LORD JEHOVAH, GOD ALMIGHTY: The Eternal God Who Changed Abram to Abraham and Jacob to Israel
Throughout the Holy Scriptures, the names LORD (Jehovah/YHWH) and God Almighty (El Shaddai) refer to the same eternal Creator who revealed Himself to His servants, established covenants, and demonstrated His sovereign authority over all creation. From Genesis to Revelation, God declares that there is none beside Him. He alone is God Almighty, the Maker of heaven and earth.
Jehovah and God Almighty Are One Eternal God
The Bible reveals one supreme God who identifies Himself by various titles emphasizing His character, power, and covenant relationship with His people.
Genesis 17:1 (KJV)
"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."
Notice that the LORD who appeared to Abram identified Himself as Almighty God.
Exodus 6:2-3 (KJV)
"And God spake unto Moses, and said unto him, I am the LORD: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them."
This passage beautifully connects the titles God Almighty and Jehovah, revealing that both names refer to the same covenant God.
Isaiah 42:8 (KJV)
"I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images."
Isaiah 44:6 (KJV)
"Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God."
Deuteronomy 6:4 (KJV)
"Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD."
Isaiah 45:5 (KJV)
"I am the LORD, and there is none else, there is no God beside me."
God Almighty Changes Abram's Name to Abraham
One of the most significant covenant moments in Scripture occurred when God Almighty spoke directly to Abram.
God Appears as Almighty God
Genesis 17:1-2 (KJV)
"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. And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly."
The LORD identified Himself as Almighty God (El Shaddai) and established an everlasting covenant.
The Name Change
Genesis 17:5 (KJV)
"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."
Abram means "exalted father," but Abraham means "father of a multitude." God changed Abram's identity according to His divine purpose.
Genesis 17:6 (KJV)
"And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee."
Genesis 17:7 (KJV)
"And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee."
Abraham's Response
Genesis 17:3 (KJV)
"And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him."
Abraham responded with humility and worship before Almighty God.
God Almighty Changes Jacob's Name to Israel
Just as God changed Abram's name, He later transformed Jacob's identity by giving him a new name and destiny.
Jacob Wrestles With God
Genesis 32:28 (KJV)
"And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed."
The name Israel became the covenant name through which God would establish a nation.
God Confirms the New Name
Genesis 35:9-10 (KJV)
"And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. And God said unto him, Thy name is Jacob: thy name shall not be called any more Jacob, but Israel shall be thy name: and he called his name Israel."
God Reveals Himself as Almighty God
Genesis 35:11 (KJV)
"And God said unto him, I am God Almighty: be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall be of thee, and kings shall come out of thy loins."
The same Almighty God who changed Abram to Abraham also changed Jacob to Israel.
Visit: Home Page at jehovahsaints.com to learn more.
Comments