El Shaddai

The first was “Elohim.” The name “Elohim” strongly emphasized that God is a “covenant God.” Each promise He has made is fulfilled. Thus, we are assured that His promises will also come to fruition. It is the reason why we can rely upon Him.

The second was “El.” This name is based upon His name “Elohim.” However, the emphasis of “El” is always upon God’s power. He is the “strong one.” From this name, we learned that we must rely upon His strength in all areas of our life, especially during times of weakness.

Now, we move to one of God’s most compelling and precious names. It is “El Shaddai.”

However, we must lay out a little background first. Turn to Genesis 17.

In Genesis 17, God speaks directly to Abram. Much has already transpired between God and Abram. You may recall how God, in Genesis 12, called Abram to leave his country and fellow countrymen to follow Him to “a land that I (LORD - Yahweh) will shew thee.” God promised to make Abram a great nation. Through Abram and his seed, God foretold how He would bless “all families of the earth.” Abram heeded God’s call. He packed up his household, and he and his family set out on a journey to a place he did not know based solely on his willingness to follow God. Several things happen on this journey before we get to the events of

One such event happened in Egypt. Shortly after leaving Ur, a great famine struck. To find food and keep his family alive, Abram went to Egypt. While there, he feared the Egyptians would kill him so they might have Sarai, Abram’s wife. He then instructed Sarai to deceive them by lying to Abram about who she actually was. Eventually, his deception was uncovered, and he was forced to leave Egypt.

Another major event that happened before Genesis 12 was the separation of Abram and his nephew, Lot. Abram and Lot were close. It would seem that Abram raised Lot as if he were his own son. God blessed both Abram and Lot. Their herds of cattle and sheep became so great that they were forced to separate and go their own ways. Because of selfish desires, Lot ended up captive to an allegiance of tribal kings who were at war with another group of allied kings. God uses Abram and his men to rescue Lot. At the end of this event, God revealed another of His names to Abram through a priest named Melchizedek.

Then, in chapter 15 and after the encounter with Melchizedek, God reaffirms His promise to Abram with a covenant.

Genesis 15:5–6 KJV 1900

5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

However, there was one problem. Abram was not getting any younger. How could he be the father of a great nation if he had no son?

Ask the following question for discussion:

Remember, for Abram, days quickly turned into months and years without seeing God fulfill His promise.

What would you do if you were in Abram’s place and knew and fully believed God’s promise yet had seen no evidence of fulfilling that promise?

How do you think you would respond?

Is our response to God and His promises any different than Abram’s?

Remember that God promised He, God, would make him a great nation. Thus, it would reason that God had a plan. Unfortunately, both Abram and Sarai believed they could make it happen on their own terms, not God’s. So, they devised a method in which Sarai’s handmaid conceived a child by Abram. A plan which was not God’s plan. All of which are recorded in Genesis 16.

When we come to Genesis 17, Abram is now 99 years old and made a lot of mistakes. Up to this moment, Abram is trying to make God’s promise come true through his energy and strength. It is in this context that God says to Abram:

Genesis 17:1–3 KJV 1900

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. 2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly. 3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

The LORD (Yahweh) God (Elohim), who is God (El - the strong one), reveals to Abram that He is the Almighty God - “El Shaddai.”

Ask the following:

Knowing what we have learned so far concerning the names of God, what does God’s statement “I am the Almighty God” truly signify?

He is the covenant God incapable of breaking His promises. He is all-powerful, fully capable of fulfilling His promises as He sees fit. This is the One who stands before you, so be obedient and spiritually mature, accepting that I will fulfill all I have promised.

The Meaning of El Shaddai

As you already know,

The title “El” means the Strong One and speaks to God’s might and power.

In fact, we spent a considerable amount of time on that particular title.

The word “Shaddai” has a different connotation. It is often described as power or as seen in Scripture as “almighty.” Yet, at the heart of the word is not an emphasis on strength or violent force; instead, the focus is on God’s bounty or abundance. The word’s literal meaning speaks of a woman’s ability to feed her baby. I don’t want to be too graphic here this evening. But, the word “Shad” from which the word “Shaddai” means “breast.” “Shaddai” portrays the picture of a mother providing milk for her child.

God, as “Shaddai”, is the bestower of blessings both temporal and spiritual.

