How does Exodus 6:2 connect to God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 17:1? Setting the Scene - Genesis 17 records the formal covenant moment with Abram. - Exodus 6 finds Israel groaning in Egypt; God reminds Moses of that same covenant. Key Phrases That Tie the Passages Together - Exodus 6:2: “God also said to Moses, ‘I am the LORD.’” - Genesis 17:1 (BSB excerpt): “The LORD appeared to Abram and said, ‘I am God Almighty; walk before Me and be blameless.’” Identity: “I am” Statements - “I am God Almighty” (El Shaddai) in Genesis highlights God’s power to create a nation from one man. - “I am the LORD” (YHWH) in Exodus stresses covenant faithfulness—He will do what He swore. - Exodus 6:3 links both names: God reminds Moses He appeared to the patriarchs as El Shaddai but now reveals Himself more fully as YHWH, the covenant keeper. Covenant Continuity - Land: Genesis 17:8 promises Canaan; Exodus 6:4–8 reiterates giving the land to Israel. - People: Genesis 17:5–6 promises descendants; Exodus 6:7 says, “I will take you as My people.” - Relationship: Genesis 17:7 establishes an everlasting covenant; Exodus 6:7 repeats, “I will be your God.” Escalation of the Promise - Genesis gives the oath; Exodus shows the oath moving toward fulfillment. - The change from one family (Abram’s household) to an entire nation (Israel) displays covenant expansion. Assurance in the Midst of Bondage - Israel’s slavery could make the patriarchal promise seem distant. - By repeating His covenant name, God anchors Moses’ hope in the unbreakable word first spoken to Abraham (cf. Hebrews 6:13–18). Takeaways for Today - God’s character and promises remain consistent from generation to generation (Malachi 3:6; James 1:17). - Circumstances do not nullify divine covenants; they often set the stage for their dramatic fulfillment (Romans 4:18–21). |
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