There is so much that
can be studied about the name of God, “El Shaddai”. Actually a book could be
written. Today I would like to write about some of what I have found and what it
means to me.
In the old Testament
God is called “El Shaddai” 7 times. The first reference is in Genesis 17:1 where
God refers to himself as “God Almighty”. The name “El”
translates as "God" and is used several times with other names to show aspects
of God's character. In this case, “El” is used simultaneously with “Shaddai”.
Some scholars believe that “Shaddai” comes from the Hebrew word “shad” which
means “breast”. The word “breast” reminds us of a God who nourishes and
satisfies His children. In several verses in Genesis the name “El Shaddai” is
connected with being fruitful. One of these verses is: “May God Almighty (El
Shaddai) bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you until you become a
group of peoples (Gen. 28:3, AMP). Another verses states “By the God of your
father, who will help you, and by the Almighty (El Shaddai), who will bless you
with blessings of the heavens above, blessings lying in the deep beneath,
blessings of the breasts and of the womb” (Gen. 49:25, AMP). The nourishment
that “breast” denotes is connected to new life that springs from the womb. The
nourishment which comes from “El Shaddai” brings great spiritual life,
blessings, fulfillment.
Other scholars
believe that the word comes from the Akkadians, who at one time inhabited
Mesopotamia (the area between the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers). The Akkadian
word from which “Shaddai” might be taken is “sadu”, which means “divine
mountain”. In Exodus 6:3 “El Shaddai” is revealed to be the God that called
Abram (Abraham). “I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty,
but by my name the Lord I did not make myself fully known to them” (Exodus 6:3,
NIV). Some scholars believe that since God called Abram out of Mesopotamia that
the term “sadu” (divine mountain) traveled with him and became a reference to
the Lord God Almighty. Another thought is that “Shaddai” or “divine mountain” is
also used in reference to Mount Sinai.... the mountain of God's great power.
This study can go on and on.
This morning “El
Shaddai” is the only nourishment that fully satisfies my soul, and brings
fulfillment to my life. He breathes life in His Word. He is water from the well
that never runs dry. He is the food that forever satisfies my spiritual hunger.
He is my answer for all that comes against me. And when life is hard, and I feel
weak, and drained, His nourishment still supplies me. He becomes my strong
tower... my mountain to which I can run. I realize all the nourishment and help
I need comes from Him. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help
come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm
121:1, NIV). He is my “El Shaddai” that gives me all I need to stand
strong.
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