Strong Names of God

 Tsur – In the 32nd chapter of Deuteronomy we find what is called the "Song" of Moses. Five times during that section we find the Hebrew word that is translated “Rock” or “Safe Retreat” as a descriptive name for God. It occurs also in the Psalms, Isaiah and the poetical passages of other books. It presents the idea of God as steadfast and unmoving. As often happens throughout the Bible the name of God appears with the possessive “my” to indicate relationship. This is true especially of Moses and David but is not the case with Saul who always refers to the “Lord your God” in his exchanges with Samuel. While Saul had been anointed to be King of Israel, it is clear that he did not have a personal relationship with God. David on the other hand, despite all his shortcomings did not depend on the prophet for his interaction with God because he had a personal relationship with Him.

Kadhosh or Qadhosh, "Holy One": This name is found frequently in Isaiah and Psalms, and occasionally in the other prophets. It is characteristic of Isaiah, being found 32 times in that book. It occurs often in the phrase qedhosh yisra'el, "Holy One of Israel." This word comes from the root word qadhash, "to be separate," which best explains its use both of man and of the Deity. When used of God it signifies: (1) His transcendence, His separateness above all other beings, His aloneness as compared to other gods; (2) His peculiar relation to His people Israel unto whom He separated Himself, as He did not unto other nations. In the former sense Isaiah used it of His sole deity (Isa 40:25), in the latter of His peculiar and unchanging covenant-relation to Israel (43:3; 48:17), strikingly, expressed in the phrase "Holy One of Israel." Qadhosh was rather attributive than personal, but became personal in the use of such absolute theists as Job and Isaiah. It expresses essential Deity, rather than personal revelation. This name for God makes it clear that He is the supreme God and there are no other gods like Him.

Shadday, "Almighty": In the patriarchal books and in Job particularly, where it is put into the mouths of the patriarchs, this name appears sometimes in the compound 'el shadday, sometimes alone. While its root meaning also is uncertain, the suggested derivation from shadhadh, "to destroy," "to terrify," seems most probable. This word for God is manifested by the terribleness of His mighty acts. This is more than just Almighty; this is the knowledge of God in all His great and terrible power. It is from this usage that we get:

2 Chron 17:10

The fear of the LORD fell on all the kingdoms of the lands surrounding Judah, so that they did not make war with Jehoshaphat.

2 Chron 19:7

Now let the fear of the LORD be upon you. Judge carefully, for with the LORD our God there is no injustice or partiality or bribery."

Ps 111:10

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.

For those of on this side of Christ’s atoning sacrifice who are familiar with: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Heb 4:16) this is a difficult concept to grasp. The fact remains that God is a just God and that:  “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb 10:31) Other versions translate “dreadful” as “fearful” or “terrifying”