SHAPE YOUR FUTURE TODAY

od 1.1: Elohim, God of Creation

Introduction

This course, Who Is God?, is the first in a series of three books about God. It has been written and
copyrighted (© 2013) by Richard N. Ady for World English Institute, 1525 NW Division St., Gresham,
Oregon 97030.

Names are important. Parents of newborn babies carefully select names for their children. In the ancient
Middle East, however, names were even more important than they are today. Every name had a special
meaning. Some people's names were changed to reflect their character.

Throughout Bible history, God gave himself different names, and each name revealed something new
about him that he wanted us to know. There are more than sixty compound names of God in the Bible,
and each name tells us something significant about him.

In this course, we will attempt to learn who God is by examining some of the most important things he
revealed about himself. Trying to understand the character and nature of God is, perhaps, the most
challenging and, at the same time, the most rewarding study a human being can undertake. Such a study
stretches the mind beyond its limits and leaves us with a sense of awe. The more we learn about God,
the more we realize that our finite minds cannot fully comprehend him. Getting acquainted with him
leaves us with a deep sense of reverence, respect, and humility.

In this study, we will listen to God as he speaks to us from his Word. To the degree that we see God as
he is, we see ourselves as we really are. Getting to know God is profoundly beneficial.

Unless specified otherwise, all scripture references in this course are taken from the New International
Version of the Bible.

Now, we invite you to join us as we embark on the most important spiritual journey of our lives—a journey
into the heart and mind of God.

Lesson One

Elohim, God of Creation

The first sentence in the Bible introduces us to God: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the
earth" (Genesis 1:1). This opening statement declares that God existed before the material universe
came into being and that he created everything.

The amazing pictures sent to us by the Hubble space telescope reveal a vast and glorious universe. They
display an endless series of galaxies, many of which are larger than our Milky Way. They reveal stars so
huge that our sun looks like a pea by comparison. One wonders if more galaxies will be discovered when
a larger, more powerful telescope is invented.
The measurements that astronomers use to depict the size of our universe are incomprehensible; yet
God created everything that exists. We stand in awe of him.

The Hebrew word that is translated "God" in the first chapter of Genesis is Elohim (el o hem´). This name
occurs more than 2,500 times in the Bible. Between Genesis 1:1 and 2:4, it occurs thirty-five times. No
other word for God is used in these verses.

The Creation Story

God's creative story begins as follows: "Elohim said, ‘Let there be light,' and there was light. Elohim saw
that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. Elohim called the light day and the
darkness he called night. And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day" (Genesis 1:3-5).

Elohim then brought order out of the chaos. When light shined upon the earth, it revealed disorder. The
Spirit of Elohim was hovering over the waters. With a command, Elohim separated water from water and
put a sky between them. By his infinite power, Elohim caused dry land to rise up and water to run into the
deep places, forming oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and streams. "And Elohim saw that it was good"
(Genesis 1:10).

Then, Elohim created every kind of plant and covered the earth with vegetation. Each plant bore seed
after its kind. There were green grasses, colorful flowers, herbs and vegetables, shrubs and bushes.
There were trees of every description—redwoods, firs, spruce, cedars, junipers, elm trees, maples, oaks,
and aspens. There were trees that produced delicious fruit such as apples, oranges, peaches, cherries,
plums, and pears. Every plant was a work of art. Every plant bore the marks of intelligent design.

Then, Elohim turned on the heavenly lights—the sun to rule the day and the moon and stars to rule the
night. And Elohim saw that it was good (Genesis 1:18).

Elohim said, "Let the water teem with living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the
expanse of the sky" (Genesis 1:20). So Elohim created water animals such as whales, seals, otters,
sharks, and fish of various sizes, shapes, and colors. He also created microscopic animals such as
amoeba, paramecia, and bacteria. The oceans, lakes, and streams were alive with living, moving things.

Elohim created winged birds such as hawks, eagles, parrots, canaries, robins, blue jays, woodpeckers,
wrens, starlings, hummingbirds, doves, chickens, and turkeys. Every bird reproduced after its kind,
and Elohim saw that it was good (Genesis 1:21).

Elohim said, "Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: livestock, creatures that move
along the ground, and wild animals, each according to its kind" (Genesis 1:24). So Elohim made livestock
such as horses, cows, sheep, goats, and camels. He made crawling insects like roaches, beetles,
centipedes, ants, and scorpions. And he made wild animals such as bears, lions, tigers, elephants,
giraffes, deer, elk, and antelope. "And Elohim saw that it was good" (Genesis 1:25).

Finally, Elohim said, "Let us make man in our image, in our likeness" (Genesis 1:26). "Elohim created
man in his own image, in the image of Elohim he created him; male and female he created them"
(Genesis 1:27). "Elohim saw all that he had made, and it was very good" (Genesis 1:31).

Elohim's Awesome Power

The title, Elohim, is closely related to the shorter word El, which means "powerful, mighty, and
strong." El is translated "God" approximately 250 times in the English Bible. In most cases, El is used
when God displays his power in spectacular ways.

For example, in Deuteronomy 10:17, Moses says, "For the Lord your Elohim is El of gods and Lord of
lords, the great El, mighty and awesome." The titles El and Elohim are often used interchangeably, and
both terms emphasize the creative power, glory, strength, greatness, and sovereignty of God.

In the New Testament, the equivalent of Elohim is the Greek word Theos. Speaking to philosophers on
Mars Hill in Athens, the apostle Paul said, "The God [Theos] who made the world and everything in it is
the Lord of heaven and earth" (Acts 17:24). God rules the universe he created. He doesn't need us. We
need him "because he himself gives all men life and breath and everything else" (Acts 17:25). "In him, we
live and move and have our being" (Acts 17:28). God gave us life. We are his offspring, and he is our
God.

It has been said that Elohim brought the cosmos out of chaos, light out of darkness, and life out of death.
By his great power, Elohim created this vast universe that we inhabit. "By faith, we understand that the
universe was formed at God's command so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible"
(Hebrews 11:3). In other words, God created everything out of nothing. He simply spoke, and it was
done. Elohim is a God of awesome power, and it is only right that we should bow before him.

"Elohim," the God of Relationships

It is believed that the word Elohim is also related to the Hebrew word, Alah, which means "to swear." If so,
the name Elohim tells us that God ratifies his promises and agreements with an oath. When he makes a
promise, he is bound by oath to keep it. Elohim is the God who makes covenants. When the ancient world
became corrupt and violent, and people thought only about evil things all the time, God made a covenant
with Noah. " Elohim said to Noah, ‘I am going to put an end to all people; for the earth is filled with
violence because of them'" (Genesis 6:13). "But I will establish my covenant with you" (Genesis 6:18). As
a reminder of the agreement that Elohim had made with Noah, he put a rainbow in the cloud (Genesis
9:14-15).

Later, Elohim established a covenant with Abraham. When Abraham was ninety-nine years old, God said
to him, "I am God Almighty; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant between me
and you and will greatly increase your numbers" (Genesis 17:1-2). "I will establish my covenant as an
everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for generations to come"
(Genesis 17:7).

By making covenants with his people, God demonstrated that he wanted a loving relationship with them.
A covenant is a mutual agreement between two parties—an agreement that involves conditions and
promises. It was God who initiated covenants with human beings because he sought a loving relationship
with them.

"Elohim," the God Who Keeps His Promises

In the New Testament, we read: "When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one
greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself, saying, ‘I will surely bless you and give you many
descendants.' And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised" (Hebrews 6:13-15).
God never forgets his promises. Again and again, we read that Elohim remembered.
"Elohim remembered Noah" (Genesis 8:1). "Elohim remembered Abraham" (Genesis 19:29).
"Elohim remembered Rachel" (Genesis 30:22). When the Israelites groaned under Egyptian bondage and
cried out to God, "Elohim heard their groaning, and he remembered his covenant with Abraham, with
Isaac, and Jacob" (Exodus 2:24). So he sent Moses to Egypt to deliver his people from slavery.

Whenever God makes an agreement with us, he remembers his promises, and he fulfills them.

In the New Testament, the apostle Paul says that our faith rests "on the hope of eternal life, which God,
who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time" (Titus 1:2-3).

It is reassuring to know that God does not lie. Our hope for eternal life is based upon his promises. We
don't have to wonder if there is life after death. God said there is, and he does not lie.

"Elohim" Is a Source of Strength in Time of Trouble

The Bible portrays Elohim as a source of strength when we are weak and burdened by problems:

"Elohim is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble" (Psalm 46:1).

"My flesh and my heart may fail, but Elohim is the strength of my heart and my portion forever" (Psalm
73:26).

"I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my Elohim in whom I trust'" (Psalm 91:2).

"I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker
of heaven and earth. He will not let your foot slip—he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he
… will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand;
the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm—he will
watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore" (Psalm
121).

Life is full of troubles, and we can't escape them. But, when we are burdened with problems; when we are
grieving over the death of a loved one; when we lose our job and can't feed our family; when our child is
sick and we can't afford medicine; when our home is destroyed by fire or flood, and we are homeless;
when our teen-age son becomes addicted to alcohol or drugs and won't talk about it; when our aged
mother gets dementia and can't remember our name; when our sister gets cancer and is given six months
to live; when our mate leaves us for another lover; when we are overwhelmed by trouble and don't know
where to turn for help, let us put our faith in Elohim. He is our source of strength.

"Lift your eyes and look at the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by
one, and calls them each by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is
missing" (Isaiah 40:26).

"Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting Elohim, the Creator of the ends of
the earth. … He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak" (Isaiah 40:28-29).
"Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord, our maker; for he is our Elohim and we
are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care" (Psalm 95:6). Elohim, our Creator, is worthy of our
praise.

We find comfort and blessing in the name Elohim. This name reminds us of God's power, glory, and
undying love. It reminds us that he is a God of covenant relationships—a God who is faithful to his
pledges—a God who invites us to be his people (Jeremiah 31:33).

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

God 1.2: Yahweh, Eternal Lord

Lesson Two

Yahweh, Eternal Lord

We can learn much about the nature and character of God from his names.

In the first chapter of Genesis, God is called Elohim, meaning "God" or "the Divine Being." He is seen as
the powerful creator of the universe—the God who makes covenants with his people and who keeps his
promises.

In the second chapter of Genesis, we come to the name Yahweh, God's personal name. The
name Yahweh reveals to us qualities in God that are not seen in the name Elohim. It shows us that the
God of creation is also the righteous, self-existent Lord.

We must know God as the righteous Yahweh in order to understand who he is.

The name Yahweh occurs 6,823 times in the Bible. It is, by far, the most common name for God. This is
the name that tells us more about God's nature and character than any other.

