“This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.” (Genesis 2:4)

The opening verse in the Bible is “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) In this verse the Hebrew word for God is “Elohim.” Many times, in the Old Testament when we read God, the Hebrew word is Elohim. The meaning behind the word is strength and power. It is also used for other and false gods. It is used like we use the term god. I can mean the one true God or any god. In the open verses of Genesis, Elohim is the creator God. In chapter 2 of Genesis it is combined with Jehovah, “This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, when the LORD God made the earth and the heavens.” (Genesis 2:4) Here the Creator God, Elohim, is identified as Jehovah. The name Jehovah is regarded as holy, and the translators of Scripture would use LORD where Jehovah is found.

In Exodus this same God calls out to Moses, “So Moses said, ‘I must turn aside now and see this marvelous sight, why the bush is not burned up.’ When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am.’” (Exodus 3:3-4) The LORD God of the Exodus is the God of Creation. After Moses led the people of Israel to the Promised Land and they are now ready to enter, Moses tells them to listen, “Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-6) The Creator God is also the redeemer God, to whom is do our love. He is the one who demonstrates His strength and His power. This Elohim is the one true Elohim.

The Psalmist would sing praise to this Creator God who is the one above all other gods. “O LORD my God, in You I have taken refuge; Save me from all those who pursue me, and deliver me.” (Psalm 7:1) “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2) “Some boast in chariots and some in horses, But we will boast in the name of the LORD, our God.” (Psalm 20:7) “He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God; Many will see and fear And will trust in the LORD.” (Psalm 40:3) “But as for me, my prayer is to You, O LORD , at an acceptable time; O God, in the greatness of Your lovingkindness, Answer me with Your saving truth.” (Psalm 69:13) “O LORD God of hosts, restore us; Cause Your face to shine upon us, and we will be saved.” (Psalm 80:19)

The Prophets announces His promises and plans. “O LORD, You are my God; I will exalt You, I will give thanks to Your name; For You have worked wonders, Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.” (Isaiah 25:1) “Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth Does not become weary or tired. His understanding is inscrutable.” (Isaiah 40:28) “Let the wicked forsake his way And the unrighteous man his thoughts; And let him return to the LORD, And He will have compassion on him, And to our God, For He will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7) “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8) “But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the LORD; I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.” (Micah 7:7) “Yet I will exult in the LORD, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. The Lord GOD is my strength, And He has made my feet like hinds’ feet, And makes me walk on my high places.” (Habakkuk 3:18-19)

The pages of Scripture remind us that God is active in Creation and Redemption. He is the God who controls the universe and His kingdom with His power and strength. He is also the personal God who is the LORD to whom we know His Name and have received His redemption.

In the Love of Jesus,

Michael Block