THE NAMES OF GOD: EL OLAM

0. Introduction

a) In the Old Testament times, a name was not only identification, but an identity as well. Many times a special meaning was attached to the name. Names had, among other purposes, an explanatory purpose (e.g. Nabal, whose name means "fool," is the target of Abigail's explanation to David (1 Samuel 25:25). Throughout Scripture God reveals Himself to us through His names. When we study these names that He reveals to us in the Bible, we will better understand who God really is. The meanings behind God's names reveal the central personality and nature of the One who bears them.

1. Who is God to you?

a) Is He your Most High God, All sufficient One, Master, Lord of Peace, the Lord Who Will Provide? Is He your Father? We must be careful not to make God into an "it" or a "thing" to which we pray. He is our Jehovah Raah, the Lord our Shepherd. God knows us by our name, shouldn't we know Him by His?

2. Names of God

a) El Olam (The Everlasting God, The God of Eternity, The God of the Universe, The God of Ancient Days).

b) Variant spellings: None.

3. Meaning

a) El is another name that is translated as "God" and can be used in conjunction with other words to designate various aspects of God's character. Olam derives from the root word 'lm (which means "eternity"). Olam literally means "forever," "eternity," or "everlasting". When the two words are combined - El Olam - it can be translated as "The Eternal God."

4. Use in the Bible

a) El Olam is first used in Genesis 21:33.

5. Scripture References

a) Genesis 21:33.

b) Jeremiah 10:10.

c) Isaiah 26:4.