Mensa Otabil - Elohim
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We’re continuing our study of the names of God, and today we’re going to focus on one of the names-actually, the first name that is attributable to God-and that word is Elohim.
We read from Genesis chapter 1, verse 1: «In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.» Elohim is the first Hebrew word that is used in reference to God. It’s very important for us to understand that the Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew, and Hebrew was the language of the Israelites. However, Hebrew did not only pertain to the Israelites, as they lived in a certain geographical area and community. Their words were not unique to them; there were other nations and tribes that used similar words, just as the Hebrews did. In the Bible, when discussing creation, the first word used to describe the one who created the heavens and the earth is the word Elohim.
Elohim is not a personal name, but it is a name that reveals who God is. It reveals His majesty and His power. In Genesis chapters 1 and 2, this word Elohim is used about 35 times in reference to God, and all of these instances are related to His creating things. So it’s a very important word that introduces us to God. Occasionally, in the Bible, Elohim is used outside of God the Creator; it is sometimes used to refer to the other deities of the nations around, as well as other supernatural beings like angels, and sometimes even some human beings, like judges.
This is similar to the way we use the word «God,» because when we say «God,» we don’t always mean Almighty God. Sometimes we have a godfather, or a tin god, or the god of music, and these references do not relate to God. So that’s what Elohim is like; it’s a general term that speaks about God in the Bible, but it is sometimes also used for other beings that are not Almighty God. However, predominantly in the Old Testament, you’ll find this word in reference to God-Elohim.
Sometimes that word is used in combination with other words, and we’ll explore that from tomorrow onwards. But the three things I want you to note about Elohim are: first, Elohim is the Creator. He is the originator; He is the cause of all things. He caused the universe to exist; He is the uncreated One who creates all things. That is why, in the act of creation, God is seen as Elohim, the originator- the one who begins all things, the one who owns all things, and the one who brought all things into being. The uncreated One who creates all things is the first thing we understand when talking about God as Elohim.
Secondly, it also means a ruler. God is a ruler; He did not just create things and abandon what He has created. Instead, God is active in what He has created. Other religions may see God as a creator who distances Himself from His creation, but in the Bible, Elohim does not just create and move away. He rules in the affairs of man, so He is present in His creation. He exists outside of it, but He is also present within it. He is the ruler of His creation.
Thirdly, Elohim is the judge of His creation. He determines what is right and what is wrong, so we cannot be in His creation and treat it carelessly as if we originated it. He originates it, He rules it, and He judges it. This is our first introduction to God, and you can see that in the acts of creation in Genesis chapter 1, where God creates and then rules over His creation. The Spirit of God moves upon the face of the waters, and then He makes things, determining day and night, what is good and what is not good. He is a judge; He determines what is right and what is wrong. He is the ruler, still active in His creation, and He is the original One who makes all things. This is our first introduction to this mighty creator we call God, Elohim.
Let’s pray. Say with me: «Heavenly Father, You have created all things by Your power. Help me to always remember that I exist because of You. In Jesus' name, amen.»
Well, that’s our first introduction to Him, and tomorrow we’ll explore another name of God that shows us another dimension of God. I’m Pastor Mensa Otabil. Shalom-peace and life to you.