Chapter 4: Compound Names of God, Part 1
The compound Names of God reveal who HE is ‘to you.’ Here in Chapter 4 of the Names of God series we will muse over 5 of the “compound” names for God found in the Old Testament. Each of these names, generally matched with “Jehovah” as in “Jehovah Nissi,” give us a glimpse into the characteristics of Almighty YAHWEH that are particluar to you and your circumstances.
So – cinch up your knapsack, make sure you’ve got plenty of water, Armor Of God fitting tightly under your cloak, Sword of the Spirit always at the ready…let’s go…
Today we’re going to muse about just 5 of the 10 (there are actually more – first ever challenge Bereans – leave compound names of God used in the old Testament not listed here, in the “comments” section, we ‘are’ musing together after all…iron sharpens iron…) that I am going to muse about, then we’ll cover the other 5.
- Jehovah-Nissi (The Lord My Banner)
- Jehovah-Raah (The Lord My Shepherd)
- Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord That Heals)
- Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord Is There/The Lord My Companion)
- Jehovah-Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness)
I’ll give you a basic meaning and a few facts about each, and in most cases, a Biblical reference to at least one place where that particular compound Name Of God shows up, so you can read the story and get the context in which it’s used and therefore how it might apply directly to you/to me/to us. In doing that I hope a few of these short descriptions and references to the Biblical stories behind them catch your interest, firing up your “inner Berean.” You can just type one or more of these compound names into any online search engine (even Google) and do your own deep dive to better know who GOD is to YOU. Now there are many places you can research, starting and ending, of course, in the Bible itself, I simply say use an online search engine because I know everybody has a computer and/or at least a cell phone…so you might as well use these tools for a “higher purpose.” And if you don’t have a “Bible App” on your smart phone, GET ONE! It’s a great way to read the WORD when out and about (instead of being impatient when waiting, shine up your Armor!), and Bible Apps are a great way to SHARE the Word, and your devotions with friends if you are so inclined! In my MENU you can find a LINKS page, with a few great suggestions.
JEHOVAH-NISSI (The Lord My Banner or, The Lord My Miracle)
(yeh-ho-vaw’ nis-see’)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Nissi occurs only once in Exodus Chapter 17, verse 15, during Israel’s war with the Amalekites.
Meaning and Derivation: A little review as we covered “Jehovah” in our last muse. Jehovah is translated as “The Existing One” or “Lord.” The chief meaning of Jehovah is derived from the Hebrew word Havah meaning “to be” or “to exist.” It also suggests “to become” or specifically “to become known” – this denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly.
Now Nes (nês), from which Nissi derived, means “banner” in Hebrew. In Exodus 17:15, Moses, recognizing that the Lord was Israel’s banner under which they defeated the Amalekites, builds an altar and names it Jehovah-Nissi (the Lord our Banner). Nes is also sometimes translated as a pole with an insignia attached. In battle opposing nations would fly their own flag on a pole at each of their respective front lines. This was to give their soldiers a feeling of hope and a focal point in the cloud of battle. Once again, something we take for granted, the whole idea of our Flags, our “Banners” is BIBLICAL! And this is one thing God is to us: a banner of encouragement to give us hope and a focal point – Our Jehovah-Nissi.
JEHOVAH-RAAH (THE LORD MY SHEPHERD)
(yeh-ho-vaw’ raw-aw’)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Raah (The Lord my Shepherd) is principally used in Psalm 23.
Meaning and Derivation: So we’ve looked at Jehovah a few times now and we know it denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Looking at Raah we see it derived from the Hebrew Rô’eh, meaning simply “shepherd.” A shepherd is one who feeds or leads his flock to pasture/cares for them. Now, if we extend translation of this related word, rea’, in Hebrew is “friend” or “companion.” This indicates for us the intimacy God desires between Himself and “YOU.” So the compound name Jehovah-Raah can be translated as “The Lord my Friend” as well as The Lord My Shepherd.
Reference ‘starting points’ for your own study of the name Jehovah-Raah in the Old Testament, which tell of God’s gentle “shepherding” and “friendship” are at: Gen 48:15; Gen 49:24; Psa 80:1
JEHOVAH-RAPHA (THE LORD WHO HEALS)
(yeh-ho-vaw’ raw-faw’)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Rapha (The Lord that Heals) is used in Exodus 15:26.
Meaning and Derivation: So we’ve looked at Jehovah a few times now and we know it denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Rapha (râpâ’) the 2nd half of this compound name means “to restore”, “to heal” or “to make healthful” in the Hebrew. When the two words are combined: Jehovah-Rapha it can be translated as “Jehovah Who Heals.” Jehovah is the Great Physician who heals the physical and emotional needs of His people.
A few reference ‘starting points’ for your own study of the name Jehovah-Rapha in the Old Testament which tell of God’s healing: Jeremiah 30;17; Jeremiah 3:22; Isaiah 30:26; Isaiah 61:1; Psalm 103:3.
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (THE LORD IS THERE)
(yeh-ho-vaw’ shawm’-maw)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Shammah occurs only once, in Ezekiel 48:35.
Meaning and Derivation: Again, we’ve looked at Jehovah multiple times now and we know it denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. Shammah is derived from the Hebrew word sham, which can be translated as “there.” Jehovah-Shammah is a symbolic name for the earthly Jerusalem. The name indicates that God has not abandoned Jerusalem, leaving it in ruins, but that there will be a restoration…think of “Is There” kind of like you think of “I AM,’ meaning ‘always:’ past, present, future. Jerusalem is God’s covenant city…and it’s peace should be a part of our prayer life, daily…in fact, our Journey, as Pilgrim’s, is to the “New Jerusalem,” that’s the city we’re looking to, the one God is re-making and will one day bring down from Heaven. You ever need encouragement on our journey, I sometimes do, take a break off the trail, read Revelation 21 & 22, dry your tears, shout “Glory To God, Hallelujah!” and get back on the trail! Amen!
No further references for Jehovah-Shammah but if you read Revelation 21 & 22, you get it!
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU (THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS)
(yeh-ho-vaw’ tsid-kay’-noo)
Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament Jehovah-Tsidkenu occurs 2 times. Jehovah Tsidkenu is first used in Jeremiah 23:6 when God speaks prophetically about Israel’s restoration.
Meaning and Derivation: Again, we’ve looked at Jehovah multiple times now and we know it denotes a God who reveals Himself unceasingly. The 2nd half here – Tsedek (tseh’-dek), from which Tsidkenu derived in the Hebrew, means “to be stiff,” “to be straight,” or prehaps most appropriately here: “righteous.” So, when the two words are combined Jehovah-Tsidkenu, it can be translated as “The Lord Who is our Righteousness.”
Further study reference of the name Jehovah-Tsidkenu in the Old Testament is found at Jeremiah 33:16, where again, God speaks prophetically to Jerimiah about Israel’s final restoration, and “our” eternal future, again, a great read. So you can see how Jehovah-Tsidkenu logically followed Jehovah-Shammah in our muse.
One Pilgrim's Journey 