El-Shaddai

Genesis 17:1-8

This is the name God used of Himself when He spoke with Abram in Genesis 17:1-8. The scene is when God is repeating to Abram the covenant promise that he would be the father of a multitude of nations. Remember that Abram is 99 and Sarah is 89 at this time. The promise of a son leading to many nations was first given by God more than 20 years earlier, but there was still no baby.

God changed his name from Abram to Abraham, by inserting one Hebrew letter, which happens to be the main letter in the name of God himself. The symbolism is clear, when God is in the midst of any impossible situation, it becomes possible.

It is also worthy to comment on the name El-Shaddai. The El is a shortened form of God's name Eloim - meaning Almighty and all powerful. Shaddai refers to God being compassionate and caring for his people. The root of the name is the Hebrew word used for breast. Think about how a baby finds all sufficieny in his mother's breast. Physically the food is complete in itself, but we must not forget that the baby's emotional needs are also fully satisfied there.

God wants us to realize that we are not self-sufficient, even if we think we are. If we are to have a meaningful life (as defined by God's word), we need to see our dependence on the Lord and then cry out to Him for help. He is wanting to give strenght, power and all-sufficient blessing, if we will just cooperate with His love.

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