The Unfolding Names of God in the Old Testament

The Old Testament is a record of God’s progressive revelation to humanity, and one of the clearest ways this is displayed is through the names by which He makes Himself known. These names are not arbitrary; they reflect aspects of His nature and His covenantal dealings with His people. As the biblical narrative unfolds, we see a God who meets His people where they are, using terms familiar to them, and yet clarifying and deepening their understanding of who He truly is.

El as a Canaanite Deity and God’s Condescension

In the ancient Near East, El was the name of the chief deity in the Canaanite pantheon. Abraham, living among Canaanite peoples, would have been familiar with this term, which was associated with supreme authority and creation. Remarkably, when God revealed Himself to Abraham, He condescended to use this title to establish a connection Abraham could understand.

This was not a concession to paganism but an act of gracious accommodation. At the same time, God redefined El, demonstrating His superiority over all other so-called gods. This approach served as a polemic—a theological challenge or critique—against the Canaanite understanding of El. God claimed this title, not as a reflection of pagan ideas, but to emphasize that He alone is the true Creator and Lord of all.

(See this previous article for more on the gods of Israel’s neighbors.)

(If you haven’t been to the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures, go check it out!)

Elohim: The Universal Creator

The Bible opens with Elohim: “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This plural form (of the name El) with singular meaning reflects both majesty and completeness, emphasizing God’s supremacy as Creator.

Unlike the tribal deities of polytheistic cultures, Elohim is introduced as the Creator of all things, sovereign over every nation and people. Some scholars have suggested that the plural form of Elohim hints at the complexity within God’s unity—a concept not fully revealed until later in Scripture.

El and Its Variants in the Patriarchal Period

As God began His covenantal relationship with the patriarchs, He revealed Himself through various forms of El:

• El Elyon (God Most High) – Used by Melchizedek in blessing Abram (Genesis 14:18-20). Melchizedek, a priest-king of Salem, acknowledges God’s supreme authority over all.

• El Shaddai (God Almighty) – Revealed to Abraham during the covenant of circumcision (Genesis 17:1). This name emphasizes God’s power to fulfill His promises and His sufficiency for every need.

• El Roi (The God Who Sees) – Spoken by Hagar after her encounter with God in the wilderness (Genesis 16:13). This name reflects God’s personal care for the afflicted and His ability to see every human need.

These names reveal different aspects of God’s character, from His universal supremacy to His intimate compassion.

Yahweh: The Covenant Name of God

Yahweh Before Moses

The name Yahweh appears in early Genesis (e.g., Genesis 4:26), where people began to “call on the name of the Lord (Yahweh).” However, the full meaning of this name was not revealed until God’s encounter with Moses. These early references, likely inserted by later editors, align Israel’s earliest worship with the covenantal God of Exodus.

Yahweh Revealed to Moses

In Exodus 3, God reveals His name to Moses at the burning bush: Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh (I AM WHO I AM). The name Yahweh, derived from the Hebrew verb “to be,” signifies God’s eternal, self-existent nature.

The burning bush—flaming but unconsumed—visually represents God’s independence and sovereignty. Through this name, God establishes Himself as the covenant-keeping God, faithful to His promises and intimately involved in His people’s deliverance.

The Shortened Form: Yah

The abbreviated form Yah appears in worship and poetry, such as the Song of the Sea: “The Lord (Yah) is my strength and my song” (Exodus 15:2). This form is most familiar in the exclamation “Hallelujah” (Praise Yah), a refrain of joy and worship used throughout the Psalms.

Compound Names of Yahweh During the Exodus and Conquest

As Israel journeyed to the Promised Land, God revealed compound names that emphasize His active care and involvement:

• Yahweh-Nissi (The Lord Is My Banner) – Celebrating God’s victory over the Amalekites (Exodus 17:15). This name underscores God’s role as Israel’s protector and divine warrior.

• Yahweh-Mekaddishkem (The Lord Who Sanctifies You) – Highlighting God’s role in setting Israel apart for holiness (Leviticus 20:8).

These names deepen Israel’s understanding of Yahweh as both their defender and sanctifier.

Evidence of God’s Name in Personal Names

The prominence of Yahweh in Israel’s life is evident in the use of Yahu and Yah in personal names. When a person bears God’s name in this sense, they are said to have a theophoric name.

Examples include:

• Isaiah (Yesha‘yahu) – “Yahweh is salvation.”

• Jeremiah (Yirmeyahu) – “Yahweh will uplift.”

• Hezekiah (Chizqiyahu) – “Yahweh strengthens.”

Archaeological findings, such as the Lachish Letters, provide evidence of these theophoric names, demonstrating Yahweh’s central role in Israelite identity even in times of crisis.

Names of God in the Prophets and Exile

Yahweh-Tsidkenu

In Jeremiah 23:6, God is called Yahweh-Tsidkenu (The Lord Our Righteousness). This name points to the messianic hope of a future king who would embody divine justice and righteousness, fulfilling the promises made to David’s line.

Yahweh-Shammah

Ezekiel concludes his vision of the restored Jerusalem with the name Yahweh-Shammah (The Lord Is There). This name assures God’s abiding presence among His people, even in the aftermath of exile and destruction.

Conclusion

The names of God revealed in the Old Testament are a journey into His character and covenantal love. Each name, from El to Yahweh-Tsidkenu, invites us to know Him more deeply, as He reveals Himself across history and through His interactions with His people. Ultimately, these names point to the fulfillment of His promises in Jesus Christ, the true Emmanuel, who is “God with us.”

If this topic sparks your curiosity, dive deeper with us on the "OT in Context" podcast, where each article is discussed as we explore the rich historical and cultural background of the Old Testament. Episodes are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Pocketcasts, Amazon, and other platforms.

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