THE BIBLE IS PRIMARILY A BOOK ABOUT GOD
At the new well that Abraham dug, at “Beersheba,” which means “Well of Seven,” he planted a Tamarisk tree and called on the LORD, the “Eternal God.” Two of the names of God revealed in the Bible are found in this verse. They are translated here as the “LORD” and the “Eternal God.”
When most English translations of the Bible encounter the covenantal name of God as revealed to Moses at the burning bush, they denote it by the word “LORD” in all caps. In Hebrew, this is the name “Yahweh” (“יְהוָֹה”), or as some pronounce it, “Jehovah.” The name means, “I AM,” which reveals His timelessness, eternal presence, and self-existence.
The second name of God revealed in this verse is “Eternal God,” which in Hebrew is pronounced “El Olam” (“אֵ֥ל עֹולָֽם”). The Hebrew “El,” which means “God” is often seen combined with an adjective revealing some new aspect of God’s character. Here it is “Olam,” revealing His everlasting nature. Israelite parents often used the names of God when naming the children. Consider the name “Elijah.” His name means “The LORD is God,” which combines both names of God found in this verse.
Human characters come and go as we turn the pages of the Bible, yet the character of God is progressively revealed to us chapter by chapter. Yes, this section is about Abraham, but really if we have spiritual eyes to see, it is primarily about God. And where do we encounter the fullest revelation of God in the Bible?
In Jesus. For as the book of Hebrews reported, “Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son” (Heb. 1:1-2). When one of the Twelve named Philip asked Jesus to reveal God to him, Jesus replied, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father!” (John 14:9).
PRAYER: Dear Father, we want to know You better. You have given us Your Word and we want to read it with Your Spirit’s instruction. We want to grow in our knowledge of You. Even more, You have given us Your Son. Thank You Lord. For He is the One who has made it possible for us to know You. Help us to grow more and more like Him as You have promised. In Jesus’ name, amen.