Our Introduction to Yahweh

We first encounter the name Yahweh in Genesis 2:4 where the names Yahweh and Elohim are joined
together. In this verse, it is said that "the Lord God [Yahweh Elohim] made the earth and the heavens."
Then, in Genesis 2:7, we read, "Yahweh Elohim formed the man from the dust of the ground and
breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being."

The names Yahweh and Elohim are used together eleven times in the second chapter of Genesis and
eight times in chapter three. Both names refer to the one God of the Bible.

The Bible makes it clear that there is only one true God. Speaking to the Israelites, Moses said, "Hear, O
Israel: The Lord [Yahweh] our God [Elohim], the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart
and with all your soul and with all your strength" (Deuteronomy 6:4-5). Yahweh and Elohim are two
names of one God. The oneness of God is affirmed throughout the Bible.
Speaking through the prophet Isaiah, God said, "I am the Lord [Yahweh]; that is my name" (Isaiah 42:8).
"I am the first and the last; apart from me, there is no God [Elohim]" (Isaiah 44:6). "I am Yahweh], and
there is no other; apart from me, there is no Elohim" (Isaiah 45:5).

God declares that he is the one true and living God.

Righteous Yahweh Wants Us to Be Like Him

When the name Yahweh enters the picture in Genesis 2:4, something new is revealed about God.
Whereas Elohim blessed the man and woman he had created (Genesis 1:28), Yahweh Elohim gives a
command. He says to the man, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat
from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it, you will surely die" (Genesis 2:16-
17). God placed one restriction upon the man.

Yahweh Elohim created the man in his own likeness (morally upright and holy), and he expected the man
to trust him enough to obey his commands. His command was simple, clear, and good. But Adam and
Eve ignored God's command and followed the advice of Satan.

When Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit, God confronted them with their sin, stated their punishment,
and expelled them from the Garden of Eden. Outside the Garden, thorns sprang up, and Adam had to
work hard to grow food. Eve suffered pain in childbirth. Ultimately, both of them died, and their bodies
returned to the dust from which they came.

Even while pronouncing judgment on his disobedient humans, however, the righteous Yahweh gave them
a glimmer of hope. He promised that a descendant of the woman would crush Satan's head (Genesis
3:15). The forces of evil would ultimately be defeated.

This is the way Yahweh is introduced to us in the Bible. We cannot understand the true nature of God
unless we understand that he is good, pure, righteous, morally upright, and that he expects his people to
be like him. Yahweh is a God of righteousness and judgment.

Yahweh's Tough Love

Perhaps we should compare God's tough love with the love of good earthly parents. Good parents love
their children unconditionally. That is, their love is constant and sincere regardless of the mistakes, faults,
and failures of their offspring. Yet, their love is expressed in various ways depending on their children's
behavior. When a child rebels against their directives and challenges their parental authority, good
parents discipline the child for the child's sake. Appropriate discipline is essential to molding character.
Good parents want their children to grow up to be good, respectable, law-abiding adults. Parents who
never discipline their children simply enable them in their wrongdoing.

In Hebrews 12:6, 10-11, we read, "The Lord disciplines those he loves. … God disciplines us for our own
good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on,
however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

God cares how we turn out. He disciplines us when we go astray because he loves us. He doesn't want
us to follow a path that leads to destruction. He doesn't want us to get hurt, and he doesn't want us to hurt
others. So he disciplines us for our own good. A righteous God cannot let sin go unchecked.
Yahweh Grieves When We Sin

God is not a hard-hearted tyrant who delights in punishing us when we go astray. To the contrary, he
grieves. He hurts. He suffers when we reject him and refuse to listen to his instructions.

During the time of Noah, "Yahweh saw how great man's wickedness on the earth had become, and that
every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil all the time. Yahweh was grieved that he had
made man on the earth, and his heart was filled with pain" (Genesis 6:5-6).

Consequently, the Lord God (Yahweh Elohim) cleansed the world of sin and made a covenant with
righteous Noah. He promised that he would never destroy the world by water again, and he put a rainbow
in the cloud as a reminder of that covenant.

Can you imagine how the Lord is grieving today? The modern world is a lot like the world in which Noah
lived. Our newspapers carry stories of rape, robbery, domestic violence, drug addiction, human trafficking,
beatings, greed, corruption, murder, and such like. Millions of people in our world have turned away from
God and are indulging their sensual appetites and their lust for fame and power. Billions are living as if
God did not exist, and the heart of our righteous Yahweh is breaking. The prospect of breaking God's
heart should be a strong deterrent to sin. It should help us guard against the temptations of the Evil One.

Yahweh Speaks from a Burning Bush

One day, Moses was herding Jethro's sheep on the side of Mount Sinai when he saw a bush that was on
fire, but it was not consumed. When Yahweh saw that Moses was coming over to look, Elohim called to
him from within the bush, "Moses! Moses!"

Moses replied, "Here I am" (Exodus 3:4).

Elohim said, "Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground" (Exodus 3:5).

Then Elohim said, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of
Jacob" (Exodus 3:6).

When Moses heard this, he covered his face because he was afraid to look at God.

Yahweh said, "I have indeed seen the misery of my people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out
because of their slave drivers, and I am concerned about their suffering. So I have come down to rescue
them from the hand of the Egyptians. … So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the
Israelites, out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:7-8, 10).

Moses replied, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus
3:11).

Moses had been born in Egypt. He had been reared as a prince in Pharaoh's palace. He had received the
best education the world had to offer. But now, Moses is in exile. For forty years, he has lived in the
desert herding Jethro's sheep, and his self-confidence is gone. He feels inadequate, and he asks, "Who
am I?"
Most of us ask that question when we are confronted by a huge challenge. We don't feel qualified.

When Moses made excuses, Yahweh said to him, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12). When God asks us
to do something, he does not let us walk alone. He promises to be with us. He empowers us. He enables
us. He works through us to accomplish things that are humanly impossible. Moses said to God, "Suppose
I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me,
'What is his name?' then what shall I tell them?" (Exodus 3:14).

God replied, "I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: 'I AM has sent me to you.'"

Then, God said to Moses, "Say to the Israelites, 'Yahweh … has sent me to you.' This is my name
forever, the name by which I am to be remembered from generation to generation" (Exodus 3:15).

The Meaning of the Name "Yahweh"

The name Yahweh comes from the Hebrew word, havah, which means, "to be." Thus, the
name Yahweh implies that God is self-existent. The name Yahweh is virtually identical to the Hebrew
word that is translated, "I AM." He is the One who has life in himself, and he is the source of all life,
energy, and power.

Notice that Moses asked God two important questions: (1) "Who am I?" and (2) "What is your name?"
That is, "Who are you?" We cannot clearly understand who we are until we know who God is and what he
can do through us. Once Moses realized that God was with him and that God would empower him, Moses
went forth to confront the most powerful political leader on earth, and he freed God's people from
Egyptian bondage. God is still setting us free today.

Yahweh Lives in the Present

Yahweh is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He lives in the eternal present. That is the meaning of
his name.

Today, many people believe that God worked wonders in the past and accomplished great things through
Noah, Abraham, and Moses. Yet, they don't realize that God is still alive and active today.

Do you believe that God can work through you? Do you believe that he can use you to change the world?
Do you believe that he can transform you into his likeness? Do you believe that he can comfort you when
you are sad, strengthen you when you are weak, and give you courage when you are paralyzed by fear?
Do you believe that he is with you and that he is calling you to go and deliver people from spiritual
bondage? Do you believe that God is a God of the present? Or do you believe he is a God of history
only?

Yahweh Reveals Himself

Yahweh wants us to know that he is alive—that he is holy—that he expects us to be holy, too. He wants
us to know that he grieves when we turn away from him and disregard his instructions. He wants us to
know that he loves everyone and doesn't want anyone to be destroyed by evil. He is the God who sends
us forth as agents of light in a world of spiritual darkness.
When we go forth as his ambassadors, armed with his presence and power, Yahweh wants us to know
that the Devil and all his demons cannot stop us from accomplishing what he has sent us to do. He is
calling us to be his people and to represent him to others.

Those who respond to his call are blessed with a life that is rich, full, and meaningful. When his servants
come to the end of life's journey, and they look back on their efforts to bring honor and glory to God, they
will be surprised to see what God has done through them. The victory over evil belongs to Yahweh.

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

God 1.3: El Elyon, God Most High

Lesson Three

El Elyon, God Most High

The third biblical name of God is El Elyon. The term El was commonly used in ancient times with
reference to deity. El suggests power and majesty. It appears in the Old Testament 238 times.

The term Elyon (El e on´) means "most high," "supreme," or "most loved." When El and Elyon are
combined into a single name, they refer to the one true God who is the highest of all beings. He is the
God who is above us. He is the God we can love and trust.

The name El Elyon first appears in Genesis 14:18, where Melchizedek, the king of Salem, is called "priest
of God Most High [El Elyon]." The story of Melchizedek comes at the conclusion of a war between kings.
Let us review this story from the beginning.

Abram Moves from Haran to Canaan

When Abram (or Abraham) was seventy-five years old, God told him to leave Haran and go to a land that
he would show him. So Abram left Haran and journeyed to the land of Canaan. Abram took with him his
wife Sarai, his nephew Lot, and all their possessions.

When they came to the tree of Moreh in Shechem, Abram built an altar for the Lord (Genesis 12:6-7).
When they camped in the hill country between Bethel and Ai, Abram built another altar and worshiped
God (Genesis 12:8). When he later returned to this place between Bethel and Ai, Abram again worshiped
God (Genesis 13:4). Virtually everywhere he went, Abram built a stone altar and worshiped the Lord.

With the passing of time, Abram became very rich. His sheep and goats multiplied, and he acquired silver
and gold. Abram's nephew Lot also had large flocks. Finally, there was not enough grass for the animals
to eat, and quarreling broke out between Abram's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot. Abram said to Lot,
"Let's not have any quarreling between you and me, or between your herdsmen and mine, for we are
brothers. Is not the whole land before you? Let's part company. If you go to the left, I'll go to the right; if
you go to the right, I'll go to the left" (Genesis 13:8-9).

Lot Moves to Sodom

Lot looked around and saw that the Jordan Valley had plenty of water. At that time, the Jordan Valley was
like the garden of God. It was a good land similar to the Nile Delta in Egypt. So Lot chose for himself the
Jordan valley without thinking about God's purposes or the corruptive influence of evil cities.

So, the two men separated. Abram moved his tents to the big trees of Mamre at Hebron, and there, he
built an altar to the Lord. Lot traveled east. At first, he lived among the cities of the Jordan plain. Then, he
pitched his tent near Sodom. Finally, he moved into Sodom and lived there with his wife and two
daughters (Genesis 14:12). "Now the men of Sodom were wicked and were sinning greatly against the
Lord" (Genesis 13:13). Lot should have known that this city would not provide a wholesome environment
for his family.

