Difference between revisions of "El"

<p> Biblical Usage “El” occurs 238 times in the Old Testament, most frequently in Psalms and Job. The normal biblical usage is as a simple noun for deity. “El” is a synonym for the more frequent noun for God: Elohim. “El” refers to the [[God]] of [[Israel]] and in other passages to one of the pagan gods. In some instances, qualifying words are associated with “El” in order to distinguish which god is being addressed. Exodus 34:14 is an example of the expression “other god”; [[Psalm]] 44:20 and Psalm 81:9 are translated “strange god.” </p> <p> “El” was frequently combined with nouns or adjectives to express the name for God with reference to particular attributes or characteristics of His being. [[El]] Shaddai, “God Almighty,” appears in [[Genesis]] 17:1 . El-elohe-Israel, in Genesis 33:20 , was used to distinguish the God of Israel from all others. El Elyon, in Genesis 14:18 and Psalm 78:35 , was written to suggest the exalted nature of God. El Gibbor (Isaiah 9:6; Jeremiah 32:18 ) has been interpreted as a portrayal of God as a mighty warrior. El Roi, the God who sees, is found only in Genesis 16:13 . See Canaan. </p> <p> James Newell </p>