Throughout the Old Testament God chose to reveal Himself to men by the names of Himself that He gave to them, or that they gave Him as the result of a revelation to them of a certain aspect of His nature. In either instance, it was a vision of God that sustained our great forefathers through their trials of faith. By faith Moses left Egypt, “not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen.” Heb. 11:27
By studying the circumstances surrounding each new revelation of a particular aspect of the nature of our God and how that revelation progressed until all culminated in the Incarnation, the Word made flesh, we are more able to seek and obtain a revelation and a clear vision of our Lord that will sustain us through any and all trials and tests until we all come “to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fulness of Christ.” Eph. 4:13
A VISION OF GOD
Vision, revelation, and prophecy are all very similar since each deals with a different aspect of God’s revelation of Himself to and through His people. Prophets of the Old Testament were also called seers (visionaries); their prophecies dealt with revelation from the Lord. He would reveal something of His nature, or an event He planned to accomplish (judgment, mercy, or the fulfilling of His word), or He gave exhortation or comfort to His people.
The importance of a vision and revelation.
Prov. 29:18; Job 42:1–6; Heb. 11:6
There were times when revelation and vision were scarce.
I Sam. 3:1; Ps. 74:4–9
It was prophesied that there would be a famine for the living word—the bread of life, Amos 8:11–12—and that people would seek a word, but the priests and elders of the old tradition (Babylon) would have none. 7:25–27, Ezek. 20:3, 31.
The result of a lack of vision or a false vision:
Ex. 32:15–25; Joel 1:1–7
The results of walking in a vision and revelation of God:
Luke 7:1–10; 36–50; Job 42:10–17; Joel 2:23–26
Notice that as a result of their vision, both the centurion and the woman approached Jesus as Lord in humility and submission and with a real faith in His authority.
Visions were promised by God for this time:
Acts 2:17; Joel 2:28
Examples of visions New Testament men received:
Acts 10:10–17; Acts 10:44–46; Acts 9:1–8
It was an apostolic prayer and exhortation that we should walk in this vision and revelation.
Eph. 1:17; I Cor. 14:6; Col 2:2; I Cor. 1:4–8
Vision and revelation are given to exalt God our Father, to increase and improve our worship, and to bring it to a higher level in spirit and in truth. Every prophecy, revelation, and vision brings to sight more of our Lord Jesus Christ.
NAMES OF THE LORD
Old Testament names (Hebrew)
Elohi—the mighty Creator and Sustainer through His Word. Gen. 1:1–2:3; Col. 1:16–17 Gen. 4:25 (Elohim gave Seth)
Jehovah Elohim Gen. 2:4–3:24
Elohim—His name in His relationship to His creation.
Jehovah—His name in His relationship to man and His chosen people in particular. The “I AM” quality that reveals His steadfastness to accomplish the promises that He has made.
Hab. 2:1–4. The righteous shall live by His faithfulness John 6:68–69; Heb. 13:8
Jehovah was also combined with other words as the revelation progressed.
El—the mighty One—used as a prefix to a word that revealed a certain quality, or used alone to denote the Supreme One. He who has rule over all things (Matt. 28:18).
El Elyon (Creator, God most high)—introduced by Melchizedek: Gen. 14:18–24
El Shaddai—All-sufficient (the many-breasted One): Gen. 17:1; Ps. 121
This revelation led to Abraham’s vision of Jehovah-Jireh (God will provide).
Through His name El, He reveals Himself as a jealous God. Ex. 20:5; Ex. 34:14
Adonai (Lord or Master)—first used in revelation to Abraham: Adonai Jehovah (yhwh- I am who I am, the existing one). Gen. 15:2; 15:8
This occurred right after Abram met Melchizedek. He had received a vision of the closeness with which he walked and depended on God.
Mal. 1:14—cursed is the man who offers blemished sacrifice to Adonai.
I AM WHO I AM—the Deliverer:
Ex. 3:13–14; John 8:58; Rev. 1:8
New Testament names (Greek)
Theos—God, the focus of our worship:
Matt. 1:23; 4:4; 28:9
Kurios—Lord, the Master of our life: Luke 1:11; Matt. 1:20; 3:3; 14:30
Despotes—the absolute Monarch; the King of kings: Luke 2:25–33 (v. 29), revealed to Simeon. Acts 4:24, revealed to the disciples. II Peter 2:1; Jude 4; those who have not this revelation. Rev. 6:10
NAMES GIVEN TO MEN AND PLACES
Names were given to children and places to reveal a particular vision of the Lord, to commemorate or foretell an event (Moses—drawer out. He drew out God’s people from Egypt), or to designate the function that that person or place was to fulfill in God’s divine plan. As Israel became apostate, these names often had nothing to do with the nature of the person or his function within the nation.