Lot acted on impulse and based his choices on beauty and perceived opportunity. He adopted the world's
standards of value and success without thinking about God or considering the impact his decisions would
have on his wife and daughters.

The First War in Recorded History

About that time, Kedorlaomer and three other kings from the east came to punish the cities in the valley
around the Dead Sea. For twelve years, the kings of Sodom, Gomorrah, Admah, Zeboiim, and Bela had
served Kedorlaomer. But in the thirteenth year, they rebelled against him. The following year,
Kedorlaomer and his allies came to make war on the kings.

The kings of the Valley joined forces to fight against Kedorlaomer, but the invading army overwhelmed
them, and they fled to the hills. The enemy then raided Sodom and Gomorrah, seized the people, and
took their food, clothing, and possessions. Among those who were captured were Lot and his family.

A man who escaped from Sodom went to Abram and told him what had happened. When Abram heard
that Lot had been captured, he called together 318 of his servants, who were trained soldiers. Abram and
his small militia chased the enemy as far as the town of Dann—a town about 140 miles north of Hebron.

That night, Abram divided his men into groups, attacked the enemy troops from all sides, and defeated
them so soundly that they left everything and fled. Abram's men chased the fleeing soldiers all the way to
Hobah, north of Damascus. Then Abram returned and brought back the women, the servants, Lot, and all
the goods that Kedorlaomer had taken from Sodom and Gomorrah.

Two Kings Go Out to Meet Abram

Abram was on his way home from the battle when he was met by two kings: the king of Sodom, and the
king of Salem.

First, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh—a valley just north of Salem. This
king wanted to bargain with Abram, but before he could state his terms, King Melchizedek came out to
meet Abram.

In Genesis 14:18-19, we read, "Melchizedek, king of Salem [Jerusalem], brought out bread and wine. He
was priest of God Most High [El Elyon], and he blessed Abram, saying, 'Blessed be Abram by God Most
High, creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High who delivered your enemies into your
hand.'"
The Hebrew word that is translated as "creator" literally means "possessor." God Most High possesses
heaven and earth. People of all races, tongues, and nations belong to him. He created everything, and
everything belongs to him. In the words of the prophet Daniel, "The Most High is sovereign over the
kingdoms of men" (Daniel 4:25).

The words of Melchizedek made a deep impression upon Abram. Abram had discovered something new
about God. When the king of Sodom said to Abram, "Give me the people, and keep the goods for
yourself" (Genesis 14:21), Abram refused his offer and quoted Melchizedek almost word for word.

Abram said to the king of Sodom, "I have raised my hand to the Lord, God Most High, creator of heaven
and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you, not even a thread or a
thong of a sandal so that you will never be able to say, 'I made Abram rich'" (Genesis 14:22-24).

The king of Sodom was not offering Abram a mere wagonload of food. Abram had brought back the spoils
of two prosperous cities. There were large herds of cattle, sheep, goats, camels, and donkeys. There
were farm implements, wagons, weapons, trunks full of clothing, quality furniture, and treasure chests full
of diamonds, pearls, jewels, silver, and gold. But Abram wanted none of these things for himself. He gave
up this huge fortune because he wanted to give credit to God, not to a godless king.

Where did Abram get the strength to resist such a temptation? How did he detach himself from this
world's goods? He got his strength from Melchizedek's revelation about who God is. God is El Elyon (God
Most High), creator and owner of the universe. All the goods that had been taken from Sodom and
Gomorrah belonged to God, and Abram trusted El Elyon to meet all of his needs.

The Contrast Between the Two Kings

Notice the contrast between the two kings. The king of Sodom had lost everything. He had nothing left
with which to bargain. Abram had every right to keep the booty he had taken in battle. The king of Sodom
had no right to ask Abram for anything, yet he said to Abram, "Give me the people."

It seems that the king was more concerned about himself than he was about his people. Without the
people, he would have no kingdom and no one to rule.

The king of Sodom was not a godly man. Under his leadership, the people of Sodom had become
notoriously violent and morally corrupt. No wonder Abram didn't want to bargain with him or to accept
even a thread or a sandal thong from his hand.

By contrast, Melchizedek came out to meet Abram, and he asked for nothing. Instead, he gave Abram
bread and wine and blessed him in the name of God Most High. He reminded Abram that it was God who
had given him the victory over his enemies. It was not Abram's tiny band of household servants who, by
themselves, defeated the four powerful kings from the east. It was not Abram's military genius that led
them to victory. It was God Most High who had given Abram the victory over vastly superior forces.

Melchizedek's words remind us that God is able to do things that are humanly impossible (Matthew
19:26). This story also reminds us that El Elyon is the universal God who rules all nations. Melchizedek
was not a member of the Hebrew race. He was a Canaanite, yet he was a priest of El Elyon, the one true
God who is also known as Elohim and Yahweh.

Abram
There is also a sharp contrast between Abram and Lot. Abram was a God-serving man. When God told
him to leave Haran, he left. Everywhere he went, he worshiped God. When grass became scarce, he
unselfishly gave Lot his choice of the land. When he and his servant-soldiers defeated Kedorlaomer, he
gave God the credit. When the king of Sodom offered to let him keep the goods he had taken in battle, he
refused to keep them. Abram put his trust in God.

Are you well-off financially? Do you own a successful business? Do you have a high-paying job? Have
you risen from poverty to riches? If so, to whom do you give the credit for your success? Abram gave God
the credit, and God made Abram one of the greatest men who ever lived.

Where do we put our trust? How would we respond if our house burned down? If we lost everything in a
flood? If we lost our job? If the world were plunged into a financial depression? Would we despair? Or
would we put our trust in God Most High and find the peace that defies understanding?

Lot

In contrast to Abram, Lot was a self-serving man. When Abram told him to choose his portion of the land,
Lot chose the best part. He moved to the beautiful Jordan Valley. Even though Lot was a good man (2
Peter 2:7), he pitched his tent near Sodom and finally moved into the city even though it was notoriously
wicked. Perhaps Lot thought living in Sodom would benefit him financially.

But Sodom fell, and Lot was taken away as a captive. Abram rescued him, but Abram gave the spoils to
the king of Sodom. That may have left Lot with nothing. Still, Lot moved back into Sodom.

Finally, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah became so evil that God was forced by his righteousness to
destroy them. Two angels of God went to Sodom and ordered Lot and his family to get out of town. When
they hesitated, the angels grabbed their hands and led them out. The angels said, "Flee for your lives!
Don't look back, and don't stop anywhere in the plain. Flee to the mountains, or you will be swept away!"
(Genesis 19:17).

As Lot and his family approached Zoar, "the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah"
and destroyed the cities (Genesis 19:24). That day, Lot lost his wife. She looked back at Sodom, perhaps
longingly, and was turned into a pillar of salt.

Lot and his two daughters settled in the mountains and lived in a cave. One night, the daughters gave
their father wine to drink and made him drunk. The older daughter lay with him and got pregnant by her
father. The next night, the daughters made their father drunk again. This time, the younger daughter lay
with her father and conceived a son. The corruptive influences of Sodom had taken their toll. In the end,
Lot was a miserable failure as a husband and a father, all because he had pursued his own selfish
interests and had failed to submit to God Most High.

The contrast between Abram and Lot is clear. Abram was "God-sufficient," and Lot was "self-sufficient."
Or so he thought. Abram was blessed, and Lot was disgraced. Living under the rule of God Most High
pays rich dividends both now and forever.

Now that we know God as El Elyon, we sing with David, "I will give thanks to the Lord because of his
righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High" (Psalm 7:17).

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

God 1.4: Adonai, Master

Lesson Four

Adonai, Master

Students of English literature are often asked to memorize William Ernest Henley's poem, "Invictus." The
poem ends with these words: "I am the master of my fate; I am the captain of my soul."

With all due respect to Henley, the independent spirit expressed in "Invictus" shows that the author did
not understand who God is. Henley contracted tuberculosis at the age of twelve. He lost one of his legs at
the age of seventeen. He fought a valiant battle with tuberculosis all of his life. Sadly, he refused to
acknowledge God as his Master, and he thus deprived himself of God's spiritual strength.

The Names of God

Thus far in our study, God has revealed himself as Elohim, the powerful and glorious God of creation;
as Yahweh, the self-existent, righteous, and holy Lord who transforms his people into his likeness; and
as El Elyon, God Most High, who takes good care of those who trust him. These names help us
understand who God is. They give us glimpses of his nature and character.

The name Adonai (Ädon i´) gives us another clue to God's identity, and it helps us understand our
relationship to God.

The Meaning of Adonai

The name Adonai is used with reference to God about 300 times in the Old Testament and is translated
as "Lord." Literally, Adonai is a plural word meaning "Lords." We will explore this mystery in a later lesson.

When referring to a man, the word is always singular, adon. The word adon is found in the Old Testament
about 215 times and is translated as "master," "sir," "lord," and "owner." Sometimes, it refers to a man's
relationship with his wife.

The name Adonai signifies ownership. It states that God is the owner of all that exists because he is the
Creator. It affects us personally more than any other name because it reveals our relationship to God. He
is our Master, and we are his servants.

Adonai and Abram

The name Adonai first appears in Genesis 15:2. Abram had rescued Lot and his family from the armies of
Kedorlaomer. Abram and his men had returned to their homes at Hebron.

It seems that Abram's victory was followed by a period of depression. He was afraid he would never be a
father.
One night, God said to Abram in a vision, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great
reward" (Genesis 15:1).

Abram answered, "O Sovereign Lord [Adonai Yahweh], what can you give me since I remain childless,
and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus? You have given me no children; so a
servant in my household will be my heir" (Genesis 15:2-3).

Notice that Abram addressed God as Adonai (Lord or Master), then mildly rebuked God for not fulfilling
his promise. That is absurd. A servant does not rebuke his master.

The Lord replied, "This man [Eliezer] will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be
your heir" (Genesis 15:4). Then God led Abram outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the
stars—if indeed you can count them … So shall your offspring be" (Genesis 15:5).

Abram believed the Lord, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15: 6). Abram
believed that the Master of the universe was able to give Sarai and him a child in their old age.

Adonai and Moses

Later, when Yahweh commissioned Moses to go to Egypt and deliver the Hebrew slaves from bondage,
Moses addressed him as Adonai. As we noted in Lesson Two, Moses made a number of excuses, but
God rejected all of them. Moses said, "O Adonai, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor
since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue" (Exodus 4:10). Here, Moses
refers to God as Adonai acknowledging his lordship. Then, he refuses to obey him. This, too, is self-
contradictory.

