Exodus: A Group StudySample

What is this passage saying?

Upon receiving his calling to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses begins to protest. God reveals His name to Moses and rehearses His faithfulness to accomplish His purposes.

What is this passage teaching?

While they may have been able to maintain some sense of ethnic identity, the people of Israel were heavily influenced by Egypt’s polytheistic religion. If Moses came to his people and told them of God’s intentions to deliver them from slavery, a logical response would be, “Which god?” God’s revelation of His name – Yahweh – is a revelation of who He is at His deepest core. Meaning, “I am who I am”, God’s name showcases His sovereign power over all things and his faithfulness to keep the promises He makes to His people. He is not just one god among many, He is the only God who rules and reigns over all things.

How do I respond?

In English Bibles, “Yahweh” is often translated with a capitalized “LORD.” Used over 6800 times in the Old Testament, God does not only want to be known by His titles – He wants to be known by His name. Every time a biblical author invokes His name, they are reminding readers that God is unchanging and consistent. He is neither fickle nor erratic – He is not beholden to emotions or circumstances. His name is Yahweh, and He will always be who He has always been. For Moses, God can be trusted with an overwhelming responsibility because the promise-making God is also the promise-keeping God. As you navigate your own life’s instability and uncertainty, take heart that God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and in Him, there is no variation or shadow due to change (James 1:17). Our God is Yahweh, and He will always be who He has always been.