“When Abram was ninety-nine years old the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, ‘I am God Almighty’” - Genesis 17:1

Last week we reflected on the name of God, Yahweh, the self-existent one, the great I AM.

Today, we will consider the name ‘El Shaddai’. The most common interpretation of "Shaddai" is "mighty," and "El Shaddai" would translate to "God Almighty." In line with this understanding, one suggested root meaning for "El Shaddai" is "The Overpowerer," signifying that God will accomplish His purposes, overpowering all opposition.

El Shaddai appears throughout the Patriarchal narratives. Jacob sought mercy from God Almighty for his sons regarding their brother Joseph. Later, he recounted to Joseph how the Almighty appeared to him at Luz.

God informed Moses of His interactions with Abraham and Jacob as God Almighty, and He introduced a new name in Exodus 6:2-3—the LORD. Ezekiel also referenced God’s might and power.

While neighboring nations worshipped many gods, the Hebrews recognized only one—the Almighty. We encounter this name for God in Genesis 17:1, as Abram converses with Him, and also in Genesis 28:3 and 35:11.

After initially revealing himself to Abram God needed to once again refresh him with who He truly is, while waiting for God to fulfill the promises made to him. “When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘I am God Almighty’” (Genesis 17:1). The term “God Almighty” is a translation of the name El Shaddai. Abram needed reassurance that God would fulfill His promise. God uplifted him by revealing Himself as El Shaddai.

The name El Shaddai carries a sense of both power and gentleness. The Hebrew root of Shaddai (“Almighty”) is connected to the word for breast. This evokes a tender image: just as a nursing baby finds comfort and nourishment at its mother’s breasts, God’s people can find solace and sustenance in Him during times of great uncertainty.

By revealing Himself as El Shaddai, Yahweh established a covenant with Abraham. This covenant included a promise of divine power, capability, and commitment to ensure its fulfillment. Understanding the context of this divine self-revelation gives significant meaning to the name El Shaddai.

Over the thirteen years since Ishmael's birth, Abram and Sarai’s doubt about God’s promise may have grown. Sarai still had not conceived. If it had seemed improbable for an 86-year-old man to father a child, it now seemed almost impossible for a 99-year-old man. Nearly 25 years had passed since God first promised them a child. Their faith might have dwindled into complacency.

But then God spoke again. Abram desperately needed the revelation of Yahweh as El Shaddai. He needed to see that El Shaddai could overcome any obstacle. He needed to be reminded that El Shaddai cared deeply and that he could find comfort in His loving embrace.

It is noteworthy that the name of God, El Shaddai, appears 48 times in the Old Testament, with a significant concentration in the book of Job, where it is mentioned 31 times. This prevalence suggests that the revelation of God as El Shaddai is especially relevant during times of suffering. If anyone needed reassurance of finding comfort and sustenance in God Almighty, it was Job. Although Job initially challenged the Almighty, God's demonstration of power and wisdom compelled the Patriarch to silence before the Lord's sovereignty and authority. Similarly, the power of El Shaddai is most crucial to us when we face affliction.

God graciously revealed Himself to Abram as El Shaddai, and He continues to reveal Himself to us by this name in Scripture. Do you need this revelation? Are you seeking this vision? Are you feeling lost and disillusioned in your faith? Have economic struggles, relational setbacks, physical illnesses, or an unproductive ministry left you bewildered and questioning if God truly cares? Do your circumstances cause you to know God’s promises but still harbor doubts? If so, take heart that He is El Shaddai. Be encouraged that He is mighty to fulfill His promises and that you can seek Him for nourishment and comfort.

Maybe you've settled into complacency about God's promises and purpose for your life. You’re overly comfortable with the way things are. Your interest in God's word is minimal, you don’t really look forward to spending time with other believers, and attending church feels like a chore. Occasionally, the Scriptures resonate with you, and you do pray before meals, important meetings, and trips. You’re not against God; you are a true believer. However, you lack enthusiasm about being a Christian. The mission of Christ and the church matters to you intellectually but doesn’t significantly influence your daily life, and you’re okay with that.

You’ve grown complacent about the lack of divine presence in your life. Your bills are paid, your investments are secure, your career is stable, and your family life is smooth. You’re satisfied with what you've achieved on your own. Why would you long for an Isaac when you already have the strength of an Ishmael?

If this resonates with you, it might be time to seek a renewed vision of El Shaddai. You need to be stirred and captivated by the grandeur, majesty, and mercy of God. You need to grasp the vision that Abram received, which is recorded for our benefit. Reflect on the following key aspects of El Shaddai:

Understand the greatness of El Shaddai. We easily lose sight of His nature, power, and reliability. It’s essential to keep a clear view of God. How you perceive El Shaddai will be evident in your behavior. If you are small-minded, resentful, overly focused on earthly matters, irritable, negative, self-centered, overly critical, easily upset, and unproductive, it’s a sign that you have lost sight of El Shaddai.

Contemplate the glory of El Shaddai. After revealing Himself as El Shaddai, the Lord gave Abram a command: “Walk before me, and be blameless” (Genesis 17:2). Because God is sovereign, Abram must walk in His presence. Because God is holy, Abram must strive to be blameless. El Shaddai is all-powerful in His sovereign rule and holy in His use of power. He will fulfill His promises and, in return, expects covenant faithfulness from His people.

Ponder the graciousness of El Shaddai. In Genesis 17:2–8, God makes seven "I will" promises. Abram did not earn these promises; they were given by God's grace. El Shaddai sees your sin, unbelief, weakness, impatience, failures, and frustrations, yet He responds graciously to all of it. We need to recognize that God’s mercy is available to us despite our sinfulness, and we must dwell under the shadow of His wings. If you are a beneficiary of the new covenant in Christ, you can seek El Shaddai for comfort, strength, ability, and, if guilty of complacency, for repentance.

Consider the fitting response to encountering El Shaddai. When God unveiled Himself to Abram as El Shaddai, Abram "fell on his face." He was deeply humbled and attentive to God's words. Fulfilling the terms of the new covenant begins with humility before grace. We must let go of relying on our own strength and yield to the Spirit's guidance. It's time to abandon our ways and embrace God's path actively. Remember, Yahweh is the Almighty—not us. Let's maintain our focus on El Shaddai. May we grasp His greatness, glory, and grace, and advance with renewed faith, assured of His blessings.

Habakkuk's prayer (3:1-16) encapsulated why the prophet trembled at the mere mention of the Lord. He recounted the Lord’s formidable character and deeds, His righteous indignation against sin, and His supremacy over nations. When God’s prophets spoke His words with authority, some people and nations heeded and turned to the Lord, while others resisted. This dynamic persists today when God’s people proclaim His power and might.