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Knowing God by Name: Names of God That Bring Hope and Healing

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"Our help is in the name of the Lord." --Psalm 124:8

In the Bible, God is called by many names. But what do they mean? And what do they reveal about Him? Can knowing these names bring the comfort, hope or healing you are seeking?

Through Bible teaching and personal anecdotes, bestselling author and beloved pastor David Wilkerson explores ten Hebrew names for God, showing how men and women throughout Scripture found strength and encouragement in the powerful name of the Lord. So can you! This life-changing book will help you know your heavenly Father on a heart-to-heart level, revealing His protection, care, discipline and loving guidance in your life.

God has pledged to keep you, to give you His peace, to give you His Holy Spirit, to blot out all your sins and to replace them with His lovingkindness. Here is your invitation to experience each of these realities--in other words, to know God by name.

222 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2003

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460 people want to read

About the author

David Wilkerson

254 books256 followers
David Ray Wilkerson was an American Christian evangelist, best known for his book The Cross and the Switchblade. He was the founder of the addiction recovery program Teen Challenge, and founding pastor of the non-denominational Times Square Church in New York.

Wilkerson's widely distributed sermons, such as "A Call to Anguish", are known for being direct and frank against apostasy and serious about making the commitment to obey Jesus' teachings. He emphasized such Christian beliefs as God's holiness and righteousness, God's love toward humans and especially Christian views of Jesus. Wilkerson tried to avoid categorizing Christians into distinct groups according to the denomination to which they belong.

Wilkerson was killed in a car crash in Texas on April 27, 2011.

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Tegan Vandenbosch.
25 reviews
May 1, 2014
The Lord is known by many names, and some names describe an attribute of God's character or how He relates to His people. In Knowing God by Name: Names of God that Bring Hope and Healing by David Wilkerson, more than ten Hebrew names of God are explored. In this powerful book, not only are the names of God explored by meaning, but the reader is given practical, life-changing application that they can use in their daily life. As Christians, we often face hardships in life, not only from the outside in hard situations that befall any human, but spiritually from the enemy. Knowing different names of God can be very uplifting and encouraging as we learn how much the Lord loves us, cares for us, and wants us to repent and turn to Him. As this book illustrates, the Lord is our Banner, He is our Shepherd, He is Our Righteousness, He is Our Peace and so much more. Do you know all the names of the Lord and what they mean to you? If not, then read this book!

I really loved this book and I have to say, this book came to me just when I needed it. Deep questions that I have been pondering were answered, and some questions that I didn't even know I had were answered. Written in a profound, but also simple and easy to understand way, Wilkerson explores what it truly means to understand some of the names of God, like Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is our Banner, and Jehovah Rohi, the Lord My Shepherd. I loved the way Wilkerson not only provided Biblical insight to each name, but also interpretation through the Scriptures about each name and how we learn more about Christ through His names. I really learned a lot from this book and recommend it anyone. Even if you are a seasoned believer, you may learn a thing or two more from this book - please pick it up and read it!

On another note, this book is not written to be a group Bible study, but I can see how this book could be explored in a group setting, covering a chapter each week, for eleven weeks. There are so many rich elements that could be explored and discussed in a small group Bible study.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Chosen, a division of Baker Publishing Group book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Lydia Howe.
Author 4 books76 followers
June 3, 2016
Why I Choose this Book

A couple of months ago when I was at my adopted parent's house I picked up a copy of this book and began reading it. I enjoyed and learned so much from the few chapters I read that when I came home I ordered a copy of the book so I could continue reading.

What I Thought about the Book

This book was full of so much new information and ideas that I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to read it again before too long so I can grasp all of it. That's a good thing, though, because the book was interesting and easy to read.
I've come to the conclusion recently that I don't know the Bible nearly well enough and so I've been working on not only spending more time in God's word, but also reading books that expound on it. Knowing God by Name did a good job of teaching me more about not only the Bible, but also about the nature of God and who He really is.
This book reminded me once again that God's name is not only powerful, but it's also to be reverenced. I realized as I was reading that over time I've become lax with how I treat God's name. I never personally used it in vain, but I had come to the point where I would read articles or books or watch short videos where it was used in vain. God's name isn't just a name and the Bible clearly teaches that we are supposed to respect it. As I began reading this book I also began working on showing God's name respect.

Conclusion

I really enjoyed reading this book. Anyone who knows me knows that I have a thing about names. I constantly ask people about their names: Who named them, were they named after anyone, what does their name mean, if they were the opposite gender what would they have been named, what is their favorite name... And the list could go on. Reading a book that focused on God's name was special for me.
This book explored some new territory for me and I'm not sure if I agree with everything 100%, so I guess I need to study it some more. Overall though, it was uplifting, encouraging, enlightening and interesting.