Prophetic names
Abram (father of height) was changed by God to Abraham (father of multitudes) Gen. 17:5; Heb. 11:8–12
Ishmael—God is hearing, Gen. 16:8–12
The Ishmaels of today have their ears closed to any new revelation from the Lord and are alive only because of the Lord’s great mercy.
Isaac—laughter
Gen. 17:19; Heb. 11:20
Jacob—supplanter Gen. 25:26; Heb. 11:21
He would not let go of the Lord until he received a blessing: Gen. 32:24–29. the revelation of Penuel (the face of God). Gen. 35:9, 10—changed to Israel.
Job—hated and persecuted (for his trust and faith in God)
Job 1:5, 8
Noah—rest (through faith and trust in God) Gen. 6:9; Heb. 4:3; 11:7 Ps. 121:1–4; Acts 12:6–11; Ex. 18:4; Luke 3:29
Notice that in each it was a vision of God (or a lack of vision) that brought to fulfillment the prophecy that their name implied. Heb. 11:13–14
Names of places
Bethel—house of God Gen. 28:10–19; Acts 15:16–18 Not only a prophetic revelation that among his descendants would be the house of God, but also foreshadowed Christ’s indwelling His Body.
Massah and Meribah—test, and quarrel Ex. 17:1–7; Matt. 4:5–7; Mal. 3:10–12
Harmah—a devoted thing (to destruction) Num. 21:1–3; Ps. 149:6–9
Names of men
Eliphal—God has judged (or God is judgment) I Chron. 11:35; I Sam. 13:13–14 with I Sam. 31:1–6; John 12:31
Elihoenai—To the Lord are my eyes. Ezra 8:4; I Chron. 26:7 Dan. 6:10–23; Ps. 123:1–4
Eliakim—God sets up; God establishes
I Sam. 16:1–14 with II Sam. 5:1–4;
Neh. 12:41; Luke 3:30; Acts 2:40–43, 47
(II Sam. 5:1 foreshadows Christ and His Body)
Eliashab—God restores. Eliashab a descendant of David (I Chron. 3:24), and high priest who helped rebuild wall in time of Nehemiah (Neh. 3:1). Ezra 1:1–3; Isa. 61:4; Jude 3
Eliezer—God is help. Servant of Abram—Gen. 15:2
Elijah—The Lord is God. Joshua 4:23–24; I Kings 17:1
Elizaphan—God has protected; God is treasure (concealed), Dan. 12:4, 8–9 with I Cor. 2:9–10; Matt. 11:25—see Num. 3:30
Elishama—God has heard.Ps. 116:1–2; Acts 4:29–31
Num. 1:10; II Sam. 5:16
Elisha—God saves. I Kings 19:19–21; Isa. 61:10–11;
Isa. 9:2; John 1:29
Elkanah—God has possessed. Ex. 32:7–11; II Chron. 20:7–11
A CONTINUING VISION
Jehovah was God’s revealed name in His agreement with and promises to mankind, particularly His people Israel. He revealed Himself in His many attributes, which are captured in this name in combination with another. These continued to inspire faithful men until they were at last all fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
JEHOVAH-JIREH (GOD WILL PROVIDE)
The beginning of a revelation
Gen. 15:1–6 God will provide a son (God will provide His Son)
Gen. 17:1–8 God will provide a people from that son (God will redeem a people to be His Body through His Son)
Abraham’s vision
Gen. 22:1–14
v.1 Abraham is tested to bring about a more perfect revelation; therefore a more perfect obedience, faith, and worship.
v.8.The knowledge that God would provide the lamb in place of his son Isaac was also the revelation and prophecy that God would provide the Lamb to take away the sins of the world.
v.14. And Abraham called the name of that place (Jehovah-Jireh) God will provide.
The continuing revelation
God will provide:
Gen 24:1–4, 12–20, 58; I Kings 17:5–6, 13–14; Matt. 15:32–39; Ex. 16:11–15; Rom. 8:32
The Lamb to take away all sin
Ex. 12:21—The Passover Lamb
Ex. 29:38—lamb sacrificed for consecration of priests
Lev. 4:32–35—lamb for individual sin offering
Isa. 53:7; Jer. 11:19; I Pet. 1:17–19; Acts 8:32–35
Reference to God’s people as lambs (sheep):
Matt. 10:16
John 21:15
John 10:4
Rom. 8:36
Notice the similarity between Rom. 8:32 and
Jer. 11:19.
