What is in His Holy Name

Now why are we told to praise His Name?

 In Bible times a name was never just a label you hung on somebody to keep from confusing him with someone else.

 A name expressed the kind of person they were, or were hoped to become.

 That's why God sometimes changed a man's name. He intended for the person's character to be reflected in his name.

 So when He changed Simon to Peter, He said, in effect, "Don't see yourself as wishy-washy. You are a rock, a stone, firmly attached to the foundation stone (which is Christ).

 Saul, "then asked for one" was humbled to Paul--"Little one"

 Jacob "the supplanter" became Israel "who strives with God"

 So, in the case of God Himself, He gives Himself names that are really extensions of Himself. His names reveal His nature and His character.

 We will focus here on the compound names God has given himself, but first I want to briefly touch on four more general names He has given Himself.

 These are all Hebrew words, of course.

Elohim

 The first name we find of God in the Bible is Elohim. (Genesis 1:1). It is used over 2700 times in the Bible. The prefix "El" signifies  "one who is great, mighty, dreadful." It is also a plural word that suggests the fact that God is a Holy Trinity--Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Some say that the word is related to the Hebrew word meaning "to swear" and implies the covenant nature of God. So the word Elohim might have meant to the Hebrews, "The great mighty three-in-one God who establishes and keeps covenant forever."

 

El Shaddai

 El Shaddai (remember the song?) is another name for God. It is used 48 times in Scripture. It is always translated "The Almighty." The first time this name is used is in Genesis 17:1  And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

 

 This was when God changed Abram's name to Abraham and promised that he would be the father of many nations.

The Compound Names

 

Now, the rest of the names I want us to consider are used in conjunction with this name Jehovah. They are compound names. You many wish to make a chain of these verses in your Bible with His name and it's meaning written in the margin.

 We'll consider them in Biblical order, except for one, that I'll save for last.

Jehovah-Jireh

 The first one, Jehovah Jireh is found in Genesis 22:14. It literally means "The Lord Provides." When God commanded Abraham to sacrifice Isaac his son on Mount Moriah, Abraham immediately set out to obey. Abraham understood his covenant relationship with El Shaddai. He asks no questions. He simply proceeds to obey.

 When Isaac asked "where is the sacrifice?" Abraham softly answered, "God will provide." His heart must have been breaking. And even though he totally trusted God, he must have felt some confusion and bewilderment.

 Then, just as he raised the knife, the angel intervened. Abraham is shown a ram caught in a nearby thicket. And he cries out, "We will call the name of this place Jehovah Jireh!"

 Can you catch a little bit of the incredible emotion of that moment?

 My God provides for me! And we must remember that we will never have a need that the Eternal God does not know about. And He has called Himself, Jehovah Jireh, The Eternal God our Provider!

 So when you have a need, why not call out to Him by His name, "Jehovah Jireh!" God, my Provider, I have a need!" We used to sing a little song that said, "Jehovah Jireh, my Provider, His grace is sufficient for me. My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in Glory. He gives His angels charge over me, Jehovah Jireh cares for me."

Jehovah-Nissi

 Then there is Jehovah Nissi. This is found in Exodus 17:15. It literally means "God, my Banner or God my Standard of Victory" In Exodus 17:15 Moses named an Altar he built after this name of God. ("And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi")

Here is the background. The Amalekites had refused to allow the Israelites to pass through their land, so they had to fight. Moses sent Joshua into the valley to fight the battle, while Moses stood on the mountain to hold high the rod of God. The rod was their "standard." In those days, and even now, a standard was used during a battle to give a sense of identity and a gathering point.  It could be a flag, or a banner, or it could be only a high pole. But all the soldiers could see it. It represented victory.

So the next time that you are in heated spiritual warfare, remember that God is Jehovah Nissi. He is The Eternal God, your banner of Victory. We can praise Him with words like, "Thank you Jehovah Nissi, that You always give the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."