God revealed Himself to Abraham by a new name, El Shaddai, which is translated as God Almighty in the New International Version, marking the first use of this name for God in the Scriptures. Here’s the text:
1When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am God Almighty; walk before me faithfully and be blameless. 2Then I will make my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.” 3Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, 4“As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. 5No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. 6I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you (Genesis 17:1-6; emphasis added).
El Shaddai describes God as the One who brings things into existence through His majestic power and might. El signifies the strong one, while Shaddai means the Breasted One. We should not interpret this as suggesting that God possesses female body parts; rather, it serves as a metaphor depicting God as the Strong-Nourisher, the Strength-Giver, the Satisfier, and the All-Bountiful Supplier of all the needs of His people. Indeed, He is the one who can restore life and fruitfulness to Abraham and Sarah, allowing them to have a child and fulfilling every one of His promises to them and to us.
There is a condition attached to the promise, though. Abraham must walk before the Lord and be Tamiym, translated into English as “blameless” (v. 1). Tamiym means to be complete, without defect, faultless, blameless, and to possess integrity. God has observed the transformation of this man's character as the Lord has worked in his life, changing Abraham into one whose heart is blameless toward Him. He requires the same of those who trust in Christ. Jesus said, "Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect" (Matthew 5:48).
God also tells him that he will be the father of many nations and that kings will come from him (verses 5-6). What amazing promises God gave to Abraham and also to us as His children. Those who have entered the blood covenant initiated by the Messiah must walk before the Lord in purity and blamelessness. Do not let this world conform you to its image of godlessness and evil. Walking blamelessly before the Lord seems difficult, almost as challenging as Jesus' command to "be perfect, as our heavenly Father is perfect." How can we fulfill this command? We see elsewhere in the Scriptures that Micah the prophet also revealed what God requires of man:
“He has showed you, O man, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
We need God’s help—the One called El Shaddai. By faith, we must cast ourselves on Him, being vulnerable and crying out for His empowerment and enablement. He will do it. He does not ask us to rely on our resources but on His. What do you need El Shaddai to do for you—what prayer do you need to ask God today? He is listening and waiting for your cry. Keith Thomas
Taken from the complete study found in the series on Abraham. Go to All Studies, scroll down to The Faith of Abraham, and click on Study 4. Abraham, An Everlasting Covenant