“And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Moses and his interaction with God at the burning bush. Here, God is revealing Himself to Moses and explaining His name. Let’s explore the significance and implications of this verse.
Context:Before this verse, Moses had questioned God’s plan to deliver the Israelites from their slavery in Egypt. God responded by assuring Moses of His power and His commitment to fulfilling His promises to the Israelites.
God’s Appearance to the Patriarchs:God declares that He appeared to the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. These three individuals played significant roles in the establishment of the Israelite nation. God appeared to them as “God Almighty,” which in Hebrew is “El Shaddai.” This name emphasizes God’s power, might, and provision.
The Revelation of the Name Jehovah:God then reveals His name to Moses as “Jehovah” or “Yahweh.” This divine name signifies God’s eternal and self-existent nature. It is derived from the Hebrew verb “to be” (YHWH) and can be translated as “I AM WHO I AM” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” The name Jehovah signifies God’s faithfulness, constancy, and presence.
Not Known to the Patriarchs:Although God appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, He did not reveal His name as Jehovah to them. This statement does not mean that the patriarchs were completely unaware of the name Jehovah, as it was used earlier in Genesis. However, it suggests that they did not have a deep personal knowledge of God’s character associated with this name as Moses would come to know.
Significance of the Revelation:The revelation of the name Jehovah to Moses carried great significance. It signified a deeper level of intimacy and relationship with God. Moses would come to experience firsthand God’s faithfulness, as He would fulfill His covenant promises to the Israelites and lead them out of Egypt. The name Jehovah would become central in Israel’s understanding of God’s nature and their worship of Him.
Application:Exodus 6:3 reminds us that God reveals Himself to humanity progressively and according to His purposes. We see a progression from “God Almighty” to “Jehovah” in the biblical narrative. In our own lives, as we seek to know and understand God, we can trust that He will reveal Himself in the ways that are most meaningful and relevant to us.
In conclusion, Exodus 6:3 highlights the revelation of God’s name Jehovah to Moses and the significance of this revelation in the context of the Israelite deliverance from Egypt. It underscores the deepening relationship between God and His people and emphasizes God’s faithfulness and constancy throughout history.
