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God has many names in the Bible, and one of them is Jehovah Rapha which means “the God who heals.”
Our God goes by many names, and we read about them throughout the Bible. They all have different meanings yet hold much power when we call upon them because they are all His divine attributes. One of the many names of God is Jehovah Rapha. Let’s learn more about what this name means and what calling upon this name means for us today.
What Does Jehovah Rapha Mean?
Jehovah Rapha comes from two Hebrew words, Havah, which translates as “to exist,” and Rapha, which means “to restore” or “to heal.” These two Hebrew words combined mean “The Lord Who Heals.” Jehovah Rapha is also recognized as Yahweh Rapha and is one of the many different names of God in the Old Testament.
Who is Jehovah Rapha?
Jehovah Rapha is God; the name describes a particular aspect of His being. The verb Rapha often refers to physical healing in the Old Testament. It also usually entails the physical healing of the person’s entire being. However, Jehovah Rapha also heals the mind and soul besides physical ailments.
God reveals Himself as Jehovah Rapha
God first revealed Himself as Jehovah Rapha when the Israelites fled Egypt. The Israelites desperately needed water after three days of wandering in the desert. When they do find water, it is unfit for them to drink. So Moses cried out to the Lord and instructed him to throw a piece of wood into the water. Moses did as ordered, and the water became fit for them to drink.
God revealed Himself as Jehovah Rapha to the Israelites in Exodus 15:26 after He healed the water, further reassuring His people with a promise.
“He said, “If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes, if you pay attention to his commands and keep all his decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”
Jehovah Rapha in the Bible
In the Old Testament
There are numerous instances in the Old Testament where God refers to Himself as Jehovah Rapha, and here are some examples:
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits – who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases.”
“But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,’ declares the Lord, ‘because you are called an outcast, Zion for whom no one cares.’”
“The moon will shine like the sun, and the sunlight will be seven times brighter, like the light of seven full days, when the Lord binds up the bruises of his people and heals the wounds he inflicted.”
“Come, let us return to the Lord. He has torn us to pieces but he will heal us; he has injured us but he will bind up our wounds.”
In the New Testament
Jesus Christ is Jehovah Rapha in the New Testament, as stated in Matthew 8:17. “This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases.”
He is also referred to as the Great Physician in Mark 2:17, where He calls those spiritually sick to come to Him for healing. “On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Jesus also healed a paralyzed man (Mark 2:5-12), and two blind men (Matthew 9:27-31), and raised a dead man from the dead (John 11:38-44).
“When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.”
But I want you to know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins.” So he said to the man, “I tell you, get up, take your mat and go home.” He got up, took his mat, and walked out in full view of them all. This amazed everyone and they praised God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this!”
“Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith, let it be done to you.”
“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” The dead man came out, his hands and feet wrapped with strips of linen and a cloth around his face. Jesus said to them, “Take off the grave clothes and let him go.”
What are the Ways God Heals as Jehovah Rapha
During sickness and infirmity
There are many examples of God healing the sick in the Bible. In the New Testament, Jesus is known by many as the Great Physician. A lot of Jesus’ miracles in the New Testament were of Him helping the sick (Matthew 15:30; Luke 4:40) and those who were possessed (Matthew 8:16).
Reading through the previous verses, you’ll see that through the people’s faith in Christ, He was able to heal them of their ailments. Those people believed that Jesus would relieve them of their sickness, no matter how impossible it looked.
During mental affliction
Even during mental affliction, God helps clear our minds and give peace to our hearts. A good example is Jonah 2:5-7, where Jonah expresses his inner turmoil and despair. Yet, at the end of verse 6 and verse 7, there is hope because Jonah remembers that the Lord is in control. He hears our every call and is there whenever we ask for His help.
During spiritual fatigue
We all get tired physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. Like how our bodies tire after a long day’s work, our spirit also gets fatigued in our Christian journey. When we feel like giving up, we can pray to God and ask for strength to continue the good work He has placed in our hearts.
As it says in Psalm 23:3, the Lord will refresh our souls. How? By drawing nearer to His presence and learning to depend on Him alone. Sometimes, we need to rest in His presence to renew our spirit’s strength.
During emotional suffering
God’s healing ability is not limited to physical ailments; He can also help us during heartbreaks and emotional distress. As it says in Psalm 147:3, God heals even our heartaches. It also says in John 14:27 that He gives us peace in our hearts. So when you feel emotionally troubled, ask for God’s healing and strength. It will take time to mend a broken heart but if you trust in the Lord’s process, rest assured that you will learn to feel content in His unfailing love.
During anxiety and worry
Anxiety and worry have increased, especially since the start of the pandemic. The forced change in our way of life has left everyone feeling stressed and pressured to keep up with how others cope. Yet, despite all of this, we have to remember that we have a God who is more than capable of providing for all our needs.
When you find yourself worrying about tomorrow, remember what Matthew 6:25-34 says. If the Lord tends to the birds in the sky, how much more for us? So as hard as it is to do, try not to worry about what tomorrow may bring. Trust in the Lord’s guidance and provisions because He is a God of abundance. We do not need to worry because God will give us more than we need.
Can We Still Call Upon Jehovah Rapha Today?
Yes, without a doubt. We can call upon Jehovah Rapha today for our physical ailments and emotional and mental sufferings. Like how God has healed and restored those who called upon Him in the Bible, He offers the same help for us too. Because we are free to come into God’s presence through prayer, it is easier for us to ask for healing and peace anytime and anywhere.
Sometimes we forget that God restores and mends even our broken hearts and troubled minds. Some of us would rather keep it in because it makes us look weak, or we rather not be a burden to others that have their struggles. But remember that the Lord loves it when we run to Him because it teaches us to depend on Him alone. Even when we’ve reached the lowest point of our life, God will never abandon us.
In Summary
Our God truly is more extraordinary; He is everything we’ll ever need, and we are sure to be content in His presence. So never forget that there is nothing impossible for our God; with faith and trust in His power and love, we can be healed and mended of our ailments and sufferings. There is power in calling upon Jehovah Rapha, more so now than ever.
The power He exhibited in the Bible can be manifested in our lives once we surrender control over God. When there is something you want God to mend and heal in your life, remember Jeremiah 17:14, call upon Jehovah Rapha, and trust in His unfailing grace and love.
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