CHAPTER 4
EL SHADDAI AND ADONAI
GOD ALMIGHTY • LORD AND MASTER
Theme Verse
"And 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 (KJV)
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Chapter Overview
As we continue discovering God's names, we now encounter two that beautifully complement one another.
The first reveals God's limitless power.
The second reveals His rightful authority.
El Shaddai reminds us that nothing is impossible for God. His power knows no limits, His resources never fail, and His promises cannot be broken.
Adonai reminds us that the Almighty is not only powerful—He is also our rightful Lord. His authority extends over every part of creation and every area of our lives.
Together these names reveal a profound truth.
The God who possesses all power also deserves complete surrender.
His strength gives us confidence.
His lordship calls for our obedience.
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El Shaddai — God Almighty
The name El Shaddai first appears when God renews His covenant with Abram.
"And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God..."
— Genesis 17:1 (KJV)
Humanly speaking, God's promises seemed impossible.
Abram was ninety-nine years old.
Sarai had long passed the age of bearing children.
Yet God introduced Himself as El Shaddai.
The Almighty.
Before God reminded Abraham of the promise...
He reminded Abraham of Himself.
God's promises are only as dependable as the One making them.
Because God is Almighty, nothing He promises is beyond His ability to accomplish.
Abraham's confidence could not rest in his own strength.
It had to rest in God's.
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Nothing Is Too Hard for God
Throughout Scripture, El Shaddai continually reminds God's people that their limitations are never His limitations.
When Sarah laughed at the promise of a son, the Lord asked,
"Is any thing too hard for the LORD?"
— Genesis 18:14 (KJV)
That question echoes throughout the Bible.
It speaks to every impossible circumstance.
Every overwhelming burden.
Every frightening diagnosis.
Every uncertain future.
Nothing surprises God.
Nothing overwhelms Him.
Nothing exceeds His power.
His strength is never diminished.
His wisdom never fails.
His purposes can never be thwarted.
Jeremiah declared,
"Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power... and there is nothing too hard for thee."
— Jeremiah 32:17 (KJV)
The God who created galaxies does not struggle with the problems that overwhelm us.
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The Almighty Is Also Tender
While El Shaddai emphasizes God's power, His power is never harsh or cruel.
Again and again Scripture reveals that God's strength is exercised with compassion.
He protects the weak.
He defends the oppressed.
He keeps His covenant.
He comforts the brokenhearted.
He disciplines His children because He loves them.
God's omnipotence is never separated from His goodness.
The Almighty is also merciful.
His unlimited power is governed by His perfect holiness, justice, wisdom, and love.
This gives believers tremendous confidence.
The One who possesses all power also possesses perfect character.
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Adonai — Lord and Master
Another beautiful name frequently used throughout Scripture is Adonai.
This name emphasizes God's authority.
It speaks of ownership.
Lordship.
Mastery.
Submission.
If El Shaddai reminds us what God is able to do...
Adonai reminds us who has the rightful authority to direct our lives.
David declared,
"O LORD our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
— Psalm 8:1 (KJV)
The Lord who created the heavens also rules over them.
His authority is absolute.
Every king answers to Him.
Every nation exists beneath His authority.
Every person will one day stand before Him.
He is not simply our Helper.
He is our Lord.
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What It Means to Call God "Lord"
Calling God "Lord" is more than using a respectful title.
It is a declaration of surrender.
A servant does not negotiate with his master.
A disciple does not direct his teacher.
Likewise, believers are called to submit themselves joyfully to God's wisdom and authority.
Jesus asked a searching question,
"And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?"
— Luke 6:46 (KJV)
The title "Lord" loses its meaning if it is not accompanied by obedience.
True worship involves both praise and submission.
To acknowledge Jesus as Lord is to recognize His rightful authority over every decision, every ambition, every relationship, and every area of life.
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Power and Lordship Together
These two names belong together.
Power without authority can become chaos.
Authority without power becomes empty words.
God possesses both perfectly.
He is El Shaddai.
Nothing is impossible for Him.
He is Adonai.
Everything rightfully belongs to Him.
Because He is Almighty, He is able to save.
Because He is Lord, He is worthy to lead.
This combination brings tremendous comfort.
We are not following a powerless ruler.
Nor are we serving an uncaring dictator.
We belong to the Almighty Lord who loves His people with everlasting love.
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Jesus Christ Is Lord
The New Testament continually points us to Jesus Christ as Lord.
Following His resurrection, God highly exalted Him.
"That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow..."
"And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
— Philippians 2:10–11 (KJV)
One day every person will acknowledge His lordship.
For believers, that confession begins now.
We willingly bow before Him because we know His character.
The One who died for us is worthy to rule us.
His commands are not burdensome.
His leadership is perfect.
His authority is righteous.
His love never fails.
The Almighty has become our Savior.
The Lord has become our Shepherd.
What greater comfort could there be?
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Reflection
• Are there areas of my life where I trust God's power but resist His authority?
• How does knowing God is both Almighty and Lord strengthen my faith?
• What would it look like to surrender more completely to His leadership today?
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Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for revealing Yourself as El Shaddai, the Almighty God, and as Adonai, my Lord and Master. Thank You that Your power is unlimited and Your authority is always exercised with perfect wisdom, holiness, and love.
Teach me to trust You completely, especially when circumstances seem impossible. Help me not only to believe in Your power but also to joyfully submit to Your leadership. May my life reflect the confession that Jesus Christ is truly Lord over every part of my heart.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
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Looking Ahead
In the next chapter we will climb Mount Moriah with Abraham and Isaac to discover one of the most beloved names in all of Scripture: Jehovah Jireh, "The LORD Will Provide." There we will see that God's greatest provision was never merely a ram caught in a thicket, but the Lamb of God who would one day take away the sin of the world.