There Is Much in a Name

There Is Much in a Name
Text: Exodus 9:16

Introduction:
In the Hebrew language, a name reveals the character and nature of a person. The same is true for God. Through His names, we learn who He is, what He does, and how He relates to His people. As the Lord told Pharaoh, His power and His name are to be declared in all the earth (Exodus 9:16).

Elohim – The Creator, King, and Judge
The name Elohim is God’s primary title in Scripture, used more than 2,600 times in the Old Testament. It identifies the one true and living God who is Creator, King, Judge, Lord, and Savior. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). “For God is the King of all the earth; sing praises with understanding. God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne” (Psalm 47:7–8).

As Judge, He rules with righteousness: “Let the heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge” (Psalm 50:6). He is also Lord, the one worthy of our devotion: “I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore” (Psalm 86:12). And He alone is Savior: “You shall know no God but Me, for there is no Savior besides Me” (Hosea 13:4).

The word Elohim is plural, suggesting the unity of the Godhead—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This truth is seen in Genesis 1:26–27: “Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image.’” Isaiah 63:7–10 further reveals all three persons: the Father’s mercy, the Son as the Angel of His Presence, and the Spirit who was grieved when Israel rebelled. Yet, there is one divine nature and one purpose: “The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deuteronomy 6:4). The root meaning of Elohim implies reverence and awe, reminding us that God deserves our deepest respect.

YHWH – The Self-Existent, Eternal God
The name YHWH, often pronounced “Yahweh,” appears over 5,300 times in the Old Testament. It is derived from a verb meaning “to be” or “to exist,” expressing God’s eternal, unchanging nature. In Exodus 3:13–15, God revealed this sacred name to Moses, declaring, “I AM WHO I AM.” This was God’s personal, covenant name—a name chosen by God Himself to reveal His eternal existence and faithfulness.

Jesus used this same divine name in John 8:58 when He said, “Before Abraham was, I AM,” affirming His deity. The book of Revelation echoes the same description: “Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come” (Revelation 1:4). The living creatures around God’s throne proclaim continually, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come” (Revelation 4:8).

The name Jehovah, a translation of YHWH, is often called God’s covenant name—the name by which He makes promises and fulfills them. When He called Abram in Genesis 12:1–3, He promised to bless all families of the earth through him. Later, God reminded Israel, “I will remember the covenant of their ancestors... I am the Lord” (Leviticus 26:45). The name Jehovah assures us that God keeps His word and never fails His people.

There Is Much in a Name Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: The significance of names in understanding God (Exodus 9:16).

• I. Elohim – God’s Power and Majesty

  • Creator of heaven and earth (Genesis 1:1; 5:1).

  • King and Judge of all nations (Psalm 47:7–8; 50:6).

  • Lord and Savior of His people (Psalm 86:12; Hosea 13:4).

  • Reveals the triune nature of God (Genesis 1:26–27; Isaiah 63:7–10; Deuteronomy 6:4).

   

• II. YHWH – God’s Eternal, Covenant Name

  • Meaning: “To be” or “to exist,” self-existent and unchanging (Exodus 3:13–15).

  • Affirmed by Jesus Christ, “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58).

  • Proclaimed as eternal and holy (Revelation 1:4; 4:8).

  • Covenant-keeping God (Genesis 12:1–3; Leviticus 26:45).

   

Call to Action:
The names of God remind us who He is and what He has done. Elohim shows His power and authority over creation. YHWH reveals His eternal, unchanging nature and His covenant faithfulness. Let these truths move us to worship Him in awe and obedience, trusting His promises and honoring His holy name.

Key Takeaways:

• Elohim teaches God’s majesty as Creator, King, and Judge (Genesis 1:1; Psalm 47:7–8).

• The plural form of Elohim points to the triune nature of God (Genesis 1:26–27).

• YHWH reveals God’s eternal self-existence and covenant faithfulness (Exodus 3:14–15).

• Jesus identified Himself as the great “I AM” (John 8:58).

• God’s name is to be honored, declared, and worshiped throughout all the earth (Exodus 9:16).

Scripture Reference List:
Exodus 9:16 – God’s purpose to declare His name in all the earth.
Genesis 1:1; 5:1 – God as Creator.
Psalm 47:7–8; 50:6; 86:12 – God as King, Judge, and Lord.
Hosea 13:4 – God as Savior.
Isaiah 63:7–10 – Father, Son, and Spirit revealed.
Deuteronomy 6:4 – The Lord is one.
Exodus 3:13–15 – The revelation of God’s covenant name.
John 8:58 – Jesus declares Himself the “I AM.”
Revelation 1:4; 4:8 – The eternal nature of God.
Genesis 12:1–3; Leviticus 26:45 – God’s covenant promises.
Psalm 19:14 – The Lord, our strength and Redeemer.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO