Exodus 3:13

And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

Exodus 3:13 (KJV)

Context

Moses stands before the burning bush after God has called him to lead Israel out of Egypt. He has already objected that he is not worthy for such a task (Exodus 3:11). Now he raises a second concern: the people will want to know which God has sent him. In the ancient world, a name revealed a person’s character and authority. So Moses asks what he should tell the Israelites when they ask, “What is his name?“

Meaning

Moses does not doubt God’s existence. He fears that the Israelites will question his message. They have lived long in Egypt, where many gods were worshipped. Moses needs a name that will carry weight and prove that the God of their fathers has truly appeared to him. His question is honest and practical. It shows that God welcomes our sincere doubts and concerns.

The answer comes in the next verse, where God declares, “I AM THAT I AM” (Exodus 3:14). This name, often written as YHWH or Yahweh in Hebrew, speaks of God’s eternal existence and self-sufficiency. He is not one god among many. He is the living God who has always been and always will be. This name also connects Him to the past, for He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:15).

Biblical connections

The name Yahweh becomes the central name of God throughout the Old Testament. It reminds Israel that God is faithful to His covenant promises. The same God who spoke to Moses is the God who delivered Israel from slavery and led them to the Promised Land. This revelation of God’s name prepares the way for the people to trust Him and to obey His servant Moses.

Application

When we face a difficult calling, we may also ask God for reassurance. Like Moses, we can bring our fears and questions to Him honestly. God does not reject such questions. He answers them with a revelation of who He is. We can trust that the God who is eternal and self-existent will also be present with us in every task He gives.

Reflection

Moses needed to know God’s name before he could speak to Israel. We too need to know God personally, not just know about Him. His name assures us that He is faithful, powerful, and always near. When we are unsure of what to say or do, we can remember that the great “I AM” goes before us and will never fail us.