EL SHADDAI

Last week we said, Elohim is derived from two root words 1. "El" meaning unlimited energy, might, power , strength (Gn. 1:1) It celebrates the divine attribute known as Omnipotence. (Heb. 1:3, Ps. 19:1) ...There are 3 secondary names compounded with "El" the root of "Elohim" meaning "God". El Shaddai, El Elyon, and El Olam. Now we look at the first of these three names:
El Shaddai

God's names in Scripture reveal His nature. "El Shaddai" is used 48 times in the Bible. 31 of which are found in Job alone! El is the abbreviated form of Elohim and has we have previously pointed out speaks of God's Omnipotence. The root word for "Shaddai" is "shad" which is almost invariably used in reference to a mother's breast through which she transmits all that her baby needs to live, grow and be healthy. The effect of a mother's milk on a baby is nothing short of amazing. It can quiet and comfort as it nourishes the little one. "El Shaddai" is a tender term that is used exclusively in reference to God and His children.

This lesson is only intended to whet your appettite. For further study let me recommend Lehman Strauss's book, "The First Person".

Let us look in Genesis 17 for:

I. THE FIRST TIME

1. God's promise to Abram (Gn. 17:1-8, 15-19)

2. God's persuasion of Abraham (Rm. 4:13-25, 10:17)

3. God's power in Abraham & Sarah (Heb. 11:11-19)

II. THE FAMILY TRADITION

1. Isaac used the name with Jacob (Gn. 28:1-4)

2. God used the name with Jacob/Israel (Gn. 31:42, 32:24-30, 35:9-18)

3. Jacob used the name with his sons & grandsons (Gn. 43:11-14, 48:1-4, 49:22-26)

III. THE FRUITFUL TEACHING (Ps. 91:1)

When we meet His conditions:

1. God will supply our needs (Mt. 6:33, Phil 4:19)

2. God will increase our faith (Lk. 17:5, II Cor. 10:12-17)

3. God will use us (Jn 15:1-8)