The Lord said, "Who gave man his mouth? … Is it not I, the Lord? Now go; I will help you speak and will
teach you what to say" (Exodus 4:11-12).

Moses said, "But Adonai, please send someone else to do it" (Exodus 4:13).

At this point, God became angry with Moses. In his anger, God gave Aaron to Moses to be his
mouthpiece.

How many times have we made God angry when we call him "Lord" and then refused to obey him?

Adonai and David

One day, the prophet Nathan came to David and said, "The Lord declares to you that the Lord himself will
establish a house for you. … Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will
be established forever" (2 Samuel 7:11, 16).

Think how David's heart must have leaped with joy when he heard Nathan's words. David had grown up
as a simple shepherd boy. Now, God has promised to establish his family and his throne forever.

David could not believe his ears. He confessed his humble background and acknowledged his own
unworthiness. He realized that it was God who had made him king, and it was God who had kept him
alive. David was speechless. He could only praise God as Adonai, the Supreme Master who alone is
worthy of our unreserved trust, submission, obedience, and praise.

David prayed, "Who am I, O Sovereign Lord [Adonai Yahweh], and what is my family that you have
brought me this far? And as if this were not enough in your sight, O Adonai Yahweh, you have also
spoken about the future of the house of your servant. Is this your usual way of dealing with man,
O Adonai Yahweh?" (2 Samuel 7:18-19). "How great you are, O Adonai Yahweh! There is no one like
you, and there is no God but you" (2 Samuel 7:22). The prayer goes on for seven more verses.

Seven times in one prayer, David called God Adonai Yahweh. David, the King, recognized the Lord as his
Master. God is the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Adonai in the Psalms

In Psalm 8, David wrote, "O Yahweh, our Adonai, how majestic is your name in all the earth!" (Psalm 8:1).
Praying to Yahweh Adonai, he said, "When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon
and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him?" (Psalm 8:3-4).

In Psalm 97, the psalmist wrote, "The mountains melt like wax before Yahweh, before the Adonai of all
the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory" (Psalm 97:5-6). In
these Psalms, Adonai is the Master of all the earth.

Adonai Calls Isaiah to Ministry

After King Uzziah died, young Isaiah went into the temple, probably to pray. There, he saw a vision
of Adonai. Isaiah writes, "I saw the Lord [Adonai] seated on a throne, high and exalted, and the train of his
robe filled the temple. Above him were seraphs, each with six wings: With two wings, they covered their
faces; with two, they covered their feet; and with two, they were flying. And they were calling to one
another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty, the whole earth is full of his glory.' At the sound of their
voices, the door posts and thresholds shook, and the temple was filled with smoke" (Isaiah 6:1-4).

Isaiah cried, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of
unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Adonai Almighty" (Isaiah 6:5).

Then, one of the seraphs flew to Isaiah with a live coal in his hand. He had taken the coal with tongs from
the altar. With it, he touched Isaiah's mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken
away, and your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:6-7).

Then, Isaiah heard the voice of Adonai saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"

Isaiah replied, "Here am I. Send me" (Isaiah 6:8). Isaiah had seen the glory and holiness of Adonai, his
Master. Filled with awe, he was quick to respond to the Lord's command. When we catch a glimpse of
God as he really is, we respond as Isaiah did.

Adonai and Jeremiah

When Jeremiah was a young man, the word of the Lord came to him saying, "Before I formed you in the
womb, I knew you; before you were born, I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations"
(Jeremiah 1:5).
Jeremiah said, "Ah Sovereign Lord [Adonai Yahweh], I do not know how to speak; I am only a child"
(Jeremiah 1:6). The Lord replied, "Do not say, 'I am only a child.' You must go to everyone I send you to
and say whatever I command you. Do not be afraid of them, for I am with you and will rescue you"
(Jeremiah 1:7-8).

Then, the Lord reached out and touched Jeremiah's mouth and said, "Now, I have put my words in your
mouth. See, today I appoint you over the nations and kingdoms to uproot and tear down, to destroy and
overthrow, to build and to plant" (Jeremiah 1:9-10).

Thus, God sent Jeremiah out as a prophet to the nations, promising to be with him and to put words in his
mouth. When Adonai calls us to service, he equips us to carry out our mission.

Adonai and Ezekiel

Ezekiel prophesied at a time when Israel was in revolt against God. On the River Kebar, the heavens
opened, and Ezekiel saw visions of God (Ezekiel 1:1, 3). The Spirit of God came into him and told him to
speak to the rebellious Israelites in the name of Adonai Yahweh (Ezekiel 2:3).

The name Adonai appears some 200 times in the prophecies of Ezekiel. These prophecies are directed to
Ammon, Babylon, Edom, Egypt, Moab, Philistia, Sidon, and Tyre, as well as to Israel. Ezekiel, like
Jeremiah, reveals that Adonai is the Master of all nations. Again and again, Ezekiel says, "This is what
the Sovereign Lord [Adonai Yahweh] says" (Ezekiel 13:8), and "Then you will know that I am the
Sovereign Lord [Adonai Yahweh]" (Ezekiel 13:9).

Adonai and Daniel

The prophet Daniel portrays Adonai as the Lord of all nations. In Daniel chapter nine, the
name Adonai appears ten times in seventeen verses. In this chapter, Daniel confesses Israel's
unfaithfulness and asks Adonai for forgiveness and restoration. Daniel prays, "O Adonai, the great and
awesome God who keeps his covenant of love with all who love him and keep his commands, we have
sinned and done wrong" (Daniel 9:4-5).

It was against Adonai (Master) that Israel had sinned, and it was from Adonai that Daniel sought
forgiveness: "O Adonai, listen! O Adonai, forgive! O my God, do not delay" (Daniel 9:19).

The Husband-Wife Relationship

In ancient times, a wife called her husband adon. That suggests that Adonai is not only Master of all
nations but also the God who loves his people as a good husband loves his wife. The love between
newlyweds on their honeymoon is symbolic of the holy love between Adonai and his people. Language
cannot express the beauty of our relationship with our loving God when we are right with him.

Conclusion

Many people in the world do what they want, say what they want, think as they want, and believe what
they want—without a thought of God as their Master. They say, "We own our lips—who is our master?"
(Psalm 12:4). They consider bowing before God degrading and a sign of weakness. They identify with
Frank Sinatra's, "My Way." There are five stanzas, and each ends with the words, "I did it my way." Such
independence is a denial of Adonai who loves us, who takes care of us, who gives us a life that is filled
with purpose and meaning.s

Those who know God as Adonai acknowledge him as Master and think of themselves as his servants.
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, David, and Paul—all identified themselves as servants of God. The way
to be truly great is to be a humble servant (Matthew 20:26).

Throughout the Bible, the Lord [Adonai] is the Master who calls us to service, who promises to be with us,
and who equips us for our mission. He loves us as a good husband loves his wife. He showers blessings
upon us, and ultimately, he will give us a glorious home with him in heaven.

True liberty is found in being a servant of God.

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

God 1.5: El Shaddai, God Almighty

Lesson Five

El Shaddai, God Almighty

In Genesis 17, God appears to Abram and reveals that he is the God who does things that are
scientifically impossible. Here, we discover the fifth name of God. The Lord said to Abram, "I am God
Almighty [El Shaddai]" (Genesis 17:1).

The literal meaning of El Shaddai (El Shad di´) is "God all-powerful and all-sufficient." He has the power
to bring nations from the dead womb of an old woman who has never been able to have children. El
Shaddai is in control of the universe he created.

Listen to what God said to Abram: "When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and
said, 'I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my covenant
between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers'" – Genesis 17:1-2.

These words must have troubled Abram. God had been promising him a child for twenty-four years, and
he was still childless. To understand Abram's frustration, we must go back to the twelfth chapter of
Genesis and review the story of his life.

God's Call and Promise

Abram's wife Sarai was barren. She was a beautiful woman, but she was not able to have children. In
ancient cultures, failing to bear children for one's husband was catastrophic. In those days, it was
customary for a man to divorce his wife if she was barren.

When Abram was seventy-five years old, God said to him, "Leave your country, your people, and your
father's household and go to the land that I will show you. I will make you into a great nation" (Genesis
12:1-2). So Abram left Haran and took Sarai and his nephew Lot to the land of Canaan. There, God
spoke to him and said, "I will make your offspring like the dust of the earth, so that if anyone could count
the dust, then your offspring could be counted" (Genesis 13:16). Can you imagine Abram's excitement
upon hearing these words? Abram believed that God was able to give him a child even though he and his
wife were getting old.

Abram's Faith Is Tested

Time passed by, and Abram became discouraged. He and Sarai were in their late seventies, and they still
had no children.

To bolster Abram's spirits, God came to Abram one night and promised to give him a son. Abram
believed the Lord, and God credited his faith to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). More time passed
by, and Abram's faith was severely tested.

Sarai's Faith Falters

When Abram was eighty-five, and Sarai was seventy-five, they were still childless. They had waited ten
long years for God to fulfill his promise. At this point, Sarai concluded that she was too old to have a baby,
so she decided to give God a helping hand.

Sarai had an Egyptian servant girl by the name of Hagar, and she decided to use Hagar as a surrogate
mother. This was a common practice in the ancient Middle East. She said to Abram, "The Lord has kept
me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family through her"
(Genesis 16:2).

Abram did what his wife suggested. He slept with Hagar, and she conceived.

When Hagar realized that she was pregnant, she became proud and looked down on Sarai. A serious rift
developed between the two women, and in her anger, Sarai blamed her husband. Instead of defending
himself, Abram treated Sarai kindly.

When Abram was eighty-six years of age, Hagar gave birth to a baby boy, and Abram named him
Ishmael.

Enter El Shaddai

Now fast-forward thirteen years. This brings us back to Genesis 17. Thirteen years have passed since the
birth of Ishmael. Abram is now ninety-nine years old, and Sarai is eighty-nine, far too old to have a baby
according to natural law. Abram and Sarai both believed that Ishmael was the only child they would ever
have. They thought that Sarai's chances of giving birth to a baby at the age of eighty-nine were practically
zero.

Then, God appeared to Abram and repeated the promise he had been making for twenty-four years. He
said to Abram, "I am God Almighty [El Shaddai]; walk before me and be blameless. I will confirm my
covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers" (Genesis 17:1-2).

Abram fell on his face. God said to him, "No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham
[meaning "father of many"], for I have made you the father of many nations. … I will establish my
covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and your descendants after you" (Genesis 17:5, 7).
After explaining the terms of the covenant, God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you will no
longer call her Sarai; her name will be Sarah [meaning "princess"]. I will bless her and will surely give you
a son by her. I will bless her so that she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will come from her"
(Genesis 17:15-16).