Rating

I was debating if I should give the book four or five stars, but then I realized that I just ordered the book for my uncle's birthday, so if I liked the book that much I guess it means it should be five stars so... I'm giving Knowing God by Name Five Stars and recommend it to anyone 15 and older.
Profile Image for Debbie.
951 reviews
September 15, 2022
I give this book 3 stars, not because of its content but because of my own expectations from the title. That title led me to expect an exploration of the names of God that Wilkerson chooses to discuss. I expected cataloguing of where else in Scripture the names occur and under what circumstances. A little of that occurs, but more so, this is a book that analyzes each name and then moves to pages of sermon points. While those are meaningful, it is not what I was expecting - or desiring - from the book.
Profile Image for Pilar.
160 reviews6 followers
August 15, 2022
I love and miss, Pastor Dave. There is noone that ministers to me like him. A true man of God. This book could be read over and over again.
Profile Image for Christopher Hachet.
478 reviews9 followers
November 25, 2022
I did not find this nearly as interesting as the Cross and the switchblade. Was dissapointed in the overall book.
Profile Image for Laura Pilcher.
56 reviews3 followers
April 30, 2024
Awesome book! A great way to learn more about biblical history and get closer to God through His many names. I would recommend this title to all Christians.
Profile Image for Twila.
Author 7 books3 followers
July 24, 2021
Excellent Read

So grateful for this and other books by David Wilkerson. This book is life changing. They come clearly from a man who knew the Lord well and loved Him with His whole heart.
14 reviews
December 30, 2023
2 Peter 1: 2-4 Living Bible

“Do you want more and more of God’s kindness and peace? Then learn to know him better and better. For as you know him better, he will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life: he even shares his own glory and his own goodness with us! And by that same mighty power he has given us all the other rich and wonderful blessings he promised; for instance, the promise to save us from the lust and rottenness all around us, and to give us his own character.”
Profile Image for Heather King.
Author 2 books31 followers
May 26, 2014
In his book, Knowing God by Name, David Wilkerson didn’t try to cover every name of God. Instead, he offers a more personal study, the names that have impacted him the most and applied powerfully and personally to his life and ministry. It’s so true that in our walks with God, we find He reveals aspects of His character to us during different seasons and these are the names we cling to and that mean so much to us over time.

I’ve read several books and Bible studies on the names of God and honestly wondered if there would be much new or of interest here. Every chapter, however, held new lessons, new information, new perspectives for me. It’s pretty straightforward prose and mostly felt like listening to him preach or teach on each topic. He covers ten names of God in the book and even those you may know well (like The Lord My Shepherd) will still likely be approached in a new way that is both encouraging and challenging to your spiritual walk.

Some of the comments such as those about America enjoying the most prosperity it’s ever seen seem out of place in our current economy, a sign that they are reprinting a book without updating it. He also had a tendency to write ideas based on his ‘gut feeling’ or personal thoughts, never more evident than when he strings together a paragraph of “I believe that this means….I believe what will happen is….” I value his input and insight, but know that those statements aren’t so much Bible study as they are personal opinion.

Overall, this would be a great personal study book for Christians, particularly long-term Christians, to dig more in depth into the names of God. It’s not an exhaustive study and isn’t meant to be, but would work especially well for those who are learning about the names of God from other sources, as well.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Jalynn Patterson.
2,216 reviews37 followers
April 4, 2014
About the Book:

Each of God's names reveals a defining quality about the Lord's nature and character. In Scripture he revealed these names to his people only as they needed them. In Knowing God by Name, David Wilkerson explores ten of the Hebrew names for God that most relate to times of testing and crisis, including El Elyon, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Nissi, and Jehovah Shalom.


This book is for any believer who wants to get to know God better, and particularly for those who need hope, encouragement, and a special word from God in a difficult time. It will give them a heart knowledge of God, a revelation of his names on a personal level, and a personal application of their fullest meaning-not for mere theological knowledge, but for everyday assurance and growth.

About the Author:

David Wilkerson (1931-2011) was the founder of Teen Challenge and World Challenge and longtime senior pastor of Times Square Church. He authored more than thirty books, including the bestselling The Cross and the Switchblade and Knowing God by Name. He ministered to people worldwide, and on the day of his death, he was still ministering.

My Review:

If you ever wondered where and to what origin the many names of God come about, the best book you could read is David Wilkerson's Knowing God By Name--he has done the grievous task of researching each name to give us a further understanding of each. Along with scripture he gives you a thorough understanding of each as only David Wilkerson could. Even in death he is a great teacher! You can use this as a good Bible study to teach you more about God and for you to get closer to Him.

