How does understanding God's name in Exodus 3:14 strengthen our trust in Him? Setting the Scene Exodus 3 describes Moses at the burning bush. When he asks God for His name, the Lord answers: “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’ And He added, ‘This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.’ ” (Exodus 3:14) Unpacking “I AM WHO I AM” • The Hebrew phrase (ʾehyeh ʾašer ʾehyeh) can be rendered “I AM,” “I AM WHO I AM,” or “I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE.” • Rather than a title, it is a declaration of God’s self-existence and unchanging nature. • “I AM” (Yahweh, v. 15) becomes the covenant name by which Israel will know and trust Him. What God’s Name Reveals about His Character • Self-existent – God depends on no one (Psalm 90:2). • Eternal – He is outside time (Revelation 1:8). • Unchanging – “with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow” (James 1:17). • Sovereign – His purposes stand (Isaiah 46:9-10). • Personal – He speaks, listens, and commits Himself to His people (Exodus 3:12). How These Truths Strengthen Our Trust 1. Confidence in His constancy – Because He never changes, His promises never expire (Hebrews 13:8). 2. Assurance of His presence – “I AM” means He is actively with us, not a distant memory (Matthew 28:20). 3. Security in His supremacy – No power can thwart the One who simply “is” (Psalm 46:10). 4. Rest in His sufficiency – Whatever our need, He is the answer: “I AM …” (John 8:58, linking Jesus to Yahweh). Living Out the Truth • Anchor prayers in His unchanging promises (Numbers 23:19). • Face uncertainty remembering the God who “will be” all we need. • Stand firm in cultural shifts, knowing His character is fixed. • Worship with reverence, for the Great I AM invites us to know Him by name. Understanding the divine name in Exodus 3:14 lifts our eyes from fragile circumstances to the everlasting, self-existent Lord, enabling steady, growing trust. |
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