JEHOVAH-ROPHEK (GOD OUR HEALER)
Healing (sickness) and the forgiveness of sin (or judgment) are bound together throughout the Scriptures. Since Adam’s rebellion, sickness and death have held man in slavery. However, through steadfast faith (Gen. 15:6) and sacrifice (or the New Testament Sacrifice—Heb. 10:12), God’s people are set free.
God as our healer implies more than just physical healing—it reveals our relationship to Him Who is the destroyer and restorer, to Whom we come with rent hearts. Isa. 5:3–6; Joel 2:12–14; 3:1
Healing—the prevention of judgment through obedience. Gen. 20:17–18; Job 42:7–9 Notice that those who had incurred the Lord’s wrath were then also obedient. It was this obedience combined with the prayer of the righteous that effected the healing (and forgiveness). John 20:23
The revelation
Ex. 15:26
God said, “obey—for I am Jehovah-Rophek” (He in Whose hands rests the fortune of His people). Deut. 32:39; 28:1–14
Healing—forgiveness and staying the hand of judgment. Num. 12:6–15; 21:5–9; II Chron. 6:28–31; Mark 2:1–12
Health of the Church
The apostasy
Lam. 2:13–14; Jer. 30:12–16; I Cor. 11:28–30
The restoration
Jer. 30:16–18; 33:6–8; Hos. 6:1–3
Notice the similarity between Hos. 6:2 and John 2:19–21
Our spiritual health
Isa. 61:1; Ezek. 34:15–16; Psa. 147:3; Matt. 11:28–30
Our physical health
Old Testament Divine health
Deut. 34:7; II Kings 19:1–8; Psa. 30:2
New Testament Divine Health
Isa. 53:5; 2 Pet. 1:4; Acts 20:9–12;
I Pet. 2:24; James 5:14–15
Sickness to the glory of the Lord
Job. 2:3–10; 2 Cor. 12:7–9; John 9:1–3
“Then David said to Gad, ‘I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord for His mercies are great …’ ” 2 Sam. 24:14a.
JEHOVAH-NISSI (THE LORD IS MY BANNER)
A banner or standard is what leads an army into battle. Their allegiance is to that banner (their colors) and they will rally around it to obtain the victory.
The manifested Banner
Ex. 13:18–22. Notice that they were arrayed for war.
Ex. 14:19–28 (esp. 19–20). The first battle of the Israelites under God our Banner.
The Lord’s revelation to Moses
Ex. 17:8–16
Amalek (warlike) is a type for Satan. God’s people were attacked without cause. God pronounced war against Amalek from generation to generation, and prophesied his final defeat.
Ex. 33:9–10. The worship of Jehovah-Nissi.
I Sam. 15:3, 7–11. Saul is rejected as king for failing to utterly destroy the Amalekites.
The Lord revealed Himself as our banner in the battle against Satan, in the battle to possess that which the Lord has promised us. Phil. 2:9–11; Deut. 31:3, 6–8. He will go before us.
The Lord our Banner in the Old Testament: I Sam. 17:42–50; 30:8, 16–18; 2 Sam. 7:8–13 with Dan. 2:45; Neh. 4:16–20
The Lord our Banner in the New Testament:
Luke 10:17–20; Mark 16:17–18;
Acts 3:2–6; 13:8–11; Col. 3:16–17 (Jesus Christ, our banner in the spiritual warfare of this age.)
The army of the Lord in the end time
Isa. 11:10–12; 60:1–5
Joel 2:11; Song 6:4
JEHOVAH-MEQADDESHKEM (THE LORD WHO SANCTIFIES YOU)
To be sanctified means to be set apart, to be separated from, and separate from. Jer. 1:5
Our sanctification—a twofold revelation
The sign of the Sabbath
Gen. 2:3; Ex. 20:9–11; 35:2–3
The Sabbath (as well as the other commandments. Ex. 20:1–26; 31:18) was meant to be a sign of Israel’s separation unto God.
Ex. 31:13–17; Lev. 20:7–8; Ezek. 20:12
Ex. 31:13 “… You shall surely observe My Sabbaths; for this is a sign between Me and you throughout your generations that you may know that I am (Jehovah-Meqaddeshkem) the Lord Who sanctifies you.
