Meaning of Exodus 3:13

This verse captures a pivotal moment of divine revelation where Moses, tasked with liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, expresses a profound concern about how to credibly represent the God of their ancestors to them. His question, "What is his name?", is not a mere request for a label but a deep inquiry into the very essence and authority of the divine being who is commissioning him. Moses anticipates that the Israelites, after generations of oppression and potential assimilation of Egyptian deities, will need more than just a name; they will need assurance of the unique, powerful, and personal nature of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This exchange highlights the human need for understanding and the divine willingness to reveal Himself in ways that foster faith and obedience, setting the stage for one of the most significant divine self-disclosures in Scripture.

Context and Background

At this juncture, Moses has encountered theophany at the burning bush (Exodus 3:1-12). God has directly commissioned him to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. However, Moses, a reluctant leader, immediately foresees a significant obstacle: the Israelites themselves. They are enslaved, likely demoralized, and may have forgotten or become confused about the God of their patriarchs. Furthermore, the dominant religious landscape of Egypt was polytheistic, with a complex pantheon of gods. Presenting a singular, transcendent God to a people potentially influenced by other religious ideas, and to a powerful empire that worshipped its own deities, would require a clear and authoritative identity for this God. Moses’ question is therefore practical; he needs to know how to present God in a way that will be recognized and believed by the Israelites.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Revelation and Identity: The central theme is God's willingness to reveal His name and, by extension, His character and power. Names in the ancient Near East were not just identifiers but often conveyed essence, authority, and purpose.
• Human Doubt and Divine Reassurance: Moses' question reflects genuine human apprehension and the need for reassurance when faced with an overwhelming task. God’s response is designed to bolster Moses’ faith and equip him with the authority he needs.
• God's Covenantal Faithfulness: The reference to "the God of your fathers" emphasizes God's ongoing commitment to the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This is a crucial point for the Israelites to remember their unique relationship with God.
• The Nature of God's Name: The subsequent revelation of God's name ("I AM WHO I AM" or "YHWH") signifies God's eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature, as well as His active presence and power.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse underscores the importance of knowing God's true identity. For believers today, understanding who God is—His attributes, His promises, and His character—is foundational to faith and worship. When we face daunting challenges or feel inadequate, remembering that God is the "I AM" who was with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and who is actively present with us, provides strength and confidence. It encourages us to approach God not just with requests, but with a desire to know Him more deeply, trusting in His revealed nature rather than our own understanding or circumstances.

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

This encounter is a foundational moment for the entire Old Testament. The revelation of God's name, YHWH, becomes central to His interactions with Israel. It signifies the God who acts in history to fulfill His promises, especially the promise of redemption. This event directly leads to the plagues of Egypt, the Exodus, and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant at Mount Sinai. The entire redemptive history of Israel, and by extension, the redemptive work of Christ in the New Testament, is rooted in the character and promises of this God who revealed Himself to Moses.

Analogies

• A Commander and His Orders: Imagine a soldier being sent on a critical mission by a renowned general. If asked by fellow soldiers "Who sent you?", the soldier needs more than just the general's name; they need to convey the general's authority and the significance of his command. Moses is seeking the divine equivalent.
• A Key to a Locked Door: Moses is given a task, but he needs the "key" to unlock the Israelites' belief and obedience. That key is the authoritative name and identity of God. Without it, his mission is imperiled.
• The Signature on a Contract: A contract is only valid if signed by an authorized party. Moses needs to know the "signature" or the identifying mark of the divine authority behind his mission so that the Israelites will recognize its legitimacy.

Relation to Other Verses

• Exodus 3:14: This verse immediately follows, where God responds, "I AM WHO I AM" (or "YHWH"). This is the direct answer to Moses' question and the revelation of God's personal name, emphasizing His eternal existence and self-sufficiency.
• Genesis 15:7: God says to Abraham, "I am the LORD, who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans." This establishes God's prior relationship with the patriarchs and His role as a deliverer, which Moses is now being called to enact on a grand scale.
• Deuteronomy 6:4: The Shema, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one," reiterates the singular identity of God as revealed through His name YHWH.
• John 8:58: Jesus echoes the divine self-declaration, stating, "Before Abraham was born, I am!" This links the eternal "I AM" of Exodus 3:14 to Jesus, demonstrating His divine pre-existence and identity with Yahweh.