THOUGHT: EL SHADDAI is usually translated as “GOD ALMIGHTY” or “THE ALMIGHTY GOD“, which point to God as being responsible for bringing all that you know into creation. John 1:3 “All things were made by Him, and without him was not any thing made that was made”. He is the Almighty One who was able to bring it to pass.
EL is a generic name for God or any god. It is a shortened form of ELOHIM, and is used as a prefix to another named description of who GOD is. Examples: EL QANNA is the only god who is Jealous and Zealous for you. There is no other god who has this characteristic but GOD Himself. Similarly, EL SHADDAI is the only god who is ALMIGHTY. When you consider all supposed gods or controlling powers, only JEHOVAH GOD has all of the characteristics and powers that are communicated to you in His many names. El is also used in the names of individuals, such as El-ijah, “JAH (or JEHOVAH) is God”; El-isha, “God is Salvation”; Dani-el, “God is my Judge”; Samu-el, “Heard by God”; and Immanu-el, “God with us”.
There are shades of meaning to SHADDAI which further amplify your understanding and your knowledge of the power, character and strength of your God. SHADDAI could be rendered “THE ALL-SUFFICIENT ONE“, which ties in to God’s SELF-EXISTENCE. Since the root of SHADDAI ties also into the word for mountain, it also could be translated as “GOD OF THE MOUNTAINS“. You may recall that He often visited with His people from the top of the mountains. A key to understanding the power and might of God is in the rendering of EL SHADDAI as “GOD THE OVER-POWERER“. This highlights that the God who has made many seemingly impossible promises is able to bring them all to pass, even when it means overpowering any opposing persons, forces or circumstances.
PRAYER: DEAR HEAVENLY FATHER AND MY EL SHADDAI: Knowing You as “the Almighty God“, “the God of the Mountains“, “the All-Sufficient One” and “the Over-Powerer” is a boost to my understanding, faith and confidence in You. I know that there is no situation in my life that I may encounter that You do not know about or that is too difficult for You to overcome. I place my hope and trust in You to take me through the trials of life and to be victorious, In Jesus’ Name, AMEN!
Amy Grant: “EL SHADDAI”
Linda Randle: “God on the Mountain”