Abraham laughed to himself and thought, "Will a son be born to a man a hundred years old? Will Sarah
bear a child at the age of ninety?" Abraham said to God, "If only Ishmael might live under your blessing!"
(Genesis 17:17-18).

God replied, "Yes, but your wife Sarah will bear you a son, and you will call him Isaac. I will establish my
covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his descendants after him" (Genesis 17:19).

Nothing Is Too Hard for God

A short time later, the Lord appeared to Abraham again. He said, "I will surely return to you about this
time next year, and Sarah your wife will have a son" (Genesis 18:10). Sarah was listening at the entrance
of the tent behind him. She laughed to herself and thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will
I now have this pleasure?" (Genesis 18:12).

Knowing what Sarah was thinking, the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really
have a child, now that I am old?' Is anything too hard for the Lord? I will return to you at the appointed
time next year, and Sarah will have a son" (Genesis 18:13-14).

God did for Sarah what he had promised. Abraham was one hundred years old when Sarah gave birth to
a son, and Abraham named him Isaac. Even though Sarah was too old to have a baby by natural
process, El Shaddai gave life to her dead womb. El Shaddai is not limited by the laws of nature that he
created.

Do you have a problem for which there seems to be no solution? Have you been waiting year after year
for God to fulfill his promises? Don't despair. El Shaddai may be testing your faith.

El Shaddai, the God of Nourishment

Even though the basic meaning of the word Shaddai is "Almighty," there is a secondary meaning of the
name. The Hebrew word shad means "breast." This signifies that God Almighty is able to nourish us as a
mother nourishes her baby. He opens the windows of heaven and pours out material and spiritual
blessings.

El Shaddai is not the God of the sword who uses his might to destroy. He is the God who uses his power
to quiet the fretful and to nourish and strengthen his people. He is the bountiful, loving, self-giving, self-
sacrificing God who pours himself out for you and me. He gives himself to us as we give ourselves to him.

When Jacob was dying, he gathered his sons around his bed and gave each of them a blessing. He also
made predictions about their future. To Joseph, he said, "With bitterness, archers attacked him; they shot
at him with hostility. But his bow remained steady, his arms stayed limber because of the hand of the
Mighty One of Jacob, … because of your father's God [El] who helps you, because of the Almighty
[Shaddai] who blesses you with blessings from the heavens above, blessings of the deep that lies below,
blessings of the breast [shad] and the womb" (Genesis 49:23-25).
The prophet Isaiah also uses the word for "breast" with reference to God's blessings upon Jerusalem.
Isaiah writes, "Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad for her, all you who love her" (Isaiah 66:10). "For you
will nurse and be satisfied at her comforting breasts [shad]; you will drink deeply and delight in her
overflowing abundance" (Isaiah 66:11). "You will nurse and be carried on her arm and dandled on her
knees. As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you" (Isaiah 66:12-13).

In the ancient world, there were numerous gods and goddesses of fertility. Worshipers believed that these
gods and goddesses could send rain upon the earth and cause crops to grow—that they could make
barren women fertile and cause cattle and other animals to reproduce. But these idols could do nothing
for the people.

El Shaddai, on the other hand, is able to give life to barren wombs, fill dry breasts with milk, and give
suckle to babies. He is God Almighty who supplies our needs. He is able to comfort and nourish us when
times are hard. Can you imagine the joy that Abraham and Sarah felt when God answered their deepest
longings by giving them a son? God can do things that are humanly impossible.

Abraham's Responsibility to the Covenant

God promised to give Abraham and Sarah a son, to give them many descendants, and to bless all
families of the earth through Abraham's seed. In exchange, Abraham was expected to walk before God
and to be blameless (Genesis 17:1).

God expects his people to be different from worldly people. He calls us out of a sinful world to live clean,
pure, and holy lives before him. He wants us to be like him no matter where we are: at home, at school,
on the job, in business meetings, in worship, at play, anywhere and everywhere. He says, "Come out
from them and be separate. Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. I will be a Father to you, and
you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty" (2 Corinthians 6:17-18).

The secret to a walk with God is understanding who he is. The secret is believing that El Shaddai is able
to nourish us, take good care of us, and lift us up above the moral and political pollution of the world.
When we put our trust in him, we find the peace that is beyond understanding. A restless, anxious, and
fearful heart is a sure sign that we have not yet put our trust in him. As an infant finds peace in the arms
of its mother, so our soul finds rest in the arms of El Shaddai. When we truly believe that El Shaddai is
able to keep his promises and suckle us spiritually, we will not worry about today or tomorrow.

As we yield ourselves to God Almighty, he transforms us into his likeness. The more we become like him,
the more we nourish others. By his power, we are able to turn the other cheek when slapped and to go a
second mile when asked to go one mile (Matthew 5:39-41). God gives us the strength to help the helpless
and to duplicate his loving, self-giving, and self-sacrificial nature. God blesses and nourishes people who
walk with him and do what is right.

Conclusion

Have you discovered El Shaddai—your all-sufficient God? Are you ready to stop focusing on your
weaknesses and to start focusing on God's unlimited power to bless and nourish? If you are ready to walk
in his ways, El Shaddai is ready to do some wonderful, amazing, and marvelous things in your life.

In the words of a popular spiritual song, "When I am down, he picks me up. When I am dry, he fills my
cup. He is my all in all."
God 1.6: Yahweh Yireh, the Lord Who Provides
Lesson Six

Yahweh Yireh, the Lord Who Provides

Isaac was the joy and love of Abraham's old age. The name Isaac means "laughter," and Isaac surely
brought heartfelt laughter to his elderly parents as they watched him grow up—as they laughed with him,
hugged and kissed him, and taught him the ways of God.

Then, one day, the unthinkable happened. God again tested Abraham's faith. God said, "Take your son,
your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt
offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about" (Genesis 22:2). According to the historian Josephus,
Isaac was twenty-five years old at this time. That means Abraham was 125.

Abraham's Response

Can you imagine the emotional pain that Abraham felt and the conflicting thoughts that ran through his
mind? Isaac was the son for whom he had waited so long—the son through whom he was to have a
multitude of descendants—the son through whom all families of the earth would be blessed. How could
God ask Abraham to kill his son Isaac and offer him as a burnt sacrifice?

One would expect Abraham to argue with God or to stall as long as possible. But Abraham's faith was so
strong that he obeyed God without hesitation. Early the next morning, Abraham got up, saddled his
donkey, cut some wood, and left, taking with him two of his servants and his son Isaac (Genesis 22:3).

The Drama Unfolds.

Mount Moriah was more than fifty miles north of Beersheba. On the third day, Abraham looked up and
saw Mount Moriah. This was the mountain God had told him about. Abraham said to his servants, "Stay
here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. [Males in the ancient Middle East were
considered boys until they reached the age of thirty.] We will worship, and then we will come back to you"
(Genesis 22:5).

In the New Testament, we learn what Abraham was thinking. Abraham believed God would raise Isaac
from the dead (Hebrews 11:19). Abraham told his servants, in effect, Isaac and I will go up that mountain,
and we will both come back.

So Abraham placed the wood on Isaac's shoulders, and he, himself, carried the sacrificial knife and the
censer full of fire. As they walked up the mountain, Isaac said, "Father."

Abraham replied, "Yes, my son."

Isaac said, "The fire and wood are here, but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" (Genesis 22:7).

Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son" (Genesis 22:8).
And the two continued their walk up the mountain. Underscore Abraham's statement, "God will provide."
Where did Abraham get the strength to walk up that mountain, intending to kill his son and sacrifice him to
God as a burnt offering? It came from faith in God, who had revealed himself through his names.
Abraham was aware that Elohim, the God of creation, makes covenants with his people and keeps his
promises. Abraham knew that El Elyon, God Most High, takes care of those who trust him. Abraham
knew that El Shaddai, God all-powerful and all-sufficient, has the power and the heart to nourish and
strengthen his children. Abraham believed that Yahweh Yireh(Ye reh´) is the God who provides. Abraham
got his strength from knowing who God is.

The Sacrifice on Mount Moriah

When Abraham and Isaac reached the place that God had designated, Abraham built an altar and put the
wood on it. Then, he bound his son and laid him on the wood.

Isaac must have consented to this. Otherwise, Abraham could not have overpowered his son. As we have
noted, Abraham was probably 125 years old, and Isaac was twenty-five, at the peak of his physical
strength. It seems that Isaac shared his father's faith and believed that God would raise him from death if
he died on the altar.

As Abraham reached out to take the knife to kill his son, the angel of the Lord called to him, "Abraham!
Abraham!"

"Here I am," said Abraham.

"Do not lay a hand on the boy," said the angel of the Lord. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that
you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son" (Genesis 22:10-12).

Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns in the thicket. So he went over and took the ram
and sacrificed it on the altar instead of his son (Genesis 22:13). And he called the place, Yahweh Yireh,
meaning "the Lord provides" (Genesis 22:14).

From that day forward, it was said, "On the mountain of Yahweh, it will be provided."

It was on Mount Moriah that God provided a ram for Abraham's sacrifice. And it would be on Mount
Moriah that God would provide a lamb that would take away the sin of the world.

The word Yireh can also be translated as "appear." There, on Mount Moriah, God would manifest himself
to the world.

Abraham's Reward

Then, the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time. He said, "I swear by myself, declares the
Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, I will surely bless you and make
your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore … and through
your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me" (Genesis 22:15- 18).

True faith in God reveals itself through obedience. In the New Testament, we read that "faith by itself, if it
is not accompanied by action, is dead" (James 2:17). That is, mere intellectual belief in the existence of
God is useless and lifeless unless it leads us to obedience. Even the demons believe in God and tremble
(James 2:19). Abraham's living faith in God manifested itself by obedience, and God rewarded him.
Abraham Returns to Beersheba.

After Abraham offered the ram on Mount Moriah, he and Isaac went back down the mountain to meet the
two servants. Then, they all returned to their home in Beersheba. We can be sure that the events
Abraham and Isaac shared on Mount Moriah created a deeper, stronger, more spiritual bond between
them—a bond of love and happiness that lasted as long as Abraham lived.

In Beersheba, Abraham learned that the wife of Bethuel, his nephew in Haran, had given birth to a baby
girl and had named her Rebekah. This baby girl was destined to become Isaac's wife.

Why does this genealogy immediately follow the story that introduces us to Yahweh Yireh? The apparent
answer is that Yahweh Yireh not only provided a ram for Abraham on Mount Moriah, but he also provided
a wife for Isaac. Through her, all families of the earth would be blessed.

