere unirse a uno de nuestros grupos de Refocusing Widows, ya sea en persona o en línea. Puede registrarse en www.refocusingwidows.org/Groups. ¡Esperamos conocerle!