What does "God of your fathers" mean?
What does "The LORD, the God of your fathers" reveal about God's identity?

Setting the Phrase in Context

“ ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers …’ ” (Exodus 3:15)


Unpacking “The LORD”

• “LORD” renders the divine name YHWH, the self-existent One (Exodus 3:14).

• He is eternal and uncreated: “Before the mountains were born… from everlasting to everlasting You are God” (Psalm 90:2).

• His character never shifts: “I, the LORD, do not change” (Malachi 3:6).


Unpacking “God of your fathers”

• Links Yahweh to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 3:15), showing an unbroken covenant line.

• Affirms generational faithfulness: “Know therefore that the LORD your God is God, the faithful God, keeping His covenant of loving devotion to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

• Communicates personal involvement with real families and real history.


What the Phrase Reveals About God’s Identity

• Covenant Maker and Keeper – He bound Himself to the patriarchs and still honors that promise (Genesis 17:7; Hebrews 6:13-18).

• Eternal and Self-Existing – Unlike the shifting gods of Egypt or Canaan, He simply is (Exodus 3:14).

• Personal yet Transcendent – Knows individuals by name (Exodus 3:4) yet rules heaven and earth (Isaiah 66:1-2).

• Consistent Across Generations – The same God who spoke to Abraham speaks to every succeeding generation (Hebrews 13:8).

• Relational Initiator – He introduces Himself, not waiting for people to discover Him; revelation precedes response (John 1:14,18).


Implications for Today

• Your faith rests on the God who never reneges on His word.

• Scripture’s historical accounts ground trust in a real, living God, not abstract philosophy.

• Because He remains the “God of your fathers,” believers today inherit the same promises in Christ (Galatians 3:29).

This single phrase anchors God’s identity as eternal Yahweh, covenant-keeping Father, and faithful companion to every generation that calls on His name.

How does Exodus 3:15 emphasize God's eternal nature and covenant with Israel?
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