The Lesson

What can we learn from this story about Yahweh Yireh? For one thing, God often reveals himself, his
nature, and his character in the midst of human crisis. It was during the crisis of rescuing Lot from
Kedorlaomer that God revealed himself as El Elyon, God Most High. It was during Abram's crisis of doubt
about having a son that God revealed himself as El Shaddai, the nurturing, Almighty God. It was during
Abraham's crisis on Mount Moriah that God revealed himself as Yahweh Yireh, the God who provides.

Even today, we discover who God is while we are experiencing trouble, heartache, and difficulty. When
we are sick, and at the point of death, we look up to God. When we are in deep despair and cry out for
help, God reaches down into the pit and lifts us up. When we lose a loved one and are overcome with
grief, God is there to provide comfort and strength. When we make bad choices, mess up our lives, and
are burdened with guilt, God is there to forgive us when we repent. When we lose our job and our house,
and we can't pay the bills or buy food for the family or medicine for the children, we cry out, "Please help
me, God!" And the Lord hears our cry and provides for us in unexpected ways if we trust and obey.

The God Who Sees

The Hebrew word Yireh can also be translated "to see." There is a link between "seeing" and "provision."
The English word "provision" is derived from the Latin provisio, meaning "foreseeing." Thus, "provision"
means "seeing beforehand." God saw beforehand that Abraham would need an animal for his sacrifice,
and he provided a ram. God foresees our needs, and he provides.

Two thousand years after Abraham learned to trust Yahweh Yireh, Jesus said, "I tell you, do not worry
about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear" (Matthew 6:25). "Look
at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds
them. Are you not much more valuable than they?" (Matthew 6:26). "And why do you worry about
clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even
Solomon, in all his splendor, was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the
field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of
little faith?" (Matthew 6:28-30).

"So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the
pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his
kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well" (Matthew 6:31-33).
Yahweh Yireh foresees our needs, and when we submit to his rule and seek his righteousness, he
provides for us. He gives us everything we need.

Faith in Yahweh Yireh Is a Cure for Anxiety.

Are you anxious? Do you worry about your job? Your investments? Your retirement fund? Your outward
appearance? Your status in the community? Your children's education? Your relationships with others?
Your country? About food, clothing, and shelter? About sickness and disease? About death and dying?
Then, submit to the rule of God and trust him to supply your needs.

The apostle Paul wrote, "God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things at all times,
having all that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Paul also wrote, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with
thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding,
will guard your hearts and your minds…" (Philippians 4:6-7). "And the God of peace will be with you"
(Philippians 4:9).

Again, Paul wrote, "God is able to make all grace abound to you so that in all things at all times, having all
that you need, you will abound in every good work" (2 Corinthians 9:8).

Conclusion

When we come to know God as Yahweh Yireh and trust him enough to obey his commands, we will
experience the inner peace that only comes from knowing who God is.

When we truly believe that God is Yahweh Yireh, the God who sees and the God who provides, we will
place the things we love most upon the altar and sacrifice them to God. Once we do that, we are set free
from bondage to the things of this world, and we are able to live life peacefully, without worry or fear,
trusting that Yahweh Yireh will provide for us as he did for Abraham.

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

God 1.7: Yahweh Rophe, the Lord who Heals

Lesson 7

Yahweh Rophe, the Lord who Heals

The most dramatic event in the Old Testament is the Exodus. After the tenth plague that God sent upon
Egypt, Pharaoh summoned Moses and said, "Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship
the Lord as you have requested" (Exodus 12:31). At this point, the Egyptian people were eager for the
Israelites to leave the country.

So Moses and approximately two million people left Egypt and journeyed eastward as far as the Red Sea.
"After leaving Succoth, they camped at Etham on the edge of the desert. By day the Lord went ahead of
them in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light so that
they could travel by day or night" (Exodus 13:20-21).
Then, Pharaoh changed his mind. He said, "What have we done? We have let the Israelites go and have
lost their services!" (Exodus 14:5).

Pharaoh Pursues the Israelites

Pharaoh had his servants prepare his chariot for battle. Then, he and his army pursued the escaping
slaves. When the Israelites looked up and saw Pharaoh coming toward them with more than 600 chariots
and an army marching behind them, they were terrified. They were trapped between the Egyptian army
and the Red Sea, and there seemed to be no escape.

The Israelites cried out to the Lord, and they said to Moses, "Was it because there were no graves in
Egypt that you brought us to the desert to die? What have you done to us by bringing us out of Egypt?
Didn't we say to you in Egypt, 'Leave us alone; let us serve the Egyptians'? It would have been better for
us to serve the Egyptians than to die in the desert!" (Exodus 14:11-12).

But Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand firm, and you will see the deliverance the Lord will
bring you today" (Exodus 14:13).

The Lord said to Moses, "Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff and stretch out your hand over
the sea to divide the water so that the Israelites can go through the sea on dry ground" (Exodus 14:15-
16).

The cloud moved behind the Israelites and stood between them and the Egyptians, separating them
during the night. The cloud provided light for the Israelites but made it dark for the Egyptians.

The Exodus

Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the sea opened up. The Lord sent a strong wind from the
east that blew all night, and by morning, the path through the sea was dry. "The waters were divided, and
the Israelites went through the sea on dry ground, with a wall of water on their right and on their left"
(Exodus 14:21-22).

Then, the Egyptians made a foolish mistake. They followed the Israelites into the sea. The Lord caused
confusion among them, and they panicked. He made the wheels of the chariots fall off. The Egyptians
said to one another, "Let's get away from the Israelites! The Lord is fighting for them" (Exodus 14:25).

After Moses and the people had completely passed through the sea, the Lord said to Moses, "Stretch out
your hand over the sea." So Moses stretched out his hand, and the water rushed back to its normal state.
The Egyptians tried to get away, but the water covered the chariots, the horsemen, and the Egyptian
army that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived (Exodus 14:28).

Where did the Israelites pass through the Red Sea? In 1978, Ron Wyatt found human bones, a horse's
hoof, and a number of chariot wheels with hubs and axles, all covered by coral, at the bottom of the Gulf
of Akaba just east of a sandy beach called "Nuweiba." The original name of the town built on Nuweiba
Beach was "Nuwaybai al Muzayyira," meaning "Waters of Moses' Opening." A pillar of stone on the
eastern shore contained Hebrew names of Moses, Yahweh, Pharaoh, Egypt, and Death.

The Celebration
Upon seeing the power of God displayed, the Israelites feared the Lord and put their trust in him and in
Moses his servant (Exodus 14:31).

Moses and the Israelites then sang a song of praise to Yahweh: "I will sing to the Lord, for he is highly
exalted. The horse and its rider he has hurled into the sea. The Lord is my strength and my song; he has
become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him" (Exodus
15:1-2). "Who is like you—majestic in holiness, awesome in glory, working wonders?" (Exodus 15:11).

Miriam, Moses' sister, took her tambourine and led the other women out to play their tambourines and to
dance. Miriam sang to them, "Sing to the Lord, for he is highly exalted. The horse and its rider he has
hurled into the sea" (Exodus 15:21).

The Waters of Marah

Leaving the Red Sea, the cloud led the people into the Desert of Shur, and they traveled for three days
without finding water. By the end of the third day, the people and their animals were desperately thirsty.
Then, someone spotted a pool of water.

Can you imagine the joy and excitement the people felt as they approached the oasis? And can you
imagine their anger and disappointment when they discovered that the water was so bitter they couldn't
drink it? They called the place "Marah," which means "bitter."

How did the people react to the bitter water? They complained to Moses, saying, "What are we to drink?"
(Exodus 15:24). In other words, "Are you going to let us die of thirst?"

Just three days earlier, the people had been singing praises to God with music and dancing. They had
seen the awesome power of God displayed in Egypt when God sent devastating plagues upon the land
while protecting them from harm. They had witnessed one of the greatest miracles of all time when they
walked through the Red Sea on dry ground. They had seen God confuse the Egyptian army so that they
pursued the Israelites into the sea and were drowned. How could they ever doubt that God would take
care of them? Within three days, they got thirsty and forgot about all the powerful miracles that God had
performed on their behalf. Instead of trusting God, they complained and blamed Moses.

People today are still forgetting God and complaining when their physical needs are not met.

At Marah, Moses cried out to the Lord, and the Lord told him to throw a certain tree into the water. When
Moses threw the tree into the water, the water became sweet, and the people were able to drink until their
thirst was quenched. God had healed the water.

God's Teachable Moment

At Marah, God tested his people and used their failure to teach them a lesson. He said to them, "If you
listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his
commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the
Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you" (Exodus 15:26). I am Yahweh Rophe.

At Marah, the people learned that Yahweh is the Lord who heals. Yahweh Rophe is the seventh name of
God in the Bible. Out of Israel's bitter experience came a new name of God that brought comfort and
peace. Yahweh Rophe heals those who listen to his voice and do what is right in his eyes.
The sequence in which the names of God appear in the Bible is significant. These names represent a
progressive revelation of who God is. The name Yahweh Rophe (Roph e´) gives us a new insight into
God's nature and character. He is the God who heals. This name provides another facet of the spiritual
diamond that sparkles and reflects the various qualities of God.

The word rophe appears more than sixty times in the Old Testament, and it always means "to cure," "to
heal," or "to restore." Sometimes, it refers to physical healing, and at other times, it refers to moral or
spiritual healing.

When a loved one gets seriously sick, we pray to God for healing. We also turn to medical doctors—
God's agents of healing. Most doctors freely admit that they have no power to heal—that the healing is
done by something or someone above and beyond themselves. Many acknowledge the healing power of
God.

Yahweh is the source of physical and spiritual healing. He is the only one who can sweeten the bitter
experiences in life. God meets us in the midst of our trials and reveals himself as the Healer.

What Was God Doing at Marah?

Why did God lead the Israelites to bitter water? Why did he not sweeten the water before the people
arrived? He certainly had the power to do so.

Judging from their behavior, a spirit of bitterness had infected the Israelites, and that bitter spirit needed to
be sweetened. Back in Egypt, they had been enslaved, humiliated, and mistreated. Then, Moses had
come to set them free. But instead of setting them free, Pharaoh had doubled their workload and had
made life even more miserable than ever.

We saw evidence of the Israelites' bitter spirit when they saw Pharaoh's army coming toward them. They
cried out to God and blamed Moses for bringing them into the desert to die.

This bitter spirit reared its ugly head again at the waters of Marah. The bitter water at Marah was a
reflection of their bitter souls. God used the experience to teach them that he could heal their bitterness
and sweeten their disposition as he had sweetened the water in the oasis. At Marah, they learned they
could trust him. Or did they?

The Destructive Power of Bitterness

Bitterness takes the joy out of life. It makes us dysfunctional. It twists our thinking, destroys our
relationships, hinders our worship, and robs us of happiness. A bitter person is a miserable person. At the
waters of Marah, we learn that God comes to us in the midst of our failures to give us hope and healing.
At our Marah, God puts us to the test and teaches us that we can trust him to heal our hurts.

