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Genesis 1
“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness’” (Gen. 1:26a).
One of the oldest names for God is Elohim. This is the Hebrew word most frequently translated as “God” in the early books of the Bible. It is used some 31 times in Genesis 1 alone, including verse 26, which reads, “Then Elohim said, ‘Let us make man in Our image.…’ ” This verse points to the most perplexing aspect of this name—it is a plural form of the generic Semitic word for “God,” El.
Judaism is known as the original religion of genuine monotheism. But even its great statement of divine oneness—“ ‘The LORD our God, the LORD is one!’ ” (Deut. 6:4b)—uses the plural word Elohim for “God.” Why is this? Some believe that the use of this word points to early polytheism (many gods) in the Jewish faith, a belief out of which the Jews later evolved. Some surmise that the “imperial we,” such as kings and others in positions of authority use, is being employed here. Still others believe this Hebrew word is a cryptic reference to the Trinity (this is the favorite evangelical theory). But while the concept of the Trinity is compatible with the word Elohim, conveying the triune nature of God is likely not its chief purpose. Instead, it may be addressing a concept that was extremely important to the ancients—and to us.
A problem that drove ancient thinkers to distraction was the relationship of unity and diversity. They wanted to know how humans can make sense of the whole of reality and experience. As they knew well, diversity with no unity is simply chaos, irrationality, and meaninglessness (a fact that modern man, in his rush to deny the existence of absolutes, has forgotten). Thus, philosophers engaged in a search for a universal that would bring unity out of all the diversity of life, something that would make sense of all the particulars, an ultimate point of reference. They sought a “universe” (“unity” + “diversity”). The Greeks finally were forced to the abstract concept of “god” to tie together all the strands of diversity. But the Hebrews, thanks to God’s revelation, came to understand that all the diverse strands of life lead ultimately to God, for He is the embodiment of unity in diversity. This concept is well expressed by the name Elohim.
When we come before God, we come to worship the One who makes sense of it all.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Can you think of any aspect of reality with which God has nothing to do? If you can, you need to re-examine your concept of God. He is the source of all existence, all truth, all experience. There is nothing for which He cannot be sought, thanked, and praised. Give glory this Lord’s Day to Him who is unity in diversity.
for further study
- Romans 11:36
- Colossians 1:17