10) Why are there different names for God in the Old Testament?

When people start reading the Old Testament closely they are often intrigued by the fact that they encounter many different names for God. There are a number of names that are based on the name El (God in singular form)  Elohim (God: plural form), El Shaddai (God Almighty), El Roi (The God who sees), El Elyon (God the most high). There are other names based on the four letter name Yhwh (tetragrammaton) that God gives to Moses in the episode of the burning bush in Exodus 3:13-14. The meaning of this especially sacred name for the people of Israel is based on describing God as the one who is, was, and will be. The variations for this name include Yhwh-ireh (God will provide), Yhwh-ropheh (God heals), Yhwh–nisei (God my banner), and Yhwh-sabaoth (God of hosts). Out of respect the name Yhwh was not spoken and as time went on it became customary to use this name for God combined with the vowels from another name for God, that is, Adonai (Lord). Sometimes people wonder where the name Jehovah comes from. This is due to the combination of the consonants of Yhwh with the vowels of Adonai. As fas as we are aware this combination does not come from biblical times.

It should come as no surprise that different names for God were used by different groups and tribes within Israel, and in different times and places. The formation of a number of tribes and groups into the nation of Israel was a complex and lengthy process and the different names for God are pointers to the diversity of points of view within Israel itself over centuries. Some names for God are linked to certain moments and experiences where a name will describe what God has done for an individual or the people. Other names are linked with sacred places and point to the ways in which the people of Israel gradually either incorporated or displaced the names used for the gods by the peoples that surrounded them.


Another Bible study resource you might like to explore within the Catholic tradition is by Michal Elizabeth Hunt.

http://www.agapebiblestudy.com