Eventually, “Shaddai” meant “to sweep away or make desolate.” It is a thought connected with the idea that those who misuse God’s blessings and gifts lead to God’s judgment. The best way to understand this last connotation is this. Let’s use rain as an illustration. During times of drought, we see rain as a blessing. And, during times of drought, as the rain the falls, the earth soaks in it. However, there are times when the rain can be a curse. It can come in great torrents, overwhelming streams, and rivers, causing much ruin and destruction. In much the same way, God pours out His blessings to those who, with willing hearts, accept Him and commit themselves to Him. Yet, in the same way, God also pours out His judgment upon those who refuse to obey Him.

In both instances,

He is almighty in pouring out His blessings and His judgment.

We will return to those thoughts in just a few minutes.

The term “El-Shaddai” or the Almighty God occurs 8 times in the Old Testament.

The word “Shaddai,” meaning “almighty,” is found 31 times alone in the book of Job.

Outside of Job, it is found 9 times in other parts of the Old Testament.

Its equivalent is found 10 times in the New Testament. They include such terms as -

Lord Almighty

2 Corinthians 6:18 (KJV 1900)

18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

The Almighty

Revelation 1:8 (KJV 1900)

8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.

Lord God Almighty

Revelation 4:8 (KJV 1900)

God Almighty

Revelation 16:14 (KJV 1900)

14 For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Lord God Omnipotent

Revelation 19:6 (KJV 1900)

6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

Some other references to the Almighty God are inferred in passages such as:

Ephesians 1:17–19 (KJV 1900)

17 That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:

18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,

19 And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Ephesians 6:10 (KJV 1900)

10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

Each of these speaks of God as the All-Powerful One. The term “Almighty” is used about 60 times. Each time it is applied to God only in contrast to the impotence of heathen gods.

Two Meaningful Implications of El Shaddai

Consider the practical implications of God’s name, “El Shaddai.”

El-Shaddai is Almighty in Pouring Out His Bounty

For this implication, we return to the story of Abram. As we noted earlier, God promised Abram an heir. The promise was to bless him, give him an inheritance, and a seed through which all the nations of the earth would be blessed. Yet, Abram was childless. There is no doubt that Abram believes in God’s promise. In fact, we can contend that Abram was moved or energized by it. Unfortunately, Abram utilizes his own energy to obtain what was promised to him, hence, the bondmaid and illegitimate heir, Ishmael. It is in this context that God reveals Himself to Abram, saying:

Genesis 17:1 (KJV 1900)

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Then, in verse 5, God changes Abram’s name.

Genesis 17:5 (KJV 1900)

5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

He adds the letter “he” to Abraham’s name.

The letter ה (h) “he’” is the chief letter in יהוה, YAHWEH [LORD]. “Yhwh” is a tetragrammaton. It is four letters which consist of four consonants. The most prominent letter being the Hebrew letter ה (h) “he’” God changed Abram name to Abraham adding the Hebrew ה (h) “he’” In doing so, Abraham, by his very name, identified as God’s man.

Note Abram’s reaction when God reveals Himself as God Almighty (El Shaddai).

Genesis 17:3 KJV 1900

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

He falls on his face in humility surrendering to God’s will. In fact, from this moment on, we see a completely different man. He is a man wholly committed to doing all that God asks. God puts him to the test. First, God tells him to circumcise himself and all the male members of his household. What does Abraham do? He does exactly as God demands. Later, in Genesis 21, we see God pouring out His blessing upon Abram as Isaac is born. Then, God once again puts Abraham to the test. God tells him to give up and sacrifice the much-awaited and loved son heir to the promise. What does Abraham do? He puts his complete faith in God, leads Isaac up the mountain, builds an altar, places Isaac on it, and is about to do the deed when God stops him. God then provides a substitute, a ram caught in the thicket. Abraham calls the name of the place “Jehovah-jireh” which means “the LORD will see to it,” indicating that the Lord provides. In both instances, we see a man in perfect self-surrender to God. His actions testified that his (Abram’s) hope was no longer in his flesh and its energy but was not completely reliant upon God as the One Who Pours His blessings on those who accept Him [El Shaddai]. Abram realized that his weakness was the avenue by which “Almighty God” could demonstrate His power.

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 1900

9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

This was the lesson that Abraham gained from God’s revelation as “El Shaddai.” It is the same lesson we must learn as well. If we are to know Him as “El Shaddai” [Almighty God], we must realize that He fulfills His purpose through those who understand the futility of their own strength and humbly submit to His.

One of the great blessings of this age of grace is that God pours out His Spirit to all who accept His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we yield to Him, God is able them to will and do of His great pleasure. In doing so, we have God’s mighty strength at our disposal. However, to be filled with His strength, we must empty ourselves of our self-will and self-confidence.

