The Names of God

God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14).

God has made Himself known by many names. Each name tells us something about Him—who He is, what He cares about, what He does. Today I’d like to share some of these names from the Old Testament. All of these names are variations of Yahweh, the personal name of God which means "I AM."

In Genesis chapter 32, God is referred to as Yahweh-yireh, the Lord who provides. God had tested Abraham’s faith by instructing the old man to sacrifice his one and only son to the Lord. When Abraham put aside his personal desires in order to obey God’s command, the Lord spared Isaac’s life by providing a ram to die in the boy’s place. When you trust in God, He will provide what you need.

In Exodus chapter 15, God is named Yahweh-ropheka, the Lord our physician. God had punished Egypt with 10 awful plagues because that nation was mistreating God’s people. Miraculously, only the Egyptians suffered—the Israelites remained unharmed. After they were released from captivity, God made them a promise: If you listen carefully to the voice of the LORD your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the LORD who heals you. Any time you are blessed with recovery from sickness or injury, it is a gift from the Lord.

In Exodus chapter 17, God is named Yahweh-nissi, the Lord our banner of victory. The Israelites were caught in a vicious battle that went on and on. The only reason they won the day was because God blessed their struggle through Moses. So long as the prophet held up his hands in blessing, the Israelites fought with power; when his strength faltered and he lowered his arms, the enemy rallied. So two men of God helped Moses keep his arms raised until the enemy was defeated. The Bible says that Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner. When you depend on God for help, the forces of evil cannot overcome you.

In my next devotion, I will share with you some more names of God from the Old Testament.