Nugget #16 – Elohim, Forces

In the previous Nuggets we found “YHVH our Elohim” being mentioned.  Please forget the English translations for these names which is typically “the LORD our GOD”.  This translation actually confuses what is being said.   As stated already, volumes can be written on this and in fact the Zohar’s core is established on the subject of the names as well.  We will just cover the basics that apply to our study.

Let’s look at Elohim this time around.   Elohim is plural and means “Forces”.  Most of the time we find this translated as “God” in our English translations.  There are other words that translators use “God” for.  When reading the TNK and you encounter “God” try replacing “God” with “Forces”.  For instance Genesis 1:1 should say, “In the beginning, the Forces created the heavens and the earth.”  These forces have no consciousness and are guided by the Creator.  They are like our own fingers.  Our fingers are not conscious and cannot act on their own will.  They are guided by the mind just as the Creator guides the forces (fingers). 

Exodus 8:19a Then the magicians said unto Pharaoh: 'This is the finger of God';

This takes place during the plagues for the freedom of Israel.  The magicians are so overwhelmed by the Creator’s sheer force of will that they literally use the phrase “finger of G-d” in their explanation, for their failure, to Pharaoh.

So in reality these “Forces” are simply tools used by the Creator to create creation.  Thus Genesis 1:1, which is supported by the Hebrew, can say, “IT (the Creator) created the forces that created the heavens and the earth.”

So we can see that Elohim is simply a reference to the forces the Creator utilized in creation and is embodied within creation to sustain it.  It is not a reference to the Creator directly.

Ask yourself: Is it appropriate to use “God”, “Forces”, or “Elohim” in reference to our Creator?  If we do, would that be idolatry?