Book Review: The Names of God

Hello everyone, welcome to our monthly book review for, The Names of God, by Marilyn Hickey.

Part of the book description says, “Tapping into God’s Infinite Supply”.  The book description goes on to say that God’s names reveal a different aspect of His nature. As God is so vast - one name cannot adequately describe Him.  Throughout the Bible, God revealed Himself to His people through His various names.

The book lists nineteen different names of God. So unlike our previous book review, this book will take us well over a year to go through, as I review what Marilyn has written for each name, one month at a time. Our review for November is the name Elohim.

In the introduction, Marilyn says this book was a revelation from God. In the first  chapter, I found references that were not in the Bible.  She also takes liberty with reflecting on what people might have been thinking or doing.  I put this book to the side a while ago, deciding not to review it for those reasons. Then the book found its way on my list again and here we are. My curiosity to read about the names of God has outweighed whatever inconsistencies Marilyn has in her book.  My focus will be on matching the names of God with the characteristics described in the Bible. 

Marilyn references Isaiah 33:6 at the beginning of the introduction, “and he will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.” That is my goal with reading this book - to obtain more wisdom and knowledge about our God, by focusing on what harmonizes with His word and leaving the rest. 

Thinking about the characteristics of God through different names is a lot to unpack for me.  As Jesus on earth was “God with us,” then I’ve primarily thought of one name relating to God - Jesus. But my Strong's Concordance shows many names associated with God, that aren’t mentioned in the regular translations of the English Bible. So the names, Lord and God cover every name.  Marilyn states that we can tap into God’s infinite supply of energy through studying His names. I believe that, as any attempt to learn more about God is a blessing with His presence.  James 4:8 says, Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.

So the chapter on Elohim focuses on God’s immense creative power, complete sovereignty and unimaginable power in the creation process.  This makes me think of when I look up at the night sky and think of Genesis 1:1 - In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  That one sentence is impossible to unpack, because it contains all the details of the creation process. As I peer into the blackness and look at the twinking stars, I have to at some point look away, because it becomes overwhelming, as my mind tries to unpack the enormity of that statement, In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.  

Marilyn unpacks it a little bit by looking at the three members of the Godhead - God the father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit, known collectively as Elohim. She references scripture that states their presence during the creation process. That can be found in Genesis 1:26-27, Colossians 1:16 and Genesis 1:2-3.

Marilyn references the ministry of Noah and Abram, in regards to the covenant keeping part of Elohim. She offers great encouragement through their accounts to not give up when God has called you to service.

Faith, trust and a relationship with the Lord are weighed against how you react to the devil when he tries to steal the blessings God has given you. It’s a powerful chapter about claiming power and protection, through the one who is all powerful and whose on the side of those who seek Him. Romans 8:31: What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

I have a feeling I will be reading each chapter in this book several times before moving to the next chapter. 

I usually think about the creation account when the Sabbath begins.  However, this Sabbath, I will have the name Elohim in the forefront of my mind - praying that God gives me wisdom and understanding as I attempt to draw nearer to Him, through His name. 

I can’t remember where I bought my copy of, The Names of God. However, a quick search online will point you to major bookstores that carry it.

Thank you for reading this review. Until next time, peace be with you.

Book and thumbnail source: www.amazon.com