Mensa Otabil - God the Creator (10/28/2025)
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. That word is Elohim, and 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, much like the Hebrews did. In the Bible, while telling us about creation, the first word used to talk about 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, and in Genesis chapters 1 and 2, this word Elohim is used about 35 times in reference to God, and all of these instances relate to Him 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. Sometimes, even some human beings, like judges, are called Elohim. It is similar to the way we use the word God because when we say God, we don’t always mean Almighty God. Sometimes we refer to a godfather, a tin god, or a god of music, and that is not in reference to God. So, that’s what Elohim is like: it’s a general term that talks about God in the Bible, but it is sometimes also used for things 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 be finding that starting tomorrow.
There are three things I want you to note about Elohim. First, Elohim is the Creator. He’s the originator; He is the cause of all things. He called the universe into existence. 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. So that’s the first thing you learn when talking about God as Elohim.
Second, it also means a ruler. God is a ruler. God did not just create things and abandon what He has created, but God is active in what He has created. You know, there are other religions that see God as a creator who has taken off, uninterested in what is happening now. However, in the Bible, Elohim does not just create and then move away from creation; He rules in the affairs of men. He’s present in His creation; He’s outside of it but also present in it. He is the ruler of creation.
Thirdly, Elohim is the judge of His creation. He determines what is right and what is wrong, and so we cannot be in His creation and treat it anyhow as if we originated it. He originates it, He rules it, and He judges it. That is our first introduction to God, seen in the acts of creation in Genesis chapter 1, where God creates, and then He rules over the creation. The Spirit of God moves upon the face of the waters, and then He makes things; He determines day and night, what is good and what is not good. He is the judge who determines what is right and what is not, while He remains the ruler, still active in His creation as the original one who makes all things. That 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.