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The Names of God
Introduction:
(Genesis 3:20) “And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was
the mother of all living.” In this lesson, we begin a series
studying the names of God revealed in Scripture. Each name shows us
something about His nature, His character, and His presence among
His people.
Understanding the Meaning of
Names in Scripture
In our culture, names often carry little meaning beyond family
tradition or preference. But in Hebrew culture, names were deeply
significant. They described a person’s character, destiny, or role.
When we read about the names of God, each one tells us something
vital about who He is. Hebrew names often reveal character—“Eve,”
for example, means “life-giver.” How fitting that she was called
this, as from her came all human life.
Names Reveal Character
Throughout the Old Testament, we find names that describe the people
who bore them. Esau’s name refers to his ruddy appearance, while
Nabal’s name means “fool,” which perfectly fit his behavior. These
examples show how Hebrew names communicate identity and nature. If
that is true for people, it is far more so with the names of God.
His names reveal who He is, what He does, and how He relates to His
creation.
The Proclamation of God’s
Name
Exodus 9:16 reveals that God raised up Pharaoh to demonstrate His
power and that His name might be declared in all the earth. In
Egypt, there were many so-called gods—each represented by idols,
animals, or natural forces. The ten plagues showed that these were
powerless and false, while the God of Israel alone was real. The
same truth holds today. Though the world worships many things—power,
pleasure, wealth, and false religions—there remains only one true
and living God. We are called to proclaim His name in all the earth.
Praising the Name of the
Lord
Psalm 44:8 says, “In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name
forever.” We must constantly honor His name through our speech, our
actions, and our worship. Every day provides opportunities to
declare the greatness of God and to express gratitude for His power
and mercy.
Why God Has Many Names
Scripture reveals many names of God because no single name can
capture His nature. Each name adds depth to our understanding of
Him. “El Shaddai” emphasizes His all-sufficiency. “Jehovah Jireh”
shows He provides. “Jehovah Rapha” reveals He heals. The variety of
names expands our appreciation of His infinite being.
Another reason for God’s many
names is that they express His continual presence. Unlike false gods
confined to statues or temples, the Lord is omnipresent. As 2 Samuel
5:10 records, “David went on and became great, and the Lord God of
hosts was with him.” The Lord God of hosts is always with His
people—when we rise in the morning, go about our work, or lie down
at night. His presence is constant and comforting.
God Described in Human
Terms
Although God is spirit (John 4:24), the Bible sometimes describes
Him in human terms so that we can understand Him better. Numbers
6:24–26 speaks of the Lord making His face shine upon us and lifting
His countenance upon us. God does not literally have a face, but
this image helps us grasp His favor, His attention, and His blessing
toward His people.
Exodus 33:23 speaks of God
showing His “back” to Moses, while Isaiah 14:27 speaks of His “hand”
being stretched out in power. These expressions reveal His strength,
authority, and intimate involvement in human affairs. Though He is
invisible and infinite, God communicates in ways we can understand.
These word pictures show His care, His power, and His purpose.
The Worship of God’s Name
Psalm 69:30 says, “I will praise the name of God with a song, and
will magnify Him with thanksgiving.” Singing praises to God is one
of the greatest ways to honor His name. As we sing hymns that
declare His power and grace, we teach, encourage, and remind one
another of His greatness. Psalm 45:17 adds, “I will make Your name
to be remembered in all generations; therefore the people shall
praise You forever and ever.” Each generation must pass on the
reverence of God’s name to the next.
Conclusion
We serve a God whose name is above every name. His names reveal His
nature, His presence, His power, and His love. We must continually
proclaim, honor, and remember His name.
The Names of God Sermon
Outline:
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I. Hebrew Names and
Their Significance
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Names in Hebrew culture
describe character.
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Example: Eve –
“life-giver” (Genesis 3:20).
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Example: Nabal – “fool”
(1 Samuel 25:23–25).
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II. The Proclamation
of God’s Name
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God raised Pharaoh to
display His power (Exodus 9:16).
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Israel’s deliverance
proclaimed the true God to all nations.
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Application: The world
still needs to hear God’s name today.
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III. The Praise of
God’s Name
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IV. Why God Has Many
Names
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Each name reveals a
unique aspect of His character (El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh,
etc.).
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2 Samuel 5:10 – “The
Lord God of hosts was with him.”
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God’s names show His
presence and faithfulness.
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V. God Described in
Human Terms
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Numbers 6:24–26 – His
“face” and “countenance” express blessing.
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Exodus 33:23 – His
“back” reveals divine majesty.
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Isaiah 14:27 – His
“hand” displays power and control.
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These expressions help
us relate to God’s nature.
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VI. Praising and
Remembering His Name
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Conclusion:
God’s many names help us know Him deeply and honor Him
faithfully.
Call to Action:
Let us daily proclaim, honor, and remember the holy name of the
Lord. May our words, songs, and lives magnify Him before others. The
invitation of God still stands—to come to Him through Jesus Christ,
the Savior who bears the name above every name.
Key Takeaways:
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Hebrew names reveal meaning
and character (Genesis 3:20).
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God’s names show His
nature, power, and presence (Exodus 9:16).
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God is everywhere and
always with His people (2 Samuel 5:10).
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We praise His name in song
and teach it to future generations (Psalm 69:30; 45:17).
Scripture Reference List:
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Genesis 3:20 – Eve means
“life-giver.”
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1 Samuel 25:23–25 – Nabal’s
name means “fool.”
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Exodus 9:16 – God’s name
declared through His power over Egypt.
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Psalm 44:8 – We boast in
and praise God’s name.
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2 Samuel 5:10 – “The Lord
God of hosts was with him.”
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Numbers 6:24–26 – The
Lord’s “face” and “countenance” represent blessing.
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Exodus 33:23 – God shows
His “back” to Moses.
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Isaiah 14:27 – The Lord’s
“hand” represents His power.
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Psalm 69:30 – Praise the
name of God with a song.
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Psalm 45:17 – Remember His
name through all generations.
Prepared by Bobby Stafford
of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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The
church of Christ
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