Bible Doctrine Series-Elohim

Elohim (used 2570 times in the Old Testament). This name denotes the Creator-Sustainer God, the One who puts forth His power and strength (Genesis 1:1). Elohim, a plural Hebrew word usually written as God in most translations, means “the strong, faithful One—the only true God.” In the beginning, Elohim created the heavens and the earth. Everything created was brought into being by Elohim. He created man in His own image. Whatever Elohim spoke came to pass. Everything created was brought into being and pronounced as being good by Elohim. He created man in His own image and enjoyed fellowship with him in the garden. He observed as Adam named all the creatures that He had made. It was Elohim who saw that it was not good for Adam to be alone and took a rib from Adam’s side and formed it into a suitable mate to help him. After Adam and Eve were driven from the garden, the earth’s population began to grow. All the earth became corrupt in the sight of Elohim the Creator; therefore, He determined to destroy it. However, one man had found favor with Elohim. That man was Noah. Elohim told Noah to build an ark, and to fill it with two of every kind of animal. Elohim then destroyed His corrupted creation with flood waters that covered the whole earth; it was Elohim who remembered Noah and the animals in the ark. It was Elohim who caused the wind to pass over the earth and to dry the waters. It was Elohim who told Noah and his family when to leave the ark and release the animals. It was Elohim who blessed Noah and his sons, who told them to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. It was Elohim who accomplished all things by His Word. Abram fell on his face before Elohim, who promised to be his God and to establish an everlasting covenant with him and his descendants. It was Elohim who remembered Abraham and sent Lot from the midst of Sodom and Gomorrah before He destroyed them. It was Elohim who tested Abraham’s faith in the proposed sacrifice of his only son, providing a substitute sacrifice at just the right moment. Elohim gave Jacob a new name and formed a nation through him, a people called by His name. He purposed through Joseph to lead them into Egypt. There He made them strong through adversity, then delivered them into the wilderness. He kept them, fed them, and clothed them in their wilderness journey until they learned His character and ways. Then Elohim brought them into a land of promise—the land filled with milk and honey. Elohim did not forsake His people, though they did not remain faithful to Him. Over and over He disciplined them until, after many years in captivity, they learned to have no other gods before Him. Elohim, who sent Moses to deliver His people, promised that He would rise up a prophet from Israel. This One would establish an eternal kingdom for God’s people. This One came as promised and was crucified. But He was also raised from the dead and seated at the right hand of God where He ever lives as our God and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Dr. Ken Copley is available for counseling, conferences, and local church meetings.