Psalm 124:8 (NIV)

Our help is in the name of the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.

Do you know what your name means? For some reason, my parents named me Stephen with a “ph” rather than just an “n”. It originally came from the Greek name “Stephanos,” meaning “crown,” or more precisely “that which surrounds”. Stephen was a follower of Christ who was stoned to death, as told in the Book of Acts. He is regarded as the first Christian martyr. Due to him, the name became common in the Christian world and was popularized in England by the Normans. Given that my ethnic background includes some English as well as Scottish, perhaps that is why my parents chose it. Or maybe they just liked the name!

In the Jewish culture—especially back in the early days of Israel—names had profound meaning and were chosen based on that fact rather than looking at the Most Popular Baby Names list. So, when the psalmist writes that God’s people find their help in God’s NAME, that would have elicited the knowledge of the many names of God found in the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament). Each name is powerful, profound, and helps us understand the nature of the One we call Lord and Savior. Here is a partial list for you to consider…from whence your help comes:

 

NAME OF GOD: Elohim

MEANING: The strong, Creator God

Verse: In the beginning God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God (Elohim) was moving over the surface of the waters. Genesis 1:1,2

 

NAME OF GOD: Jehovah

MEANING: Lord, master and relational God

Verse: This is the account of the heavens and the earth when they were created, in the day that the Lord (Jehovah) God made earth and heaven. Genesis 2:4

 

NAME OF GOD: Elohim Chaseddi

MEANING: The God of My Mercy

Verse: My God (Elohim) in His lovingkindness (Chaseddi) will meet me;
God will let me look triumphantly upon my foes. Psalm 59:10

 

NAME OF GOD: El Emunah

MEANING: The Faithful God

Verse: Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God (El Emunah), keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments. Deuteronomy 7:9

 

NAME OF GOD: Elohei Ma’uzzi

MEANING: God of My Strength

Verse: God (Elohei) is my strong (Ma’uzzi) fortress; And He sets the blameless in His way. 2 Samuel 22:33

 

NAME OF GOD: Elohim Machase Lanu

MEANING: God Our Refuge

Verse: Trust in him at all times, you people;
pour out your hearts to him,
for God (Elohim) is our refuge (Machase Lanu). Psalm 62:8

 

NAME OF GOD: El Shaddai

MEANING: Almighty God

Verse: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty (El Shaddai); walk before me faithfully and be blameless. Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” Genesis 17:1,2

 

NAME OF GOD: Elohei Mikkarov

MEANING: God who is near

Verse: Am I a God (Elohei) who is near (Mikkarov), declares the Lord, and not a God far off? Jeremiah 23:23

 

NAME OF GOD: Sar Shalom

MEANING: Prince of Peace

Verse: For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace (Sar Shalom). Isaiah 9:6