Joe H. Steve Jr
October 4, 2016
Saint Thomas Christian University
Torah Class Genesis Chapter 1 Elohim
Genesis chapter 1 deals with spiritual principles and the fundamental foundational principles of the Bible, known as God’s Governing Dynamics. These principles never change and are the building blocks on which the Torah, the Tanakh and the New Testament are constructed.
In Chapter 1 we start with God, and in doing so there are two primary ways we can know Him, by His name and His characteristics. These means are by way of the four dimensions of the physical Universe (length, width, depth, and space-time. As believers we can also know God by way of His Holy Spirit, also referred to as a 5th dimension.
The Interfaith Movement has suggested that no matter who or what someone calls god, they are really speaking of the true God, only from different viewpoints. However, we know this cannot be the maker and creator of the universe the true God we’re introduced to in Genesis chapter 1.
The Hebrew word used in Genesis chapter 1 verse 1 for God is Elohim, which is not the name of God, but His plural description. God is one, but He is also many. Jesus said “I and my Father are one” (John 10:30). The plurality stated in verse 1, I believe refers to the godhead (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit). Elohim is unique to Hebraic thinking: it only occurs in Hebrew and no other Semitic language. The etymology of the word Elohim is prehistoric, and there are many theories to its origin. Elohim is occasionally shortened to El and used as part of longer names. Such as El Shaddai for God Almighty, and El Elyon, the Most High God.