This is the second in a series of articles on the subject—Do You Know God? In the paragraphs that follow, another question will be addressed as a means of growing in our knowledge of the God we serve—What Is His Name? The purpose of the discussion will be to increase in our understanding of God’s nature as revealed through certain names which are used in reference to Him in the Scriptures.
In the third chapter of Exodus, the record is given concerning’s Moses’ commission from God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. In response to God’s instructions, Moses expressed his concern about whether or not the Jews would accept his authority as God’s representative, “Now they may say to me, ‘What is His name?’” (Exodus 3:13). Use of the word name in this question did not simply refer to a personal designation of God with which the Israelites would be familiar. It carried deeper significance.
God would later reveal to Moses the Ten Commandments which would serve as the foundation of the covenant by which He would enter into fellowship with His chosen people. One of the commandments made specific reference to God’s name—“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain” (Exodus 20:7). Again, this was not simply a reference to a name for God that was familiar to the Jews. It meant much more.
In both of the Exodus passages (and other similar verses throughout the Old Testament), the name used in each verse of Scripture signified different aspects of the person and nature of God. The Jews that Moses would be leading out of bondage would want to know if he represented the one true God. The Law of Moses required the Israelites to treat God as Holy—this would preclude using His name in vain.
There are many names given for God in the Bible. Each carries with it some different shade of meaning that leads the serious Bible student to a deeper understanding of God’s nature. Let’s consider three of these names.
Elohim (God). This is the first name used for God in the Bible. “In the beginning, God (Elohim) created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). In the original language of the Old Testament this word signified power or preeminence. Reflecting upon God’s creative power in nature brings us to have a deeper reverence for His person. If God possesses the power to create all that we see, then he can certainly provide for us as we make our way through life.
Yahweh (I Am). As noted in the introductory paragraph of this article, Moses anticipated reluctance on the part of the Jews to accept him as God’s representative. Should they ask about the God who sent him, he was to respond, “I AM has sent me to you” (Exodus 3:14). This name referred to God’s eternal nature—not I WAS or I WILL BE but I AM. Those in covenant fellowship with God can take great comfort in the fact that He is eternal (without beginning and without end). Regardless of the changes that time may bring in our lives our God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow!
Adonay (Lord). In admonishing the Jews to submit fully to God’s laws and commandments, Moses stated, “For the Lord your God is the God of gods and the Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God...” (Deuteronomy 10:17). God has all authority and, therefore, stands as One with the right to act in giving a standard by which His children must live. We must accept His Lordship and humbly submit to His will for our lives.
As noted earlier, many other names for God are found in the Scriptures. Perhaps consideration of these three will motivate you to learn more about these names. What is His name? Asking this question often will prompt us to seek to know more about God and the many wonderful attributes He has chosen to reveal about Himself in His Word!