Names of God (2) – Elohim.

In the first chapter of Genesis, this name of God is used in almost every verse. It is the plural of the name El. In Genesis 1, we see vivid examples of God’s power as he brought into existence the universe by his word. He had only to speak, and his creation appeared, whether that created thing was big or small. But the name reveals more than the fact that God is powerful.

The order in which different aspects of his creation appeared reveal that he was working to an intelligent plan. For example, he created the dry land and vegetation before he made animals and humans. They appeared on a scene ideally suited for them. This is a reminder that God is wise, that he knows what to do. Unlike human workers, God did not need to check if his activity could be improved. Everything appeared ready to function as required,

We can also see from Genesis 1 that Elohim had pleasure in what he made. After each day's activity, he pronounced that it was good, and on the sixth day he said that it was very good. His pleasure is also seen in his delight on the Sabbath when he rested. He did not rest because he was tired. Rather, he rested because he was pleased with and delighted in what he had made.

There is something unique about the name Elohim and that is the feature that it is a plural noun followed by a singular verb; for example, when the text says ‘God said’. The plurality is also seen in the way that he spoke in verse 26 when he said “Let us…’. Here we have an extraordinary insight into the fact that God speaks in community. God did not say ‘Shall we make man’ because that would suggest some uncertainty. Instead, they said in unison, ‘Let us make man in our image.’ This was the height of their power, plan and pleasure during the first week of time.

Sadly, the original creation was marred by sin, But the rest of the Bible reveals that Elohim, the God with a plural name, would express his power in performing a greater plan that would provide him with endless pleasure – the work of salvation.