How to Understand God's Character

In biblical times, names were given to describe the person either by their occupation, personality, character and more. Names were like a label. God’s name was first not spoken by the early biblical Hebrews in reverence to Him. God has many names in the Bible also that describe who He is and what His character is like, so that His people could know more about Him. Biblical characters like Abraham gave a name to God according to His character. In Genesis 22:14, Abraham used the name Jehovah Jireh, which means provider for God provided the sacrifice so that Abraham would not have to sacrifice Isaac, his son. Studying these names of God gives you a better understand of who God is. Discovering God’s character builds a closer relationship with better understanding.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bible
• Bible Dictionary
• Paper or journal
• pen or pencil

1. Begin by prayer for illumination by the Holy Spirit as you read the Bible. Write down or highlight the names that God uses for Himself, or names that others in the Bible give Him.

2. Find out the situation in the Bible that is happening when this name of God is given. Why was this name used to describe God? Look up the name in the Bible Dictionary to find out the meaning of the name. See if there are other areas in the Bible that this name is used and for what situation. You could use BibleGateway.com to research a name as it is used in the Bible. Are there any differences or meanings to the name?

3. Discover why God was called this name by putting together the information from the Bible and the Bible Dictionary. Meditate on this characteristic of God and how that applies to your life and your belief. How does this affect your relationship with God? Does it give you more confidence in who God is to you? Are you able to trust Him more? What are the steps you can take to live out this truth about God? Write out what you have learned about God from this name. Write out a prayer to God using this name.

4. Repeat the cycle until the end of the Bible. By this time, you should have a good understanding of God’s characteristics.

Tips & Warnings

• Continue throughout the Bible looking for names of God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. They are all applicable.
• Study this with a friend or family member. Accountability is very helpful in keeping with a studying routine. Plus, it’s more enjoyable to share what is learned together.

[hummingbird]

on 10/27/2007 There wasn't enough room in the last comment i made, but i wanted to thankyou for encouraging all of us to dig deeper in the Bible and draw closer To God! Many people have had so many bad things happen to them and for comfort as you have encouraged the Bible is the best place to go! Thankyou!

[hummingbird]

on 10/26/2007 Though Abraham did name the area where God provided an alternative sacrifice to his son Issac....he used the name God Had already provided to his servants in order for them to be able to draw closer to him! example Genisis 2:7"And Jehovah proceeded to form the man(Adam) out of dust.." Genisis 2:15"And Jehovah proceeded to take the man and settle him in the garden of Eden.." The name Jehovah itself(God's personal name) means HE WHO CAUSES TO BECOME. As you mentioned, Jireh means provider or it was provided reffering to the sacrifice! When Abraham used Jehovah's name hyphenated with Jireh he meant... HE WHO CAUSES TO BECOME HAS PROVIDED! So just as we have a personal name so does our God only have one personal name,Jehovah! The mentionings of Lord, Almighty,God of Armies are titles as many others are to describe his personality, outworkings, and confidence in what he has prophesied!thanks

[Lindah]

on 10/19/2007 I enjoyed this article. Excellent Job.