Q: When Moses received God's command, he anticipated that the Israelites would ask, "What is the name of your God?" Therefore, he inquired how he should respond. However, there were already names used to refer to God, such as El Shaddai (God Almighty), and Genesis even states, "At that time, people began to call on the name of the Lord." Given this, why did Moses specifically ask for God's name?
A: Moses’ question, "What shall I say to them?" (Exodus 3:13), was not simply out of curiosity but was deeply tied to the religious and cultural context of the time.
1. Why did Moses ask for God's name if names for Him already existed?
Throughout the Bible, God was referred to by various names:
- El Shaddai (God Almighty) – First mentioned in Genesis 17:1 when God appeared to Abraham.
- El Elyon (God Most High) – Used by Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18.
- Elohim (God) – Appears from Genesis 1:1, referring to the Creator.
Furthermore, Genesis 4:26 states, "At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord (YHWH)." This implies that a concept of calling upon God's name already existed.
So, why did Moses feel the need to ask for God's name specifically?
2. The Israelites Needed a "New Revelation"
Exodus 3 describes a pivotal moment when God was establishing a new era, redefining His relationship with the Israelites.
The Israelites had been enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, and during this time, they might have forgotten much of their ancestors' faith.
Egyptian culture was filled with numerous deities, each with specific names and roles. It was crucial for Moses to clarify God's identity distinctly and unequivocally.
When Moses approached the Israelites and said, "The God of your ancestors has sent me to you," it was natural for them to ask, "Which God? What is His name?" In their cultural framework, names held power and conveyed identity, and they needed a concrete answer.
3. God’s Answer: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14)
God responded to Moses with the phrase, "I AM WHO I AM" (Hebrew: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh, אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה).
This was more than just a name—it was a profound declaration of His very nature.
Unlike the gods of Egypt, who were associated with specific domains (e.g., the sun god Ra or the river god Hapi), God was not limited to a particular function. Instead, He revealed Himself as self-existent, eternal, and sovereign over all creation.
This declaration laid the foundation for His covenant relationship with Israel. It later connected with the name YHWH (Yahweh), emphasizing His role as the Redeemer and Deliverer of His people.
4. Summary: Moses’ Question Was Not Merely About a Name, but About Identity
Moses was not just asking, "What is Your name?" in a casual sense. Instead, he was seeking clarity on how to convey God's nature and authority to the Israelites.
God’s response was not a simple noun but a powerful revelation of His eternal, self-sufficient nature—a God who had no beginning or end, who acted in history, and who was faithful to His covenant promises.
By revealing Himself as "I AM," God communicated that He was not just a deity among many but the absolute, unchanging, and sovereign God.
Q: Did people start calling God "YHWH" only after Moses?
A: The question of whether "YHWH" (יהוה) was first introduced in Moses' time is an intriguing theological topic.
1. The Name "YHWH" Existed Before Moses
Biblical evidence suggests that the name YHWH was used before the time of Moses:
- Genesis 4:26 – "At that time people began to call on the name of the Lord (YHWH)." This implies that the name YHWH was already in use during early biblical history.
- Genesis 12:8 – Abraham "called on the name of YHWH."
- Genesis 22:14 – Abraham named the place where he almost sacrificed Isaac "YHWH Yireh" (The Lord Will Provide).
- Genesis 28:13 – God introduced Himself to Jacob by saying, "I am YHWH, the God of your father."
Thus, the name YHWH was already known and used long before Moses.
2. But Exodus 6:2-3 Seems to Suggest Otherwise
Exodus 6:2-3 states:
"I am YHWH. I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob as El Shaddai, but by my name YHWH, I did not make myself fully known to them."
At first glance, this verse seems to contradict earlier references to YHWH in Genesis. However, the meaning of this passage is not that the name itself was unknown but that its full significance and power had not yet been revealed.
Prior to Moses, God was primarily known as El Shaddai (God Almighty)—a title emphasizing His power and provision. However, during the Exodus, the deeper meaning of "YHWH"—as the covenant-keeping, redeeming God—was fully revealed.
3. The Name "YHWH" Became More Prominent After Moses
During Moses’ time, God's covenantal role with Israel became more explicit.
- Through the Exodus, He demonstrated His power over Egypt and His commitment to His people.
- Through the giving of the Law, He established His unique relationship with Israel.
- In the Ten Commandments, He declared, "I am YHWH, your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." (Exodus 20:2)
As a result, the name YHWH became a defining identity for God in the context of redemption and covenant.
4. Summary: "YHWH" Was Always There, but Its Full Meaning Was Revealed in Moses’ Time
✅ "YHWH" as a name existed before Moses, as seen in Genesis.
✅ However, before Moses, God was primarily revealed as "El Shaddai" (God Almighty).
✅ Through the Exodus, "YHWH" took on a new and deeper significance as the Redeemer of Israel.
✅ Thus, the name "YHWH" was not newly introduced by Moses, but its full meaning was unveiled through the events of the Exodus.
Conclusion
The story of Moses asking for God’s name reveals a crucial moment in biblical history. It was not just about identifying God by a specific title but about understanding who He is and how He relates to His people.
By revealing Himself as "I AM WHO I AM", God declared His self-existence, sovereignty, and eternal nature. And while "YHWH" was already known before Moses, its full meaning—as the God of redemption, covenant, and faithfulness—became clear through the great deliverance of the Israelites.
Thus, Moses' question was far more profound than a simple request for a name. It was an inquiry into the very essence of God’s nature and His promise to His people.
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