Handbook for Bible Students

5. Other Titles of God

There are certain combinations of names and some other titles or expressions of the attributes of God which have to be enumerated and shortly considered. HBS 213.4

When we bear in mind the first verse of the Bible, it seems natural that God should be called Creator, as in Isaiah frequently; but in one passage, strangely enough, the word is in the plural according to the Hebrew punctuation. Ecclesiastes 12:1. This may be intended to emphasize the thought. Also he is called a Father to Israel, though the thought of Fatherhood is not often expressed. He is “the God of the spirits of all flesh” (Numbers 16:22; 27:16), a title which reminds us that the immaterial element in human nature is more godlike than the material. He is “the Holy One of Israel” because his holiness is specially manifested in his dealings with his people. Again, he is described as the “Strength of Israel” (1 Samuel 15:29), where the word [Hebrew word] might have been rendered “victory” or “perpetuity.” Compare the expression, “the Lord is my strength.” Exodus 15:2; Psalm 68:35; 86:1; 27:1; 46:1. God is universally regarded in the Old Testament as the fountain of force and energy as well as the spring of life. Thus the conservation of energy is traced to its source. The Rock as a sign of stability and security is used six times of God in Deuteronomy 32, eleven times in the Psalms, and in twelve other places. HBS 213.5

The expression “the Mighty One” [Hebrew word] is found chiefly in connection with the name Jacob or Israel. Genesis 49:24; Isaiah 1:24; 49:26; 60:16. Another word signifying “great” [Hebrew word] is used in Deuteronomy 7:21, 23 ; and yet another [Hebrew word] in Deuteronomy 10:17, and other passages; while in Isaiah 63:1-“mighty to save”-the word (ëa) signifies abundance. The title “High One” [Hebrew word] is used both of God and of his dwelling place. Micah 6:6; Isaiah 32:15. HBS 213.6

A notable and rare expression is found thrice [twice] over in Genesis 14, where God is called “the possessor of heaven and earth.” The word [Hebrew word] is generally used of purchase or acquisition, but it must have had a special sense in ancient days, and it gives a far-reaching view of ancient monotheism. HBS 214.1

God is also called a Redeemer, both as a deliverer [Hebrew word] from bondage, and as a kinsman [Hebrew word] who has the right of redemption. He is also a keeper [Hebrew word], a deliverer [Hebrew words], a quickener [Hebrew word], and a Saviour [Hebrew word]. This last word is applied to God in his dealings with Israel in 350 passages, the first being Deuteronomy 33:29. One other notable expression should be mentioned, viz., “The Lord of hosts” [Hebrew word]. Sometimes this is applied to lordship ov er the stellar hosts, sometimes to the angelic armies, and sometimes to the hosts of Israel. It is rather curious that this title does not occur till Samuel’s time. If the Pentateuch, Joshua, and Judges had been composed after Samuel’s age, we should have found such a fitting title for God freely introduced. HBS 214.2