Bitterness usually stems from disappointment, abuse, or mistreatment. The Israelites had experienced all
of these things. Has a crisis in your life sown seeds of bitterness in your heart? Has a parent beaten you,
sexually abused you, or abandoned you while you were a child? Has your husband or wife left you for
another lover? Have you been through a messy divorce, a devastating bankruptcy, or a nasty lawsuit?
Have you lost a loved one due to a heart attack, cancer, or accident? Have you been falsely accused and
convicted of a crime you didn't commit, and sentenced to time in prison? Or have you been gravely
wounded on the battlefield—maimed and scarred for life—and then abandoned by society? Have you
cried out to God in your distress and felt that he wasn't listening?
If so, you have a wounded spirit, and God knows your pain. He understands, and he wants to heal you so
that you can live a normal, healthy life. But he needs your cooperation. If you will listen to what he says,
put your trust in him, and do what is right in his sight, he will purge the bitterness from your soul and
replace it with love, joy, peace, and happiness. He is Yahweh Rophe, the Lord who heals.

Do We Need to Be Healed?

It is hard to be honest about such matters, but it is wise to ask ourselves, "Do I need to be healed? Do I
have an unforgiving spirit toward someone who has hurt me? Do I blame God for the bad things that have
happened to me? Have I resorted to drugs or alcohol to ease my pain? Have I become addicted to sex in
an effort to escape from my unhappiness and find the love I have been missing?"

God is saying to us, I am Yahweh Rophe, I will help you get rid of your bitterness. It is ruining your life. It
is destroying your marriage and tearing your family apart. If you don't let go of your bitterness, it will follow
you to your grave. I am here to help you find peace and joy again.

The prophet Jeremiah wrote, "I will restore you to health and heal your wounds, declares the Lord"
(Jeremiah 30:17). God said through his prophet Malachi, "But for you who revere my name, the sun of
righteousness will rise with healing in its wings" (Malachi 4:2).

God wants to heal our most painful wounds, memories, and disappointments. He wants to restore our
soul and give us victory over our addictions. He wants to make us whole again.

God is offering to guide us through our pain into a happy, healthy life. He is Yahweh Rophe, the Great
Physician, the God who heals.

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

God 1.8: Yahweh M'Kaddesh, The Lord Who Sanctifies

Lesson Eight

Yahweh M'Kaddesh, The Lord Who Sanctifies

From the Waters of Marah, Moses led the Israelites to Elim, where there were twelve springs of fresh
water and seventy palm trees. So the people camped there near the water.

Later, they left Elim and entered the Desert of Sin. Again, the Israelites grumbled against Moses and his
brother Aaron. They said, "If only we had died by the Lord's hand in Egypt! There, we sat around pots of
meat and ate all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve this entire
assembly to death" (Exodus 16:3).

The Israelites still had not learned their lesson. After seeing God's supernatural power displayed again
and again, they still did not trust him to supply their needs. In response to their grumbling and
complaining, God patiently provided food for them. That evening, quail flew in and covered the ground,
and the people ate meat until they were gorged. The next morning, when the dew evaporated, flakes of
sweet bread covered the ground. When the people saw it, they asked one another, "What is that?"
Moses replied, "It is the bread the Lord has given you to eat." And the people called the bread, "manna"
which means, "What is it?" The manna tasted like wafers made with honey.

At Rephidim

After wandering through the Desert of Sin, Moses and the Israelites camped at Rephidim. But there was
no water there for the people to drink. So, the people quarreled with Moses and demanded that he give
them water to drink. They said, "Why did you bring us up out of Egypt to make us and our children and
livestock die of thirst?" (Exodus 17:3). Their grumbling showed they had already forgotten that God had
led them through the Red Sea on dry ground and had drowned Pharaoh's army. They had forgotten that
God had provided drinking water for them at Marah, and they ignored the fact that God was providing
food for them every day. They said, "Is the Lord among us, or not?" (Exodus 17: 7).

Moses cried out to the Lord, saying, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone
me" (Exodus 17:4).

God answered, "Walk on ahead of the people. Take … in your hand the staff with which you struck the
Nile, and go. I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of
it for the people to drink" (Exodus 17:5-6).

When Moses struck the rock, water gushed out. There was enough water to supply the needs of
approximately two million people. God was trying to assure the Israelites that he would take care of them.
He tested their faith, and again, they failed the test.

The Amalekites Attack the People

While the people were camped at Rephidim, the Amalekites attacked them without provocation. So
Moses said to Joshua, "Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will
stand on top of the hill with the staff of God in my hands" (Exodus 17:9).

The next day, Joshua went out to fight the Amalekites as Moses commanded. At the same time, Moses,
Aaron, and Hur went to the top of the hill. As long as Moses held up his arms, the Israelites prevailed. But
when Moses put his hands down, the Amalekites started winning the fight.

Finally, Moses became tired, and Aaron and Hur got a rock for him to sit on. Then, they stood on each
side of him and held his arms in the air until the sun went down. That day God gave Joshua and his men
a victory over the Amalekites.

Moses built an altar there and called it "The Lord is my Banner" [Yahweh Nissi] (Exodus 17:15). The
Hebrew word Nissi is translated as "banner," but it literally means "to glisten." Nissi is often translated
"pole" or "standard" in the Old Testament. A banner in ancient times was often a bare pole with a metal
ornament on top that glistened in the sun. Such an ensign was used in battle to rally troops and to inspire
confidence, just as flags and drums were used in later history. The name Yahweh Nissi reveals
that Yahweh is the God who defeats evil forces. At Rephidim, the victory belonged to God.

At Mount Sinai

Leaving Rephidim, the people traveled to the desert of Sinai and camped at the foot of the mountain.
Later, Moses climbed Mount Sinai several times to meet with the Lord. There, he received the Ten
Commandments and other laws designed to teach people how to live the right way. Many of these laws
are recorded in the book of Leviticus—often called "the Book of Life." On the mountain, the Lord said to
Moses, "Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them, 'Be holy because I, the Lord your God,
am holy'" (Leviticus 19:1-2).

God commanded Moses to say to the people, "Consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am the
Lord your God. Keep my decrees and follow them. I am the Lord [Yahweh M'Kaddesh ] who makes you
holy" (Leviticus 20:7-8). "I am the Lord; I sanctify you" (NRSV).

These commandments of God apply to us as much as they did to the Israelites. We are to consecrate
ourselves by turning away from evil and dedicating ourselves to God. Then, God sanctifies us. He
cleanses us from sin and sets us apart for his service.

The Meaning of M'Kaddesh

Yahweh M'kaddesh (Muh Käd desh´) is the eighth name God has used to reveal himself to us. This name
is found six times in Leviticus 20 and 21. The word for "sanctify" appears 700 times in the Old Testament
and is translated as "consecrate," "dedicate," or "set apart." Being holy means being consecrated to God.
It means being like God in purity and character.

The name Yahweh M'Kaddesh reveals that the Lord cleanses us of sin and sets us apart from evil. No
other name reveals the nature and character of God more clearly, and no name better defines what God
expects of his people.

God Is Holy.

God's primary quality among his attributes is holiness. God is absolutely pure and good. There is no evil
in him. The apostle John wrote, "God is love" (1 John 4:8). Love is central to God's nature. Yet, even
God's love is a part of his holiness. Nathan J. Stone quotes an old Scottish theologian who said that
God's holiness is the thing that balances all other attributes of deity. Power without holiness leads to
cruelty. Knowledge without holiness leads to craftiness. Justice without holiness leads to revenge. And
love without holiness leads to soft sentimentality.

Hannah, the mother of Samuel the prophet, prayed, "There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one
besides you; there is no rock like our God" (1 Samuel 2:2).

The Psalmist King David prayed, "You are enthroned as the Holy One" (Psalm 22:3).

Another Psalmist said, "Exalt the Lord our God and worship at his footstool; he is holy" (Psalm 99:5).

The Lord said through Hosea, "I am God, and not man—the Holy One among you" (Hosea 11:9).

In Isaiah's vision in the temple, he saw the Lord sitting on his throne, high and lifted up. Hovering above
him were seraphs, each with six wings. "And they were calling to one another: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord
Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory'" (Isaiah 6:3).

The holiness of God sets him apart from all the false gods of Egypt and Canaan. Those so-called gods
were depraved beings who fought with each other and cared for nothing but their own lusts and
pleasures. The religious rites associated with these gods were often little more than sex orgies. The
worshipers of Molech even threw their children into the fire as human sacrifices.

By contrast, God's eyes are too pure and holy to look on evil or to tolerate wrong (Habakkuk 1:13).

Practical Applications

Being sanctified by God means more than having a new relationship with him. It also means that we
participate in his nature, character, and purposes. It means avoiding evil and doing good.

When we examine the context of Leviticus 20:6-8 where God revealed himself as Yahweh M'Kaddesh,
we discover what holiness is. In Leviticus 19, we learn that holiness is avoiding sexual sins, idolatry, and
witchcraft. It is showing respect to our parents and to the elderly. It is being kind to the deaf, the blind, and
the stranger. It is helping the poor and the powerless. It is telling the truth and being honest with one
another. Holiness is loving our brother and our neighbor and letting God be the one to take vengeance on
our enemies. Being holy means being like God in love, patience, purity, and character.

God's standards of morality stand in sharp contrast to the standards of ancient Egypt and Canaan. On
Mount Sinai, God said to Moses, "Speak to the Israelites and say to them, 'I am the Lord your God. You
must not do as they do in Egypt, where you used to live, and you must not do as they do in the land of
Canaan, where I am bringing you. Do not follow their practices'" (Leviticus 18:2-3). Then God listed the
things that were being done in Egypt and Canaan that his people must avoid. Men were having sexual
relations with their mothers, their sisters, their granddaughters, their aunts, their daughters-in-law, their
stepdaughters, their sisters-in-law, and their neighbors' wives. Men were having sexual relations with
men, and both men and women were having sexual relations with animals (Leviticus 18).

The same immoral practices are prevalent in modern society. God's people must avoid the contamination
of the world and be pure in heart. Otherwise, the holy God will vomit us out of his mouth (Leviticus 18:28;
Revelation 3:16). We cannot have fellowship with the holy God while following the immoral standards of
the world. God is calling us to be holy as he is holy. He is Yahweh M'Kaddesh, the God who sanctifies us,
the God who makes us holy as he is holy.

Isaiah's Response to God's Holiness

When Isaiah saw the holy God in a vision, he became keenly aware of his own sinfulness. Isaiah was a
good man by human standards. He was a devout servant of God. Yet, when he stood in the presence of
the holy God, he felt unclean. And he realized that all the people around him were unclean also.

