Elizabeth

“O LORD, God of Israel, there is no God like you in all of heaven or earth. You keep your promises.” 1 Kings 8:23

Partway through a Bible study of God’s names, a related question came to my mind. However, before I reveal the question, please let me tell you about the study. It explores some of the Hebrew words for God, discusses the applicable Bible references, and makes suggestions on how we can call upon a certain name of God to match certain situations. Some of God’s names start with 'El', the Hebrew word meaning mighty or strong, used in particular when referring to God.* For example: Elohim (God the Creator), El Elyon (God Most High), El Roi (God Who Sees), and El Shaddai (God Almighty). Now, here is my question: is the meaning of my middle name, Elizabeth, in any way related to this study of God’s names in Hebrew?

First, I searched through some dictionaries (including a Hebrew one) and baby name resources to discover that Elizabeth comes from the Hebrew words ‘el’ (meaning as described above) and ‘sheba’ meaning oath. In an expanded definition, an oath implies committing to something by invoking divine perfection. The Apostle Paul defines an oath as a “call upon someone greater than themselves to hold them to it. And without any question that oath is binding” (Hebrews 6:16). Together, 'el' and 'sheba' mean ‘God is my oath.’ Not an easy phrase of which to make sense. An oath is a solemn promise. ‘God is my promise.’ ‘My promise is God.’ Interestingly, God promised many things to the Israelites in Old Testament times and to believers in Christ, God’s Son, in New Testament times. Jesus speaks one of these promises in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” Other promises are scattered generously throughout the Bible. Paul assures us that “it is impossible for God to lie” thereby giving believers confidence “like a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls” (Heb 6:18, 19). If ‘God is my oath,’ if I can confidently rely on God to fulfill His promises, then what does that mean for me whose middle name is Elizabeth?

Second, with the meaning of Elizabeth discovered, I then prayed and listened to God for further understanding about its relevance in my life. God revealed that my middle name is both a reminder and a recognition. Elizabeth reminds me that His presence is true in my life (whether I am aware of it or not) and that His promises, such as forgiveness, comfort, protection, wisdom, and eternal life in heaven, are trustworthy. Further, as it is usually hidden from the public unlike my first and last names, Elizabeth recognizes my faith as an inner strength as well as a quiet expression.

Finally, thanks to the study of God’s Hebrew names and further explorations, I have gained a greater understanding of the meaning of my middle name, Elizabeth. Through that research, I learned that Elizabeth reveals not only God’s trustworthiness in His grand scheme for this world but also God’s presence in the intimate workings of my life. Now I accept that Elizabeth has purpose in my life and melds with Barbara, the “stranger,” to reveal the uniqueness of my character.

Lord, help me to express more completely the Barbara Elizabeth that you planned on from the beginning. Thank you for the blessings of your kept promises. Thank you for the treasure of my middle name, Elizabeth! Amen.

*Kay Arthur, LORD, I Want to Know You, (Colorado Springs, CO:Waterbrook Press), 1992, 10.