Chapter Two – Elohim (El Elohim)
Meaning: The Almighty Creator, Judge, God (el-o-heem’)
Use in the Bible: : In the Old Testament Elohim occurs over 2000 times. Elohim is first used in Gen 1:1.
Elohim is the almighty creator of the universe. Elohim knows it all, He created it all things and as a Spirit, is everywhere, always.
ELOHIM is the God that keeps the covenant and remember us in his love and mercy. Also, the word ELOHIM expresses the idea of greatness and glory. From Genesis 1:1 to Genesis 2:4 this name is used (35 times) to indicate his great power to give existence to all things. Elohim first created the heaven and earth in darkness, disordered and empty. ELOHIM created light, order and life (see Proverbs, Chap. 8 “wisdom”). Another interesting characteristic about this name is that ELOHIM is a plural word. However, even though this name is in the plural, it is accompanied of pronouns, verbs and adjectives in singular; remember…when you put ELOHIM/GOD/JEHOVAH/ADONAI, etc. in a box, then HE isn’t ELOHIM. So we have: “Then ELOHIM said, let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness…” (Genesis 1:26). Although the word Trinity does not appear in the Scriptures, right from Genesis 1:1 we can see allusions to God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit (Genesis 1:26; 3:22; 11:7; Isaiah 6:8); and it is likely the idea of the Trinity began right here…at the beginning. After all, where does anything really begin…at the BEGINNING (wink). A really wonderful group of folks called “Answers in Genesis” (AnswersinGenesis.com) says, and I agree: If you can get past Genesis 1:1, and accept that as Truth, the rest of the Bible is easy. (smile)
Now, before we leave Elohim as the first name GOD used for himself, remember this – as ELOHIM:
God is creator, powerful and mighty, Lord of Lords. He is the Lord Most High, stronger and mightier than anyone or anything. When you face impossible circumstances or adversaries, know that your ELOHIM is stronger; know that your ELOHIM created/possessed “WISDOM” itself before even creation; let’s segway before we end in Prayer, to Proverbs…the Book of WISDOM, Chapter 8, beginning with verse 22 where WISDOM speaks to us about Elohim and creation, as it happened:
22“The Lord formed me from the beginning,before he created anything else.23I was appointed in ages past,at the very first, before the earth began.24I was born before the oceans were created,before the springs bubbled forth their waters.25Before the mountains were formed,before the hills, I was born—26before he had made the earth and fieldsand the first handfuls of soil.27I was there when he established the heavens,when he drew the horizon on the oceans.28I was there when he set the clouds above,when he established springs deep in the earth.29I was there when he set the limits of the seas,so they would not spread beyond their boundaries.And when he marked off the earth’s foundations,30I was the architect at his side.I was his constant delight,rejoicing always in his presence.31And how happy I was with the world he created;how I rejoiced with the human family!32“And so, my children,8:32 Hebrew my sons. listen to me,for all who follow my ways are joyful.33Listen to my instruction and be wise.Don’t ignore it.34Joyful are those who listen to me,watching for me daily at my gates,waiting for me outside my home!35For whoever finds me finds lifeand receives favor from the Lord.36But those who miss me injure themselves.All who hate me love death.”
One Pilgrim's Journey 