As Isaiah was grieving over his sinfulness, one of the seraphs flew to him with a burning coal in his hand.
With it, he touched Isaiah's mouth and said, "See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and
your sin atoned for" (Isaiah 6:6-7).

Once Isaiah was purified, God set him apart for service as a prophet.

The good news is, when we repent of our sins and surrender our will to God, God is quick to forgive our
sins, take away our guilt, and to honor us by making us his ambassadors.

Conclusion
Understanding that God is holy is probably the most important thing we can learn about him as we study
his names.

The name Yahweh M'Kaddesh reveals that God sanctifies us, makes us holy, and sets us apart for his
service. When Isaiah despaired over his sinfulness, God forgave his sins, removed his guilt, and set him
apart for service as a prophet.

God is calling us today. He is calling us to turn away from evil and to be holy as he is holy. If we will
respond to his call, obey his commands, and dedicate ourselves to him, he will set us apart as his
beloved people, and he will bless us with every spiritual blessing in heavenly places according to the
riches of his grace.

In the words of the Psalmist, "Holy and awesome is his name" (Psalm 111:9).

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

Copyright ©

od 1.9: Yahweh Shalom, The Lord Is Peace

Lesson 9

Yahweh Shalom, The Lord Is Peace

More than 200 years had passed after God revealed himself to Moses as Yahweh M'Kaddesh, the Lord
Who Sanctifies.

Joshua and his generation died, and a new generation grew up who did not know about the Lord and
what he had done for their forefathers. "Then the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the
Baals. They forsook the Lord, the God of their fathers, who had brought them out of Egypt. They followed
and worshiped various gods of the peoples around them" (Judges 2:11-12).

Consequently, God allowed their enemies to conquer them. Whenever the Israelites went out to fight,
they lost the battle because God was not with them.

God Sends Judges

In their distress, the people cried out to God for help, and the Lord felt sorry for them. So he sent a
"judge" to rescue them from their enemies. As long as the judge was alive, the Israelites served the Lord
and were blessed. But when the judge died, the people started worshiping and serving other gods again.

The Lord said, "Because this nation has violated the covenant that I laid down for their forefathers and
has not listened to me, I will no longer drive out before them any of the nations" (Judges 2:20-21). So God
used the nations around Israel to test the Israelites to see whether they would walk in the way of the Lord
as their forefathers had done (Judges 2:22).
Again and again, God tested the Israelites by allowing their enemies to conquer them. Over and over, the
people failed the test. This cycle had repeated itself four times when Gideon was born.

The Midianites Ravage the Land

After the death of the fourth judge, there was peace in the land for about forty years. Then, the Israelites
did evil in the eyes of the Lord, and the Lord allowed the Midianites to oppress them for seven years. The
Midianites were so powerful and cruel that the Israelites made shelters in the mountains and hid their food
in caves and other places that were hard to find.

At harvest time every year, the Midianites invaded the land and took everything. Like a swarm of locusts,
they came with their families, animals, and tents. There were so many camels they couldn't be counted.
The invaders camped out in the land and let their animals eat the crops. Then, they stole the fruit, sheep,
cattle, and donkeys and left nothing for the Israelites to eat.

God Sends a Prophet

When the Israelites cried out to the Lord, God sent a prophet to them. The prophet said, "This is what the
Lord, the God of Israel, says: I brought you up out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery. I snatched you from
the power of Egypt and from the hand of all your oppressors. … I said to you, 'I am the Lord your God; do
not worship the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you live.' But you have not listened to me" (Judges
6:8-10).

The Israelites had forsaken God, and he had withdrawn his blessings. They had worshiped the gods and
goddesses of fertility, thinking they could give them bigger crops, make their animals fertile, and make
them rich. Their goal in life was to accumulate land and wealth—the things they thought the fertility gods
could give them. Moreover, the religious rites and rituals of the fertility gods provided sensual pleasure.
Without a spiritual compass to guide them, the Israelites lost their way.

Any nation that forsakes God and worships wealth, power, fame, and pleasure should not be surprised
when God forsakes them and leaves them to suffer heartache and misery as the Israelites did. God
blesses any nation that follows him, and he withdraws his blessings from any nation that turns away from
him.

The Call of Gideon

Toward the end of the seven-year Midianite oppression, the angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon under
an oak tree in Ophrah. Gideon was threshing wheat in his father's winepress (a shallow pit), in a place
where the Midianites could not see him. The angel said to Gideon, "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior"
(Judges 6:12).

This greeting caught Gideon by surprise. Gideon said, "But sir, if the Lord is with us, why has all this
happened to us? Where are all his wonders that our fathers told us about when they said, 'Did not the
Lord bring us up out of Egypt?' But now the Lord has abandoned us and put us into the hand of Midian"
(Judges 6:13).

God replied, "Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian's hand. Am I not sending you?"
(Judges 6:14).
Gideon hesitated. "But Lord," he said, "how can I save Israel? My clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I
am the least in my family" (Judges 6:15).

The Lord said, "I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together" (Judges 6:16).

Gideon still was not convinced. He said, "If now I have found favor in your eyes, give me a sign that it is
really you talking to me. Please do not go away until I come back and bring my offering and set it before
you." The Lord said, "I will wait until you return" (Judges 6:17-18).

Gideon went into the house and cooked a young goat in boiling water. He took some flour and made
bread without yeast. When the meat was done, he put it in a basket and poured the broth into a pot. He
then took the meat, the broth, and the bread to the oak tree and offered them to the angel of the Lord.

The angel of God said to Gideon, "Take the meat and the unleavened bread, place them on this rock, and
pour out the broth" (Judges 6:20).

Gideon did as he was told. Then, the angel of the Lord reached out and touched the meat and bread with
the tip of his walking stick. Fire shot out of the rock and burned up the meat, and the angel of the Lord
disappeared.

Yahweh Shalom, The Lord Is Peace

When Gideon realized that he had been talking to the angel of the Lord, he exclaimed, "Ah, Sovereign
Lord! I have seen the angel of the Lord face to face" (Judges 6:22).

The Lord said to him, "Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die" (Judges 6:23).

So Gideon built an altar there to honor God, and he called it "Yahweh Shalom" (Shä lom´) meaning, "The
Lord is Peace."

Here, God revealed himself to Gideon as the God of perfect peace—the God who is the ultimate source
of peace.

Consider the circumstances under which this name was revealed. The threat of being attacked by the
Midianite army hung over the Israelites like a heavy dark cloud. Humanly speaking, there was no way the
Israelites could defend themselves. Yet, Gideon believed that the Lord could restore peace to the land.

The Hebrew word "shalom" is one of the most important words in the Old Testament. It is translated as
"peace" about 170 times, but shalom means more than the absence of conflict. It means having a sense
of physical and spiritual wholeness, a feeling of well-being and contentment. Shalom comes from being
right with God, having a pure heart, and living in obedience to God's will. There is no peace for atheists,
hypocrites, adulterers, and murderers.

Gideon Prepares to Fight the Midianites

About that time, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people from the east crossed the Jordan River and
camped in the Valley of Jezreel. The Spirit of God came upon Gideon, and he blew a trumpet to summon
the men of his clan to follow him. He also sent messengers to the tribes of Manasseh, Asher, Zebulum,
and Naphtali telling them to get their weapons and prepare for battle. About 32,000 men responded to his
call and went out to meet him.

Early in the morning, Gideon and his men set up camp at the Spring of Harod. The Midianites were
camped north of them in the valley below. The Midianite army had 120,000 soldiers armed with swords.

The Lord said to Gideon, "You have too many men. … Tell the people, 'Anyone who trembles with fear
may turn back and leave Mount Gilead'" (Judges 7:3). Twenty-two thousand men departed leaving
Gideon with 10,000 men to face 120,000 Midianites.

The Lord said to Gideon, "There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will sift them
for you there." So Gideon led the men down to the water, and the Lord said to him, "Separate those who
lap the water with their tongues like a dog from those who kneel down to drink" (Judges 7:5).

Three hundred men scooped the water up with their hands and lapped. All the others got down on their
hands and knees to drink.

The Lord said to Gideon, "With the three hundred men that lapped, I will save you and give the Midianites
into your hands. Let all the other men go" (Judges 7:7). So Gideon sent 9,700 men to their tents but
asked them to leave their food and trumpets.

Gideon Defeats the Midianites

Late that night, Gideon called out to his men, "Get up! The Lord has given the Midianite camp into your
hands" (Judges 7:15). Gideon divided the 300 men into three companies and gave each man a trumpet
and an empty jar with a torch burning inside.

"Watch me," he told them. "When I, and all who are with me, blow our trumpets, then from all around the
camp blow yours and shout, 'For the Lord and for Gideon'" (Judges 7:17-18).

Gideon and his men formed a circle around the enemy camp in the middle of the night. Then, Gideon and
the men with him blew their trumpets and smashed their clay jars. The other two groups also blew their
trumpets and smashed their jars. Holding a trumpet in their right hand and a torch in their left, they
shouted, "A sword for the Lord and for Gideon!" (Judges 7:20).

As all 300 men held their positions and blew their trumpets, the Lord caused panic in the camp. The men
of Midian drew their swords and started killing each other. That night, the Lord gave Gideon and his men
a great victory. "Thus Midian was subdued before the Israelites and did not raise its head again. During
Gideon's lifetime, the land enjoyed peace forty years" (Judges 8:28).

Conclusion

God can bring peace to any nation that follows him. The Psalmist David writes, "The Lord gives strength
to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace" (Psalm 29:11). The peace that God gives is not
achieved by military might and power but by the presence and power of Yahweh Shalom.

The prophet Isaiah tells us that God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are set on him (Isaiah
26:3). By contrast, "the wicked are like the tossing sea, which cannot rest, whose waves cast up mire and
mud. 'There is no peace,' says the Lord, 'for the wicked'" (Isaiah 57:20-21).
The world yearns for peace today. People are tired of war. Yet nations continue to rise up against nations,
and inner conflict disturbs the peace within nations. Lust, greed, anger, envy, and pride continue to be the
driving forces in many societies.

But God has a better plan. His plan can bring peace to the world. To the degree that we listen to God and
follow his instructions, people "will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.
Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore" (Isaiah 2:4). Instead,
there will be love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control
(Galatians 5:22-23).

In the words of Isaiah, "The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be
quietness and confidence forever. My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in
undisturbed places of rest" (Isaiah 32:17-18).

Which is better? A dangerous world torn by war, brutality, hostility, and conflict? Or a peaceful world led
by a wise, loving God whose name is Yahweh Shalom?

God is calling us to peace. How will we respond to his call?

Now answer the questions in this lesson.

Copyrigh

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