Exodus 3:13-18; 6:2-8, I AM

I am in no way worthy to make any definitive statements on the character of God related to the meaning of His “Name” given to Moses in this passage.  I am barely worthy to consider that Name, and yet it is pressed upon me simply as a human being, and even more as a child of God through faith in Christ, to give heed to the way God speaks of Himself.  Oh LORD, help me! Help us!

I am more comfortable to share some things said by others for your consideration.

·        Matthew Henry, the most generic of commentators because in this digital age he is freely offered to everyone who can read English, and yet a deep devotional thinker, approaches the meaning of “the Name” like this:

1) He is self-existent.  I must say by the grace of God “I am what I am.”  God can simply say, I AM.  2) He is eternal, unchangeable.  3) He is beyond finding out.  4) He is faithful and true to all His promises. (A summarizing of v1, p225)

·        The “old” ISBE says this (again, summarizing):

This is God’s personal name to Israel as “Chemosh” to Moab, “Dagon” to Philistia, etc.  The Hebrew in 3:14 is “hayah” (to be).  They translate it “I will be what I will be.”  In other words, “I will be what is necessary in all settings.” (v2, p1254)

·        Gesenius, as always, has good insights:

He translates it, “I (ever) shall be (the same) that I am (today).  He relates it to God’s description of Himself in Rev. 1:4,8: “who was and who is and who is to come.” 

On the origin of the name (some think it had been picked up from Egyptian influence) he refers to Hos. 12:4-5 where “Jehovah” is the God who wrestles with Jacob.  He makes a powerful observation, that Scripture clearly says this was not a name passed on as a relic from Egyptian idolatry but comes from the idea of “being, existence”.  It is even clearer that idolatry borrowed from the true religion and that there were always counterfeits.  Hosea’s use indicates it was in use before the time in Egypt.

The “Name” is said to be God’s memorial to all generations (v15).  The basic sense of this indicates it is His “scent,” something that is distinctive but is not simply an idea or statement or fact.  “Aroma” is, of course, a powerful means of identifying a person.  This was the first OT use of this particular term “memorial.”  Later in Ex. 17:14 and Deut. 25:19 it would be used of the blotting out of the Amalekites.  According to Deut. 32:26 God would say at a future time that the destruction of Israel would be a “memorial” to Him were it not for the fact that the nations would misunderstand and have an improper thought about God’s glory.

Orthodox Jews will not say this Name but substitute “Adonai”.  Certainly we ought not use the “Name of the Lord” in vain.  But that does not mean it should not be said.  It is a Name given by God to give to the people as a memorial, a lasting reminder.  It should be humbly AND joyfully used.  Hallelu-jah!  Praise YAHWEH!  It gives believers in Christ deeper insight in their life-long desire to “know Christ” (Phil. 3:10).