What's in a Shin?
While out and about this week, Tom and I were standing, waiting for an elevator, when I noticed a fire sign much like the one pictured below. As I traced the flames with my finger, I was overcome with one of the coolest memories ever!
Have you ever heard of the Shin? It’s a Hebrew letter, and when written, it looks much like this fire sign.
Here’s where it gets fascinating: Over time, in Jewish tradition, Shin became a symbol or abbreviation for Shaddai because Shaddai begins with Shin. El Shaddai—אֵל שַׁדַּי. See the Shin?
El Shaddai means God Almighty.
Years ago, when in Israel, we saw an aerial view of Jerusalem, and guess what? From above, you can see three valleys that form the shape of the Hebrew letter Shin. We then stopped and read Scriptures where God talks about putting His Name there—Jerusalem. Do I believe God literally carved/put His Name into the landscape? Absolutely!
Yes! It was a mic-drop moment. Just like God to do something like that. He constantly blows my mind.
You know, in His Word, He describes Himself as a consuming fire. As scary as fire can be, in God’s hands it also refines. He consumes our sin, our pride, and our self-reliance so that what remains reflects His holiness. Shin reminds us that God’s fire is not merely destructive; it is transforming.
So, the next time you come across those fire signs, stop and remember the Lord God Almighty—our Divine Refiner.
Deuteronomy 12:5 (NASB 1995) “But you shall seek the LORD at the place which the LORD your God will choose from all your tribes, to establish His name there for His dwelling, and there you shall come.”
2 Chronicles 6:6 (NASB 1995) “But I have chosen Jerusalem that My name might be there, and I have chosen David to be over My people Israel.”
1 Kings 11:36 (NASB 1995) “But to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may have a lamp always before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name.”
Deuteronomy 4:24 (NASB 1995) “For the LORD your God is a consuming fire, a jealous God.”
Hebrews 12:29 (NASB 1995) “For our God is a consuming fire.”
(Image AI generated)