SPECIAL TOPIC: DESCRIPTIVE TITLES FOR GOD

  1. In the Bible El is often compounded with other terms.  These combinations became a way to characterize God.
    1. El-Elyon ("God Most High," BDB 42 & 751 II), Gen. 14:18-22; Deut. 32:8; Isa. 14:14
    2. El-Roi ("God who sees" or "God who reveals Himself," BDB 42 & 909), Gen. 16:13
    3. El-Shaddai ("God Almighty" or "God of all compassion" or "God of the mountain," BDB 42 & 994), Gen. 17:1; 35:11; 43:14; 49:25; Exod. 6:3
    4. El-Olam ("the Everlasting God," BDB 42 & 761), Gen. 21:33. This term is theologically linked to
      1. God's promise to David, 2 Sam. 7:13,16
      2. Psalm 90 and 102:25-28
    5. Beth-El ("House of God," BDB 110), Gen. 28:19 (also called "the House of Elohim", Gen. 28:17; "the gate of heaven," Gen. 28:17)
    6. El-Elohe-Israel ("God of Israel," BDB 42; 43; 975), Gen. 33:20
    7. El-Berit ("God of the Covenant," BDB 42 & 136), Jdgs. 9:46

  2. As with El, YHWH is often combined with other terms to emphasize certain characteristics of the Covenant God of Israel.  While there are many possible combination terms, here are some.
    1. YHWH – Yireh (YHWH will provide, BDB 217 & 906), Gen. 22:14
    2. YHWH – Rophekha (YHWH is your healer, BDB 217 & 950, Qal PARTICIPLE), Exod. 15:26
    3. YHWH – Nissi (YHWH is my banner, BDB 217 & 651), Exod. 17:15
    4. YHWH – Meqaddishkem (YHWH the One who sanctifies you, BDB 217 & 872, Piel PARTICIPLE), Exod. 31:13
    5. YHWH – Shalom (YHWH is Peace, BDB 217 & 1022), Jdgs. 6:24

  3. Romans 15:5, "the God who gives perseverance and encouragement" is almost a descriptive title of God (cf. Rom. 15:13; 1 Cor. 1:3). These characteristics of God come to believers through the Scriptures (cf. Rom. 15:4).
     These descriptive titles for God are so meaningful; here are some other examples:
    1. "to Him who is able" — Rom. 16:25; Eph. 3:20; Jude v. 24
    2. "the God of hope" — Rom. 1:13
    3. "God of peace" — Rom. 15:33; 16:20; Phil. 4:9; Heb. 13:20
    4. "the only wise God" — Rom. 16:27
    5. "the Father of mercies" — 2 Cor. 1:3
    6. "God of all comfort" — 2 Cor. 1:3
    7. "God of love and peace" — 2 Cor. 13:11
    8. "the Father of glory" — Eph. 1:17
    9. "the Majesty on high" — Heb. 1:5; also note 2 Pet. 1:17
    10. "the Father of Lights" — James 1:17

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