Names of GodSample

Day 2: Yahweh/Jehovah – The Self-Existent, Covenant-Keeping God

Devotional:

The first time the name Yahweh appears in the Bible is in Genesis 2:4. In this verse, God is called “Yahweh Elohim”, the Lord God, a name that combines both His power as Creator (Elohim) and His nature as Yahweh. It's a shift from the grandeur of Genesis 1 to the intimacy of Genesis 2, where God forms man from the dust, breathes life into his lungs, plants a garden, and walks with him in the cool of the day.

In most English Bibles, Yahweh (often rendered as LORD in small capital letters) is God's personal, relational name. It is derived from the Hebrew verb “to be” (hayah) and most scholars translate it as “I AM” or “I AM WHO I AM.” When God introduces Himself to Moses in Exodus 3:14, He says, “I AM WHO I AM,” then instructs Moses to tell the Israelites, “Yahweh has sent me to you.” We will talk about I AM more on day 9.

This name reveals God’s self-existence, eternal nature, and unchanging character. Yahweh is not a created being; He depends on no one and nothing for His existence. He simply is, eternally present, completely sufficient, and always faithful.

From Distant Power to Present Presence

In Genesis 1, God (Elohim) is the powerful Creator who speaks the universe into existence. In Genesis 2, Yahweh Elohim becomes more personal. He shapes Adam with His hands. He breathes into him. He walks with him. He notices Adam’s need for companionship and provides Eve. The transition from Elohim to Yahweh Elohim shows us that God is transcendent, imminent, near, involved, and caring.

Yahweh is not distant and aloof. He is the God who stoops low, forms, touches, and speaks. He doesn’t just create people; He relates to them. From the beginning, Yahweh has been a God who pursues a relationship with His people.

Yahweh in Covenant

Yahweh is also God’s covenant name. Throughout Scripture, He reveals Himself as the One who makes and keeps promises. He covenants with Noah, Abraham, Israel, and David, ultimately fulfilling His promises in Jesus. Yahweh is not just the “I AM” in theory, but the I AM in action. He promises, protects, provides, and preserves.

When the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt and cried out in suffering, God didn’t forget. He remembered His covenant. He revealed Himself to Moses as Yahweh: “I have heard them. I have seen their oppression. I have come down to rescue them.” (Exodus 3)

Yahweh is the God who sees, hears, and acts; He’s still doing that today.

Jesus and Yahweh

Yahweh becomes even more profound when we hear Jesus use it about Himself. In John 8:58, Jesus declares, “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The Jewish audience knew precisely what He was saying; He claimed to be Yahweh. That’s why they picked up stones to kill Him. It wasn’t a metaphor. It was a declaration of deity.

Jesus, the Word made flesh, is Yahweh in human form, God with us. The One who walked with Adam now walks with us again in the person of Jesus. The One who formed humanity now allows Himself to be crucified by the same hands He created, all so He could bring us back into relationship with Himself.

Trusting Yahweh Today

In a world full of instability, shifting values, broken promises, and fleeting loyalties, Yahweh stands unshaken. He is I AM, the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8). He does not change. He does not forget. He does not break His word. When you feel unseen, unheard, or ignored, remember Yahweh.

When you doubt your worth or wrestle with fear, call on the name of Yahweh. He is near the brokenhearted. He draws close to those who call on Him in truth. He is the God who was, who is, and who is to come.

Prayer:

Yahweh, the great I AM, thank you for not just being Creator but also a Covenant Keeper. You are faithful, unchanging, and always near. When I feel lost, remind me that you see me. When I feel afraid, remind me that you are with me. Thank you for revealing yourself to Moses and me, not as a distant deity, but as the God who hears, knows, and saves. It is in the name of Jesus we pray, amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. What does it mean to you that God is “I AM”, unchanging and ever-present?
2. How has Yahweh shown His faithfulness in your life?
3. How can you walk more closely with Yahweh this week?