What Name Did God Proclaim?
One of the most significant moments in biblical history occurs when God reveals His name to Moses. This event, recorded in the book of Exodus, holds profound theological, spiritual, and cultural significance. The name God proclaimed is not just a label—it conveys His nature, character, and covenant relationship with His people. Understanding this revelation offers insight into how God relates to humanity and how His identity shapes faith and worship.
1. The Context: Moses and the Burning Bush
God revealed His name during Moses’ encounter with the burning bush on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1–15):
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Moses was tending sheep when he noticed a bush that was on fire but not consumed.
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Approaching the miraculous sight, Moses heard God’s voice calling him to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.
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God explained that He would empower Moses to lead the people, but Moses needed reassurance that the Israelites would recognize God’s authority.
It was in this context that God proclaimed His name.
2. The Name God Proclaimed: “I AM WHO I AM”
In Exodus 3:14, God declares to Moses:
“I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
This phrase, in Hebrew, is “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה). The statement is profoundly rich in meaning:
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Self-Existence: God’s name emphasizes that He exists by Himself, independent of anything else. He is eternal, uncreated, and the source of all being.
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Immutability: God’s nature does not change. Unlike humans, He is constant and reliable, a steady foundation for faith and guidance.
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Presence and Activity: The name can also be understood as “I Will Be What I Will Be,” highlighting that God acts in history, responding to the needs of His people and fulfilling His promises.
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Revelation of Character: By proclaiming this name, God reveals not just that He exists, but that His existence is intertwined with His relationship to His people—He is present, powerful, and active in the world.
3. The Name in Hebrew Tradition
The revelation of God’s name was foundational in Jewish tradition:
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The tetragrammaton YHWH (יהוה) is derived from the same root as “Ehyeh.” It is often rendered as Yahweh, although exact pronunciation has been historically uncertain due to reverence for the name.
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Jewish tradition treats the name with utmost respect, often substituting “Adonai” (“Lord”) when reading scripture aloud.
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The name symbolizes God’s covenantal relationship with Israel, reminding the people that He is the eternal, faithful God who delivers and sustains them.
4. Theological Significance
God proclaiming His name carries several theological implications:
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Revealing His Identity: By declaring “I AM WHO I AM,” God distinguishes Himself from idols or other deities, whose existence and power are contingent.
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Assurance of Presence: The name reassures Moses and the Israelites that God is present and will act to fulfill His promises.
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Foundation for Worship: Knowing God’s name invites reverence, trust, and obedience. It establishes a personal and covenantal connection.
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Universal Implication: The name emphasizes that God’s existence transcends human understanding and time, highlighting the infinite and eternal nature of the divine.
5. The Name in Christian Understanding
In Christianity, God’s proclamation also has Christological significance:
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Jesus refers to Himself in ways that echo the divine “I AM,” for instance in statements like, “I am the bread of life” or “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58). These statements link Jesus to the eternal “I AM,” affirming His divine identity.
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The name conveys continuity between God’s revelation to Moses and the incarnation of God in Christ, emphasizing God’s eternal presence in history and human experience.
6. Practical and Spiritual Lessons
The revelation of God’s name offers lessons for faith and life:
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Trust in God’s Presence: Knowing that God “is” provides assurance in times of uncertainty.
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Recognition of Divine Authority: God’s name reminds believers of His ultimate power and sovereignty.
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Call to Faithful Relationship: The name invites humans into a personal relationship with God, founded on reverence, trust, and obedience.
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Reminder of God’s Faithfulness: The eternal nature of “I AM” reflects God’s commitment to His promises and His people.
Conclusion
The name God proclaimed to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM”, is far more than a mere identifier. It communicates God’s eternal existence, self-sufficiency, immutability, and active presence in the lives of His people. This revelation not only reassured Moses in his mission to free the Israelites but also established a foundation for worship, faith, and understanding of God’s character. Whether in Jewish or Christian tradition, God’s name continues to remind humanity of the eternal, unchanging, and faithful nature of the divine.