There are 10 Hebrew names for the Lord explored therein, names such as El Elyon, El Shaddai, Jehovah Jireh. Most of these names listed are common ones to believers. But I myself do not know why or how they originated. To give you a better learning on them, this book is a perfect teaching tool.

**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from Chosen Books.
22 reviews
September 19, 2016
Names of God explained

If you want to be more intimate with God this book is for you. It explains the meaning of the more familiar names and how He affects our lives.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
200 reviews41 followers
April 22, 2014
This book is about exploring deeply, ten names of God. Mr. Wilkerson picked the names most likely to bring hope and encouragement. He discovered in his research that God revealed His names to His people in their times of greatest need so he revolves each name with the biblical background that led up to the revealing.

For each name there was at least one aspect of God that the author pointed out that I had not known before. There is much insight contained in this book.

In addition to actually learning about ten names of God another benefit of reading this book is an increased desire to learn about God’s names on my own.

The best way to read this book is as the author suggests, one chapter at a time. I would add that you really need to take the time to think about what you are reading and pray over what you are reading.

Although this is not the only way to get to know God better, this is a solidly biblical and excellent way to do so. If you have any desire to get to know God better check this book out.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Chosen Publishers as part of their blogging for books program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 29 books162 followers
May 12, 2014
Knowing God by Name:
Names of God That Bring Hope and Healing
by David Wilkerson
(Repackaged Edition)
“Our help is in the name of the Lord.”—Psalm 124:8


Have you ever wanted a greater understanding of God and the different names by which He is called throughout Bible? And why does God have so many names?

The names by which God is known are more than just a nickname like we have. The names of God correspond directly to a specific attribute of God.

Immanuel means God with us. But what does that mean for us, for me? God is with us at all times. He made an oath to be there for us and He is faithful to keep His word.

Jehovah Shammah means The Lord is There, we are known by God's presence in us and upon us. We will be able to discern the difference between what is of God and what is of the world. We will be able tell in our heart when a person is filled with God.

There are a total of 10 names of God covered in this book. There are scriptural references that explain and help one fully understand each name/attribute of God. This book is written in terms that anyone can easily grasp and understand. This is a book that would make a perfect gift for a new Christian. It would also be an excellent small group study. Get ready to learn about God as you never have before!

I was provided a copy of this book by Chosen in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Stacey.
1,014 reviews
May 10, 2015
Do you know the significant meanings of the various names for God? Dive into your bible using this Christian study guide and discover El Elyon - God Most High/God Our Creator, El Shaddai - God All Powerful, All Sufficient, Jehovah Rohpi - The Lord Who Heals You, and many more. Studying God by the various names in the bible helps to draw the reader into a deeper understanding and relationship with God. God wants us to know him and to be in a holy, healthy relationship with him. Check out this book by David Wilkerson and discover the powerful, majestic, loving, and holy God who desires to have an eternal relationship with you.

P.S. All the chapters are good, but my Sunday School class felt the chapter, God Who Forgives - His Name is Forgiveness, was especially meaningful.
Profile Image for Marisa.
224 reviews43 followers
July 2, 2014
David Wilkerson goes over more than ten different names that we associate with God and what specific attributes go with each name. In knowing these names we can learn how to pray more effectively, how to speak to God on a more intimate level and we can understand what the people of the Bible meant with all of the different names they used.

This book is a great companion book to your daily Bible study because it delves deeper, much like a concordance but smooth flowing and all focused on the specific names of God rather than Hebrew and Greek words being explained.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to take their level of Biblical knowledge to the next level.
Profile Image for Joan.
4,343 reviews120 followers
April 14, 2014
Wilkerson did not write about every name of God. He chose to concentrate on those names in which he had found comfort and encouragement during his own times of crisis. He reviews the biblical story in which the name was revealed and then encourages us to incorporate the character of God revealed in the name into our own life. i think this is an excellent book. Each chapter is like a sermon. Very well done.
You can read my entire review at http://bit.ly/1kW5ynW.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
186 reviews
March 14, 2012
I loved reading this book & seeing God's timing in revealing himself through these special names at just the right moment. Once again, I saw God as a God of order & precision. Nothing he does is by accident. It helped me in my prayer life to call to him using these wonderful names that describe his attributes.
527 reviews3 followers
August 14, 2015
I believe God fits into every aspect of our lives. The names attributed in this book reveles how and why God recieved these names, but most of all it shows that God IS each name.
Profile Image for Deborah.
100 reviews
January 18, 2016
4.5. Fabulous book.....David Wilkerson takes us for an in depth look at the names and some of the characteristics of God. I believe that this is a book that I will go back to time and again.
Profile Image for Daisy.
127 reviews1 follower
January 7, 2024
I'm not gonna lie i didn't finish it but it was great so far no complaints. David Wilkerson was a man used by God. Glory to God
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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