Thursday, September 17, 2009

El Elyon, AKA... God

Our newest series @ Departure is going to take us through various names of God.  Why?  Because if you’ve ever heard this: “You shall not take the name of the LORD in vain” and thought it was just about cussing, you’re missing it.  “Vain” here really means thoughtlessly.  When we take the name of the LORD in vain, it’s not just about cussing, it also includes “lip-service” expressions of faith, mechanical confessions, heartless acts of service, etc.  So in this series, we’re going to think about the names of God.  We’re going to consider what they mean so we’re not careless in our worship.  We’re going to respond to His name so we’re not lazy with Him.  We’re going to learn more about His name so we don’t belittle His character.

Bonus Web Content

Further references of the name El Elyon in the Old Testament:

  • Gen 14:18
  • Gen 14:19
  • Gen 14:20
  • Gen 14:22
  • Psa 57:2
  • Psa 78:35

Digging Deeper with other “El” names: El Shaddai, El Olam, and ElRoi (which you could research on your own if you want to keep digging deeper).



Use in the Bible: In the Old Testament El Shaddai occurs 7 times. El Shaddai is first used in Gen 17:1.

El Shaddai in the Septuagint: theou saddai — God Shaddai; pantokratôr (for Shaddai) — the Almighty

Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character. Another word much like Shaddai, and from which many believe it derived, is shad meaning “breast” in Hebrew (some other scholars believe that the name is derived from an Akkadian word Šadu, meaning “mountain,” suggesting strength and power). This refers to God completely nourishing, satisfying, and supplying His people with all their needs as a mother would her child. Connected with the word for God, El, this denotes a God who freely gives nourishment and blessing, He is our sustainer.

Further references of the name El Shaddai in the Old Testament: Gen 17:1; Gen 28:3; Gen 35:11; Gen 43:14; Gen 48:3



Use in the Bible: El Olam is first used in Gen 21:33.

El Olam in the Septuagint: [ho] theos [ho] aiônios — the everlasting God

Meaning and Derivation: El is another name that is translated as “God” and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God’s character. Olam derives from the root word ‘lm (which means “eternity”). Olam literally means “forever,” “eternity,” or “everlasting”. When the two words are combined — El Olam — it can be translated as “The Eternal God.”

Further references of the name El Olam in the Old Testament: Gen 21:33; Jer 10:10; Isa 26:4

Talk Notes

What is the importance?

Job 2:1-10 shows that because God is El Elyon, even Satan can’t make a move without His permission.

Job 23:10 shows that because God is El Elyon, we can’t make a decision that’s going to surprise Him.  And we can’t receive anything less than the gold when we trust that He is leading us through these trials.

Daniel 4:30-37 shows that God took Nebuchadnezzar’s kingdom away to humble him and prepare him to accept that God rules over all.

Isaiah 14:24 shows that God doesn’t have a “plan B.”  He rules over all so what happens is what He intends to happen

El Elyon Literal Meaning: “God Most High” or “The Strongest Strong One”

In the Old Testament El Elyon occurs 28 times. It occurs 19 times in Psalms. El Elyon is first used in Gen 14:18

Other Scripture Referenced

  • Romans 8:35-39
  • James 4:6-8
  • 1 Corinthians 10:13
  • James 1:12
  • 1 John 5:3-5
  • 1 Corinthians 15:51-57
What Was That Song?

It’s called “Overcome” by Desperation Band.  You can listen on Last.fm or purchase on iTunes.

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