Gelah Raz – Revealer of Mysteries

One night Nebuchadnezzar, the ancient Babylonian king and conqueror of Judah, had a troubling dream. Upset and worried, he summoned his top wise men. “But there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries. He has shown King Nebuchadnezzar what will happen in days to come.” Daniel 2:28 One night Nebuchadnezzar, the ancient Babylonian king … Read more

Elohim Yare – God Most Awesome

King David invoked the word yare when describing the overwhelming victory that God had given Israel. “You, God, are awesome in your sanctuary; the God of Israel gives power and strength to his people. Praise be to God!” Psalm 68:35 Some years back the word awesome (historically reserved for truly jaw-dropping, heart-stopping phenomena) became a … Read more

Yah – Self-Existence-I Am

In time, God became known to the Hebrew people as Yahweh, a name found more than 6,800 times in the Old Testament and translated into English as “LORD” or “Jehovah.” “The LORD is my strength and my defense; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father’s God, … Read more

El Elyon – God Most High

We love being above others, which makes things interesting when we see God described as “God Most High” (El Elyon) in Genesis 14. This distinct name sets God apart from all would-be “competitors” or “rivals.” “And praise be to God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand.” Genesis 14:20 Though some people are … Read more

El Chai – The Living God

Moses was the first person—as far as we know—to call God “the living God” (Deuteronomy 5:26). This designation placed the Israelites’ God in sharp contrast with the deities of their neighbors. “My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God?” Psalm 42:2 Moses was the first person—as … Read more