El Shadday

El Shadday (el shad dye): "God Almighty" or literally- "The Mountain One."

In Abram's day, the people worshipped "gods" who they believed lived in the mountains (or at least in specific geographic areas). In each area they found themselves, they would seek out the "god" who "ruled" that area and worship him/her, to be blessed with good fortune, etc. Today, we know these "gods" to be territorial demons or principalities, who have been assigned certain geographic regions. Yes, they do have a certain power over their areas and the people therein, but they are not all powerful- they are vulnerable to confrontation empowered by Holy Spirit (hallalujah!).

Now, the One, True God comes along and makes himself known to Abram: " I am God Almighty (El Shadday), walk before me and be blameless" (Genesis 17:1). He reveals himself in the context of the person he speaks to- in this case Abram. "Hey Abe- just so you know, the God who is speaking to you now, is The Only Mountain One" (the "walk before me and be blameless" part, deserves its own blog)!

When I think of El Shadday, my thoughts quickly turn to Psalm 91 and the opportunity we have to dwell in the shadow of El Shadday and the promise when we do so. When we take refuge in His shadow, we experience The Mountain One in all his glory and might. As you read the words of this "psong," praise El Shadday for his protection and rest.

Psalm 91 (NLT)
1 He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High

will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, "He is my refuge and my fortress,

my God, in whom I trust."

3 Surely he will save you from the fowler's snare

and from the deadly pestilence.

4 He will cover you with his feathers,

and under his wings you will find refuge;

his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.

5 You will not fear the terror of night,

nor the arrow that flies by day,

6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,

nor the plague that destroys at midday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

ten thousand at your right hand,

but it will not come near you.

8 You will only observe with your eyes

and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you make the Most High your dwelling--

even the LORD, who is my refuge--

10 then no harm will befall you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

11 For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

12 they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

13 You will tread upon the lion and the cobra;

you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 "Because he loves me," says the LORD, "I will rescue him;

I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.

15 He will call upon me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble,

I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life will I satisfy him

and show him my salvation."