Yahweh Our God
Exodus 6:2-8; 15:1-3, 11-13
In the initial focal passage, we see the phrase “I am the Lord” four times. This was a reminder to Moses of who God was and His promises to the Israelites – that He would deliver them; that He would free them from slavery; and that He would redeem them.
God first revealed His name and its significance to Moses in Exodus 3 and 4. In that Scripture, we see that God’s personal name:
– Was first revealed to Moses (Exodus 3:14);
– Is transliterated in English letters as YHWH;
– Is usually printed in English as Yahweh or Lord;
– Is sometimes rendered Jehovah;
– Was not pronounced by Jews (to avoid taking the Lord’s name in vain);
– Is frequently translated as “I Am who I Am,” but can be translated as “I will be (or continue to be) who I always have been.”
When we share our names with someone, it is because we desire some type of a relationship with them. In the same way, by sharing His name – His personal name – with Moses, and by making promises to the Israelites, God showed that He desired a personal relationship with them. He wants that same relationship with us today. As we read and study Scripture, we can see that He kept His promises to Moses and the Israelites. Knowing the significance of God’s name, we can trust that He will always keep His promises.
The Israelites were eventually delivered from the hand of Pharaoh and the slavery of the Egyptians. We do not know exactly how much time elapsed between Moses’ return from Midian and the deliverance of the Israelites. It would appear, however, that it was a time of uncertainty. Pharaoh’s changes of heart alone would cause turmoil. During that time, it may have been difficult to believe God would keep His promises. But He did! And at their deliverance, the Israelites took time to praise God. He had delivered them just as He said. How often do we take the time to praise God publicly? What an opportunity to share about a living, personal God who takes an interest in our lives and keeps His promises!
We should not take the final passage as an acknowledgment that other gods exist, but rather as an understanding that other religions believe they exist. Though we respect those of other religions who believe otherwise, as Christians we know there is only one God. Because we know who God is and what He can do, we do not need to be intimidated by these other religions, but rather proclaim that we serve a God like no other – one who is living, who leads us, delivers us, and redeems us.
Register– Lessons in the BSL series for the winter quarter are being written by Laurie Register, executive director-treasurer of Woman’s Missionary Union, SCBC.