To profane the Sabbath was to refuse to be separated unto God, and was equated with adultery (idolatry). Num. 15:32–41 (note v. 39); Ezek. 20:16, 24; 22:8–9
To profane the Sabbath brought judgment. Jer. 17:27; Neh. 13:17–18
We are free from the law of the Sabbath and yet through faith are sanctified to enter into God’s rest. Col. 2:16–17; Heb. 4:3, 9–11; 10:10–14
The sign of the first-born
The first-born were sanctified for God.
Ex. 13:2; 22:29
The first-born of man was to be redeemed (not sacrificed). Ex. 13:15; Num. 18:15
We are the first-born, redeemed and sanctified unto the Lord through Jesus Christ.
Ex. 4:22–23; Jer. 31:9; I Pet. 1:18, 19; I Cor. 1:2
The purposes of God in our sanctification
We are His living temple.
Eph. 2:21–22; 2 Cor. 6:16–18
We are sanctified to minister unto the Lord as priests and kings. Ex. 19:6; I Pet. 2:5–9; Acts 13:2
We are sanctified to minister unto the world.
Acts 1:8; Mark 16:15–16; I Cor. 14:24–25
The Lord to be sanctified (His holy name to be vindicated) in the restoration of the Church.
Ezek. 36:19–28
The Lord’s identification with His sanctified ones that He may judge the world.
Ezek. 36:17–22; Isa. 13:3; 2 Cor. 10:3–6
JEHOVAH-SHALOM (THE LORD IS PEACE)
Peace is obedience to the will and word of God.
To put away all sin (jealous for the will of God).
Nu. 25:1–13
To walk in His statues.
Lev. 26:3–6
To know and to wait on Him.
Job 22:21–22
The revelation-to meet God in obedience and faith is peace.
Judges 6:1–24
v. 24—the altar named Jehovah-Shalom
The Lord is peace for His people
Psa. 29:11; 85:8–9; Isa. 26:3
The false peace of the apostate church
Jer. 8:8–12; 23:16–17; Ezek. 13:13–16;
I Thess. 5:3
A promise of peace for the restoration
Haggai 2:9; Ezek. 34:25–26; 37:26–28
Our peace of the new covenant
From God our Father
Gal. 1:3; 2 John 3
Through Jesus Christ
Rom. 5:1; Eph. 2:17; Acts 10:36
In the Holy Spirit
Rom. 14:17; Gal. 5:22–23
How it is to be used—in mercy and judgment
Matt. 10:12–15; Luke 10:5–12
John 20:21 with Matt. 10:34–36
JEHOVAH-SABAOTH (THE LORD OF HOSTS)
Jehovah-Sabaoth is God’s revelation of Himself as the leader, the Captain of the army which He has brought forth and prepared to deal destruction to His enemies.
Psa. 60:9–12; Rev. 19:14; Joel 2:11
The revelation to Joshua—God will lead His people into the possession of the land.
Deut. 31:7–8; Joshua 3:7; 5:13–15
The revelation to David. David became great, for Jehovah-Sabaoth was with him.
I Sam. 17:45–46; 2 Sam. 5:10, 23–25
Worship of the Lord of hosts.
I Sam. 1:3; 2 Sam. 6:18; Psa. 103:21; Isa. 6:2–3
The will and purpose of Jehovah-Sabaoth.
To bring forth His Remnant Isa. 37:32
To purify His people Mal. 3:1–3
To protect His people Isa. 31:5
To restore His church Isa. 51:14–16
To prepare His bride Isa. 54:5–8
To bring down Babylon Isa. 47:1–4
To have a day of reckoning Isa. 2:12–13
To establish the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ Isa. 9:7
That all should worship Him Zech. 14:16–17
To accomplish His plan Isa 14:24, 27
Our warfare under the Lordship of Jesus Christ
Isa. 41:14–16; Acts 13:8–12; 2 Cor. 10:3–6; Eph. 6:10–20; Rev. 19:11–16
JEHOVAH-ELYON (THE LORD MOST HIGH)
Our Father’s revelation of Himself through this name is centered around the fulfillment of our relationship to Him. Other names have been revelations of His relationship to us, as our healer, as our banner, as our peace; but we look toward our Lord Most High.
The relationship of Jesus to Jehovah-Elyon.
The Son of the Most High.
Luke 1:32, 35
As our high Priest.
Gen. 14:18
Heb. 8:1–2
The revelation of our relationship to the Lord Most High.
