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The God Who Is

Compound Names Of Jehovah

     Many names in the Bible are compound names. For instance, the name "Timothy" comes from "timo" and "theus," and is translated, "honoring God." Many names were so compounded in Hebrew. This is also true with the many names by which Jehovah is known.

      The familiar 23rd Psalm is a psalm of David. Some say it was written during the time David was in exile, but although we do not know precisely the time when it was written, it has nevertheless been a great comfort to the people of God for three thousand years.

     In his magnum opus entitled Explore The Book, J. Sidlow Baxter points out that the 23rd Psalm forms a study of the seven compound names of Jehovah. The Psalm begins, "The LORD is my Shepherd." The reader will notice that the verb "is" found here in the Bible is in italics because it reads like this: "The Lord my Shepherd." Literally translated, this is "Jehovah-raah," and is one of the names of Jehovah. "Jehovah-raah," "the Lord my Shepherd." Since Jehovah always is, He is not only available to help us in the future, but He dwells in the eternal present. Since He causes to be what He causes to be, He creates what He creates. He is therefore able to meet our every need; He is able to protect us and to guide us. What a Shepherd to have!

      "I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures." The name "Jehovah-jireh" is translated "The LORD will provide." God is all-sufficient. His people shall not lack any spiritual resource, but will be blessed with "green pastures." Whatsoever they do shall prosper (Psalm 1:3c). Note, that while there are those who would apply this in a carnal sense to mean that prosperity is godliness, yet, he who was "carried by angels into Abraham's bosom" was a beggar (Luke 16:22).

       The Bible says "The young lions roar after their prey, and seek their meat from God" (Psalm 104:21). Hogs grunt their gratitude to God for His provision; and chickens will take water in their beaks, throw back their heads, and look into the face of God. But people are such ingrates that they are often too embarrassed to thank God for their food. "Jehovah-jireh," "The LORD will provide."

       "He leadeth me beside the still waters." Another name by which God is known is "Jehovah-shalom," which means "The LORD our peace." God is a God of peace. The Son of God is the Prince of peace. The Spirit of God is the Spirit of peace. The Gospel of God is the Gospel of peace. And Jehovah the Lord—"He is our peace" (Ephesians 2:14a). "But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. `There is no peace' saith my God to the wicked" (Isaiah 57:20,21).

       "He restoreth my soul." He heals my soul. The name "Jehovah-rapha" is translated "The LORD that healeth." There is no healing but from God. He is the dispenser of health. It is He who "healeth all (our) diseases" (Psalm 103:3), and He who heals our backslidings (Jeremiah 3:22). He is the "balm in Gilead."

       "He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." The Lord is also known by name as "Jehovah-tsidkenu," "The LORD our Righteousness." He is the author of righteousness, and He is the fountain of our righteousness. The righteous Lord is our righteousness.

       "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The name "Jehovah-shammah" means, "The LORD ever-present." He is now present. Where can man go to escape from Him? If he takes the wings of the morning, or light, and dwells in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall His hand lead him and His right hand shall hold him. If he says, "Surely the darkness shall cover me," the darkness shines like the day to Him (See: Psalm 139:9-12). "Jehovah-shammah," the Lord is present always. His staff supports us; His rod chastens us.

      "Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies." The name "Jehovah-nissi" is translated, "The LORD our Banner," or "flag." We fly His banner. We stand under Him who is our Banner. We "abide under the shadow of the Almighty" (Psalm 91:1).

      "Thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever."

Conclusion

     Jehovah is eternal. He is who He is. He is self-existent. Peter refers to Him as the "faithful Creator" (I Peter 4:19). And, He will be.

     Wickedness has come like a deluge upon our nation, even upon the entire world. Wickedness proliferates and evil multiplies beyond imagination. If the Bible is to be fulfilled, there must come an utter breakdown of law and order. It must come to pass. As we see evil men and seducers waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, what a comfort to know that God will be, that His truth is eternal, and that His Word is forever settled in heaven! Jehovah is eternal. He is a faithful Lord.

     God said to Moses, "Give them word from me that I cause to be what I cause to be; that I create what I create, and the promises that I once made unto Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob to make of them a great nation, I have now come and will do it."

 

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