When we see the words “God Almighty” written in our Bibles, we are actually seeing “El Shaddai” in Hebrew. We know it is a name of God because the first time it shows up, God addresses Himself as El Shaddai–God Almighty. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him, saying, ‘I am God Almighty’” (Genesis 17:1).
Only by the power of an almighty God could that impossible promise be fulfilled—only by the same power that drove out demons, healed the blind, and raised the dead.
In the context of the surrounding story, God making Himself known as the “Almighty” or “All-Sufficient One” makes total sense. He is making a seemingly impossible promise to a man who would have been considered as good as dead (Romans 4:19). Abram was 99 years old, had an 89-year-old barren wife, no children, and no land to call his own. Yet, God promised offspring and land. He said, “I will set up my covenant between me and you, and I will multiply you greatly…I will make you the father of many nations…And to you and your future offspring I will give the land where you are residing—all the land of Canaan—as a permanent possession, and I will be their God” (see Genesis 17:1–8 CSB). How could that happen when Abram was so old, had no children, and no land? Only by the power of an almighty God could that impossible promise be fulfilled—only by the same power that drove out demons, healed the blind, and raised the dead when Jesus walked the earth in the New Testament.
Some scholars debate the precise translation of the Hebrew word “Shaddai.” It has been interpreted as “God of the mountains,” “the one who overpowers,” “the pourer-forth,” and “the all-sufficient One.” Regardless of which interpretation is used, they all express His power and might. But El Shaddai is also a personable name for God that helps us understand how He feels about us, relates to us, and takes care of us, just as He did Abram. The root word of El Shaddai, “Shad,” is also the Hebrew word for “breast.” This implies that the Almighty God, who is in charge of the universe, holds us on His heart like a mother does a baby whom she is nourishing. As a mother pours forth life-giving milk, God pours forth His life-giving Spirit. It provides a beautiful picture of God loving us, nurturing us, and caring for us as we grow.
When we see the name El Shaddai, or God Almighty, may it remind us that everything we have is a gift and an act of love from our God, the creator of our universe. He is watching over us and nourishing us by His strength, provision, and unwavering commitment.
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1 Comment
Very encouraging words that all of need to hear over and over again! In a world going over the cliff, we His believers need to be rooted and established in His word for a lost people. Well done Experience church!