We will praise Him
Psa. 7:17; 9:2; 92:1
He is our dwelling place, our refuge
Psa. 91:1, 9
We will cry to Him and not be shaken
Psa. 57:2; 21:7
We are His dwelling place
Psa. 46:4–5
We are His sons Luke 6:35; Matt. 5–9
The relationship of the apostate church to the Lord Most High.
Psa. 73:11; 78:17, 56; 82:6–7
The omnipotence of the Most High.
Lam. 3:37–38
Our inheritance with the Most High.
Dan. 7:18, 22, 25–27
JEHOVAH-ROI (THE LORD MY SHEPHERD)
The Lord is my Shepherd—His promises to His sheep.
He knows us—we know Him
He leads us—we follow Him
John 10:2–4, 14; Isa. 40:10–11
He protects and rescues us
I Sam. 17:34–36
Psa. 80:1–3
He blesses us
Ezek. 34:12, 23–25
He is all we need
Psa. 23
The Lord ordains and commissions those who will shepherd His flock.
Num. 27:16–20
Jer. 23:3–4
Acts 20:17, 28
The apostate shepherds judged.
Ezek. 34:1–10
Zech. 10:2–3
I Sam. 3:11–17
The Lord is my Shepherd.
Zech. 13:7 with Matt. 26:31
Ezek. 34:20–24 with Rev. 19:11–16
Heb. 13:20–21
I Pet. 2:24–25
JEHOVAH-TSIDKENU (THE LORD IS OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS)
Righteousness—the result of faith in God.
Before the law
Gen. 15:6; Rom. 4:13
Under the law
Rom. 4:4–8
Under grace
Rom. 3:21–22; Phil. 3:8–9
We are commanded to seek and yield to His righteousness.
Matt. 5:6, 10; 6:33; Rom. 6:13, 18–19
Our righteousness.
Our righteousness is a gift
Rom. 5:17
Our righteousness is brought forth by the discipline of God
Heb. 12:11
We are clothed with it
Rev. 19:8; Eph. 6:14
We are the righteousness of God
2 Cor. 5:21; 9:10; Eph. 4:23–24
The revelation to Jeremiah
The name of our Lord and His purpose
Jer. 23:5–6
Our name and His purpose in us
Jer. 33:16; Isa. 61:2–3; 2 Cor. 5:21
JEHOVAH-SHAMMAH (THE LORD IS THERE)
The Jerusalem from above is free, our spiritual mother. She bore us, the promised child, to become her—to become the wife of Christ, the living temple of the living God.
Gal. 4:26–28
Heb. 11:10, 16
The new Jerusalem, the wife of Christ, that is, our consummation with Christ.
2 Cor. 11:2
Rev. 21:2, 9–11
The nature of the heavenly Jerusalem revealed.
Ezek. 48:35 (the Lord is there)
Rev. 21:22–23
Zech. 2:10–12
The throne of God will be there.
Jer. 3:17
Rev. 3:21
Rev. 22:1–3
The promise of God to dwell in our midst.
Zech. 2:10 Isa. 12:6
Jer. 14:9 2 Cor. 6:16
The enemy judged.
Ezek. 35:10
Joel 3:21
Rev. 19:19–20:3
Praise and worship in the new Jerusalem
Psa. 48:1–3
Zeph. 3:15–17
Our glory revealed
Rev. 21; 9–22:6
THE WORD MADE FLESH
“God, after he spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed Heir of all things, through Whom also He made the world.” Heb. 1:1–2
“What was from the beginning, what we have heard, what we have seen with our eyes, what we beheld and our hands handled, concerning the Word of life.” I John 1:1
Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of every revelation of Himself that God had given to men.
The Lord will provide
Rom. 8:32; I Cor. 2:9–10
The Lord our healer
Luke 8:43–48; Luke 10:1–21
The Lord is my banner
Acts 8:35–40; Luke 1:67–75
The Lord who sanctifies you
John 10:36; 17:17–19
The Lord is peace
John 14:27; Luke 1:78–79
The Lord of hosts
Matt. 10:34; Rev. 19:11–21
The Lord most high
Luke 1:78; Mark 16:19
The Lord my Shepherd
Mark 1:16–20; Luke 14:25–35; John 10:14
The Lord is our righteousness
2 Cor. 9:9–10; Luke 1:74–75
The Lord is there
John 17:20–26; Rev. 21:23
We also are to become the word made flesh, the fullness of God’s revelation of Himself to the world.
Eph. 1:22–23 John 1:16
Eph. 4:13 2 Cor. 3:2–3, 18