Shaddai

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
 
This title for God is first mentioned in Gen. 17:11And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the Lord appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect. (Genesis 17:1). In seven instances the word, God [El], which we have already considered, is combined with Shaddai, generally translated The Almighty. Some interpret the name as "Almighty in sustaining resources" (as the mother's breasts for her babe). It occurs 48 times in the Old Testament, of which number the Book of Job claims no less than 31 instances. In that Book the thought stands out pre-eminently that the Lord is Almighty. It would seem to be much in character with this Book, where we have the story of the controversy God had with job, who got no relief or blessing till he arrived at a right estimate of himself in the presence of God. Chapter after Chapter Job sought to vindicate his own self-righteousness in controversy with his three friends. Finally God spoke to him, which brought him to the true confession, "I have heard of Thee by the hearing of the ear, but now mine eye seeth Thee. Wherefore I ABHOR MYSELF AND REPENT IN DUST AND ASHES." (Job 42:5, 65I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. 6Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. (Job 42:5‑6)).
And so Job found his highest blessing in this discovery, and learned at last that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:1111Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. (James 5:11)).