Philippians 2:13 KJV 1900

13 For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Andrew Jukes, in his book entitled “The Names of Gods,” notes the following.

Thus God gives Himself to us, just in measure as we give ourselves to Him. Thus His Almightiness comes to us in what appears to be our helplessness. The less of self, the more of God. And the only thing needed on man’s part, to receive all this Almightiness, is the faith to yield oneself to God and let Him do what He will with us.

Andrew Jukes. The Names of God: Discovering God as He Desires to Be Known (Kindle Locations 631-633). Kindle Edition.

It is then that we can truly understand Christ’s words when He said:

Mark 9:23 KJV 1900

23 Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.

I noted as my main point that El Shaddaiis Almighty in pouring out His bounty. The bounty of God is directly related to His grace. As we obey, God extends His grace to us. We are undeserving. There is no doubt about our weakness. Spiritually, we can do nothing outside of God. Salvation is the pouring out of His bounty. Giving us His Word and Spirit is the pouring out of His bounty. Additionally, the fruit of His Spirit is the pouring out of His bounty. However, salvation cannot be experienced unless there is obedience. Our ability to exhibit the fruit of the Spirit depends on our willingness to submit to Him. Again, the more we give ourselves to Him, His almightiness comes to us. It is the essence of 2 Corinthians 12:9

2 Corinthians 12:9 KJV 1900

By the way, the Old Testament repeats this principle through several examples. Abraham’s life is one. We see it repeated in the life of Jacob, Joseph, Moses, and the list goes on. However, Job stands out from all of these. You may recall that the term “Almighty [Shaddai]” is used 30 times in the book of Job alone. It would stand to reason that there is something to be learned from Job’s life concerning the Almighty God.

The book of Job aims to show how God uses His people as instruments even amid great suffering. God used Job’s sufferings to silence Satan. Additionally, in the end, Job became an example of how God uses us to pray and intercede on behalf of those who condemn us. Most of us know the story of Job, but let me give you the highlights again.

Job was very wealthy and blessed with a large family. He was a righteous man who feared, worshipped, and obeyed God. Satan approaches God, suggesting that Job is faithful to Him only because God blessed Job with wealth, good health, and a large family. God then allows Satan to strip Job of his family, his wealth, and, finally, his health. Along come three friends of Job seeking to comfort him. Unfortunately, all three friends were miserable comforters. As you read the book of Job, each of these friends speaks to him. Eliphaz, one of his friends, talks about the almightiness of God. In fact, Eliphaz utilizes the title “Shaddai” or “almighty” more than any of the three friends.

The essence of his speech was this. Job’s troubles are the result of God’s judgment. He insinuates that “Shaddai” the one who pours forth only pours forth His blessings on those who are upright. Therefore, Job’s troubles are an indication that Job has done some evil, and thus God is pouring out His judgment upon him. Eliphaz uses words like “crushing,” “destroying,” and “causing to perish” as he describes God’s actions upon Job. The other two take different approaches. Bildad dwells on God’s justice. Zophar reprimands Job as he uses God’s wisdom as his basis. However, all three agree that Job must repent of his sin. They all miss the point of God using His saints’ suffering to silence God’s enemies. Note God’s statement.

Job 42:7–8 KJV 1900

7 And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words unto Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. 8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

This story of Job perfectly illustrates the meaning of El Shaddai concerning those who follow the Lord. Not everything we suffer as believers are related to some sin or evil we have done. Instead, there are times when God is utilizing our weakness to demonstrate His strength to those around us. In Job’s case, God used it as an opportunity to put Satan in his place. Additionally, Job became an example to all of us of how God will empty His servant so that He might use them to utilize His strength. In the end, God rewarded Job with double blessings. Job himself adequately summed it up.

Job 42:2–6 KJV 1900

2 I know that thou canst do every thing, And that no thought can be withholden from thee. 3 Who is he that hideth counsel Without knowledge? Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; Things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. 4 Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. 5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: But now mine eye seeth thee. 6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent In dust and ashes.

The lesson is simple. When we are at our weakest moments, God’s grace is entirely sufficient, and in those moments, His strength is made perfect. It is then we truly begin to understand Philippians 4:19

Philippians 4:19 KJV 1900

19 But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

He is “El-Shaddai” the Almighty who POURS OUT His Bounty to those who humbly submit to His Power and Might!

But wait, there is more aspect to this precious and powerful name of God.

El-Shaddai is Almighty in Pouring Out His Judgment

We see this implication throughout all of Scripture. However, Scriptures description of future events makes us this implication clear. There are two books of the Bible that specifically deal with this fact. In the Old Testament is the book of Isaiah. In the New Testament, it is the book of Revelation. Both reveal that God will pour out His judgment upon the world in a fashion never seen before.

