What significance does the name "LORD" hold compared to "God Almighty" in Exodus 6:3? The Passage “God spoke to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD. I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by My name the LORD I was not known to them.’” (Exodus 6:2–3) Names Used in Exodus 6:3 • God Almighty (Hebrew El Shaddai) • the LORD (Hebrew YHWH, often rendered “Yahweh”) El Shaddai — “God Almighty” • Highlights God’s irresistible power to protect, provide, and bless (Genesis 17:1; 28:3; 35:11) • Stressed during the patriarchal period when God promised descendants, land, and provision • Assured Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob that nothing could thwart His plans for them YHWH — “The LORD” • Rooted in the verb “to be,” pointing to God’s self-existence and eternal constancy (Exodus 3:14) • Emphasizes covenant faithfulness: God keeps His word across generations (Exodus 34:6–7) • Carries relational warmth: the sovereign Creator binds Himself personally to His people (Deuteronomy 7:9) • Declares moral character: holy, righteous, compassionate, and just (Psalm 145:8–9) Why the Shift Matters in Exodus 6 • Israel now needs not only Almighty power but covenant redemption; YHWH pledges deliverance from slavery (Exodus 6:6–8) • God moves from promising to performing—“I will bring you out… I will redeem you… I will take you as My people” • The name YHWH assures Moses that the covenant made with the patriarchs will reach fulfillment in the Exodus Progressive Revelation • Patriarchs experienced God’s might (El Shaddai) yet glimpsed only shadows of redemptive purpose • Moses and Israel receive fuller disclosure of God’s personal, covenant-keeping identity (YHWH) • Later prophets and psalmists celebrate both names together, uniting power and faithfulness (Psalm 91:1–2; Isaiah 12:2) • In Jesus, YHWH’s saving character is ultimately revealed (John 8:58; Revelation 1:8) Key Contrasts • Power vs. Person: El Shaddai stresses what God can do; YHWH reveals who God is • Promise vs. Performance: El Shaddai gave promises; YHWH enacts deliverance • Provision vs. Presence: El Shaddai supplied needs; YHWH dwells among His redeemed people (Exodus 29:45) Takeaways for Today • Trust God’s limitless power (El Shaddai) to meet every need • Rest in His unchanging faithfulness (YHWH) to keep every promise • Approach Him confidently, knowing the Almighty is also the covenant LORD who seeks relationship with His people (Hebrews 4:16) |
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