Overview:
Author Shewanda Riley explores the significance of knowing the various names of God to foster a deeper relationship with Him. By examining titles such as Jehovah Shalom and Jehovah Raah, she illustrates how these names reveal different aspects of His divine nature. Ultimately, Riley suggests that understanding these biblical names allows believers to find comfort, strength, and guidance in various life circumstances.
What is a simple way to show that you care about somebody? Buy them something? Cook a good homemade meal? These are all good but one way is easier: learn their name. I realized this recently when one of my students told me how much he appreciated me trying to learn student names. He said that it showed I cared.
Much like knowing the names of others can show that we care about them, knowing the names of God can do the exact same thing. Proverbs 18:10 says, “The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” But we have to know what the names of God are in order to run to them for safety.
God is known as Jehovah Shalom or the Lord is Peace in Judges 6:24. In this instance, God reveals himself as one who is complete and without strife. We are reminded to follow this example in Romans 12:18 where we are encouraged to live at peace with others.
In addition, there are other times in the bible when God’s name is combined with other words to show specific aspects of his nature. 1 Samuel 1:3 is just one of 285 times that Sabaoth is paired with Jehovah or Elohim in the Old Testament. This is for good reason. Jehovah Sabaoth means the Lord of armies. This is so powerful as we are reminded throughout scriptures to let the Lord fight our battles, spiritual and otherwise.
Jehovah Mekoddishkem means to call on the Lord who sanctifies you. This Lord will set you apart in holiness and dedication to him. It’s not just limited to not drinking or smoking… it’s about making the choice to submit to the process of sanctification by God. References to this are found in Exodus 31:13.
Jehovah Shammah means that the Lord is there. Despite how we may feel abandoned by or forgotten by God, this name reminds us that he is always with us. And not only is he with us when we feel like we are at our lowest, he is also there when we have our greatest triumphs. A reference for this is found in Ezekiel 48:35.
Jehovah Raah is one phrase that we are familiar with because of Psalm 23. This means that the Lord is my Shepherd who nurtures and leads the flock. This one especially brings to mind the intimacy that God desires with us in worship.
Just like we are not known by just one name, God is known by and wants us to know him by his different names. Think about it: I am known as Wanda to my family, Auntie Wanda my nieces and nephews, Dr. Riley to my coworkers and Sis. Riley to my church family. I am the same person but with each name I take on a different aspect of my identity.
It’s the same way with God. He may be known as Jehovah Jireh one week or Jehovah Shalom the next. The wonderful part is that he is the same majestic God that we are honored to worship.
Shewanda Riley (Aunt Wanda), PhD, is a Fort Worth-based author of “Love Hangover: Moving from Pain to Purpose After a Relationship Ends” and “Writing to the Beat of God’s Heart: A Book of Prayers for Writers.” Email her at preservedbypurpose@gmail.com or follow her on Instagram @shewandawrites. You can also listen to her podcast “The Chocolate Auntie Podcast” on the Alive Podcast network at www.alivepodcastnetwork.com or visit www.chocolateauntiepodcast.com.