Turn in your Bibles to Isaiah 13. You will need to look at there since it is a rather lengthy passage.

Isaiah 13:4–11 KJV 1900

4 The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like as of a great people; A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together: The Lord of hosts mustereth the host of the battle. 5 They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, Even the Lord, and the weapons of his indignation, To destroy the whole land. 6 Howl ye; for the day of the Lord is at hand; It shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, And every man’s heart shall melt: 8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; They shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: They shall be amazed one at another; Their faces shall be as flames. 9 Behold, the day of the Lord cometh, Cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, To lay the land desolate: And he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: The sun shall be darkened in his going forth, And the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, And the wicked for their iniquity; And I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, And will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

This passage sounds very similar to one in the book of Revelation.

Revelation 19:11–21 KJV 1900

11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; 18 That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great. 19 And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

There are three stages associated with the coming of the Lord in the book of Revelation. They are the opening of the Sealed Book, the sounding of the Trumpets, and the pouring out of the Golden Vials. All are connect with God’s name as “Almighty.” If you follow the sequence of events, Revelation 4 reveals for us the scene in Heaven where all fall before the Lord God Almighty.

Revelation 4:8–11 KJV 1900

8 And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. 9 And when those beasts give glory and honour and thanks to him that sat on the throne, who liveth for ever and ever, 10 The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Then, in chapter 5, we see a book sealed with seven seals. The Lord God Almighty is the only one Who is able to open the book. As result, chapter 6 describes the events that follow as each seal is broken. Each broken seal brings a pouring out of God’s wrath upon the earth. Chapters 8-11 give us the sound of seven trumpets. And, once again, the sound of each trumpet initiates a pouring out of God’s wrath. However, it is the pouring out of the vial by which we see the true judgement of God.

Revelation 16:1 KJV 1900

1 And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.

Note that these vials as they are poured out and their impact.

Vial One - A Gruesome Disease

Revelation 16:2 KJV 1900

2 And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Vial Two - Sea Turns to Blood

Revelation 16:3 KJV 1900

3 And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.

Vial Three - All Rivers Turn to Blood

Revelation 16:4 KJV 1900

4 And the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.

Vial Four - Fire Descends Upon All

Revelation 16:8 KJV 1900

8 And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire.

Vial Five - Exceeding Great Darkness

Revelation 16:10 KJV 1900

10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

Vial Six - The Euphrates River is Dried Up

Revelation 16:12 (KJV 1900)

12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

Vial Seven - Thunder, Lightning, A Great Earthquake, and a Mammoth Hailstorm

Revelation 16:17–21 (KJV 1900)17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done.

18 And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.

19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell: and great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give unto her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath.

20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found.

21 And there fell upon men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent: and men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail; for the plague thereof was exceeding great.

Note this. Look back to verse 7.

Revelation 16:7 KJV 1900

7 And I heard another out of the altar say, Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are thy judgments.

You see it is El-Shaddai that pours out His wrath upon the world. He has from the beginning of time waged an all out campaign against sin. He is a purifying fire that is burning away all evil. As one author wrote:

God creating, God illuminating, God sanctifying, God threatening and punishing, God forgiving and redeeming, are all but one and the same essential, immutable, never-ceasing working of the Divine Nature. (quoting William Law)

Andrew Jukes. The Names of God: Discovering God as He Desires to Be Known (Kindle Locations 707-708). Kindle Edition.

A work that seeks to restore humanity to original state and relationship with Him. In the end, He will pour out His wrath in such a way that this earth will be purified. The pinnacle of His work will be the creation of a new heaven, a new earth, and the wonderful city of Jerusalem. Places where there will be no sin, no death, no sorrow, and no pain.

Revelation 21:22–23 KJV 1900

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. 23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

Conclusion

Who is El-Shaddai? He is the One who pours out His blessings to those who choose to follow Him as they place their faith in His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. He is also the One Who will one day finish His work of purifying sin through the outpouring of His wrath. In the meantime, we serve Him as the Almighty God. We serve Him knowing that we are His children and partakers of His nature. As such, He says to us.

2 Corinthians 6:17 KJV 1900

17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,

Let’s us instead enjoy the many wonderful blessings of the El-Shaddai that He has poured out to us. Such blessings as His Word, His Spirit, eternal and spiritual life, and many more.

Psalm 91:1 KJV 1900

1 He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

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