When God Reveals His Name: Lessons from Exodus 6

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In today’s discussion, we explored Exodus 6, focusing on God’s promise to deliver Israel and the meaning behind His name, “I Am, that I Am.” We talked about Moses’ doubts, the Israelites’ broken spirits under oppression, and how God’s actions fulfill His promises. The group reflected on the importance of faith during hardship, the pattern of God revealing Himself, and the significance of genealogy in understanding Israel’s story. We also connected these lessons to our own spiritual journeys.

Hello everyone, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned from our study of Exodus chapter 6. This chapter is rich with meaning, both in its historical context and in its spiritual lessons for us today. As we walk through the text, I’ll share my thoughts, questions, and discoveries, weaving in the Hebrew and Greek words that deepen our understanding. Let’s journey together through the story of Moses, the revelation of God’s name, and the calling of Israel’s leaders.

Try to put yourself into Moses shoes here. His first presentation with Pharaoh doesn’t go very well—just as Moses had told God it wouldn’t. His confidence is even lower now than it was before. Yet God does not change His mind about his call on Moses and Aaron.

God’s Promise and the Power of His Name

“God spoke further to Moses and said to him, ‘I am the LORD; and I appeared to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, as God Almighty, but by My name, LORD, I did not make Myself known to them.’”

Exodus 6:2-3

When I read these verses, I’m struck by the way God introduces Himself. In Hebrew, the word for “LORD” here is יהוה (YHWH, often pronounced Yahweh). God is telling Moses that He is not just “El Shaddai” (אֵל שַׁדַּי, God Almighty), as He was known to the patriarchs, but now He is revealing Himself by His personal, covenant name.

This name, Yahweh, is deeply significant. It’s related to the Hebrew verb היה (hayah), meaning “to be” or “to come.” In our discussion, we explored how the phrase “I am” (אֶהְיֶה, ehyeh) in Exodus 3:14 is better understood as “I came” or “I will be what I will be.” God’s name is not just a label—it’s a declaration of His active, ongoing presence and faithfulness.

The Meaning of “I Came, That I Came”

One of the most fascinating parts of our study was digging into the Hebrew grammar. The phrase “I came, that I came” reflects the perfect tense in Hebrew, emphasizing completed action. God isn’t just promising to act in the future; He’s declaring that He has already come to fulfill His promises.

This is a powerful reminder for me. When God says, “I am Yahweh,” He’s saying, “I have come, I am here, and I am doing what I said I would do.” It’s not just about what He will do, but what He is already doing in our lives.

God Remembers His Covenant

“I also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land in which they sojourned. Furthermore, I have heard the groaning of the sons of Israel, because the Egyptians are holding them in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant.”

Exodus 6:4-5

Here, God reassures Moses that He has not forgotten His promises. The word “remembered” in Hebrew doesn’t mean God forgot and then recalled; it means He is now acting on His covenant. This is a theme that runs throughout the Torah—God is faithful to His word, even when circumstances seem hopeless.

The Fourfold Promise of Redemption

“Say, therefore, to the sons of Israel, ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from their bondage. I will also redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God… I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD.’”

Exodus 6:6-8

In these verses, I see four distinct promises:

1. **I will bring you out** (וְהוֹצֵאתִי, vehotzeiti) 
2. **I will deliver you** (וְהִצַּלְתִּי, vehitzalti) 
3. **I will redeem you** (וְגָאַלְתִּי, vega’alti) 
4. **I will take you as My people** (וְלָקַחְתִּי, velakachti)

These four promises are the basis for the four cups of wine at the Passover Seder. Each cup represents a stage of redemption. The Greek word “afikomen” (ἀφικόμην), meaning “I came,” is used during the Seder and echoes this theme of God’s arrival and deliverance.

Moses’ Doubts and Human Weakness

“So Moses spoke thus to the sons of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage… But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, ‘Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?’… ‘Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?’”

Exodus 6:9, 12, 30

I can relate to Moses’ feelings of inadequacy. He’s been given a monumental task, but the people won’t listen, and he doubts his own abilities. The phrase “uncircumcised lips” (עֲרַל שְׂפָתַיִם, aral sefatayim) is a vivid way of expressing his sense of unworthiness and inability to communicate effectively.

This reminds me that God often calls us to tasks that feel beyond our capabilities. But as we see in Moses’ story, God equips those He calls.

The Israelites’ Broken Spirit

“But they did not listen to Moses on account of their despondency and cruel bondage.”

Exodus 6:9

The Hebrew word for “despondency” here is קֹצֶר רוּחַ (kotzer ruach), meaning “shortness of spirit” or “curtailed spirit.” The people were so beaten down by their suffering that they couldn’t even hope for deliverance.

This is a powerful lesson for me. Sometimes, life’s hardships can make it hard to believe in God’s promises. But God understands our pain and meets us where we are.

Genealogy and the Three Lead Tribes

 “These are the heads of their fathers’ households: the sons of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn… the sons of Simeon… the sons of Levi…”

Exodus 6:14-27

The genealogy in this chapter isn’t just a list of names. It highlights the leadership roles of Reuben, Simeon, and Levi. These tribes were appointed to organize the Israelites for their departure from Egypt. The focus on Levi’s descendants, especially Moses and Aaron, sets the stage for their roles as leaders and priests.

I find it fascinating how the ages and generations are carefully recorded. Levi lived 137 years, Kohath 133, and Amram 137. These details connect the story of the Exodus to the promises made to the patriarchs.

God’s Actions Fulfill His Promises

 “Then I will take you for My people, and I will be your God; and you shall know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. I will bring you to the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and I will give it to you for a possession; I am the LORD.”

Exodus 6:7-8

God’s name and His actions are inseparable. When He says, “I am Yahweh,” He is declaring that He is actively fulfilling His promises. This is not just ancient history—it’s a living reality for us today. God is still at work, redeeming, delivering, and fulfilling His word.

The Spiritual Battle and the Power of Words

In our discussion, we talked about the spiritual battle that the Israelites faced—and that we face today. The “fiery darts” of the enemy are lies that attack our faith. But God gives us the “shield of faith” and the “sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” (Ephesians 6:16-17).

Richard emphasized the importance of words—God’s words, our words, and the lies we must confront. The Hebrew word for “word” is דָּבָר (davar), and it’s through God’s word that we find truth and victory.

The Pattern of Revelation and Redemption

Susan raised an insightful point about the pattern in Scripture: God often reveals Himself first as the Almighty (El Shaddai), then as the Deliverer (Yahweh). There is a sequence—first discipline or judgment, then deliverance and restoration.

This pattern is seen throughout the Bible, from the Exodus to the coming of the Messiah. The Greek word “afikomen” (ἀφικόμην), used in the Passover Seder, means “I came” and points to the ultimate deliverance through Yeshua (Jesus).

Personal Reflections and Application

As I reflect on this chapter, I’m challenged to trust God’s promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. Like Moses, I may feel inadequate, but God’s power is made perfect in weakness. Like the Israelites, I may struggle to hope, but God is faithful to redeem and restore.

I’m reminded that God’s name—Yahweh—means He is present, active, and faithful. He has come, He is here, and He is working in my life and in the world.

Conclusion

Exodus 6 is a powerful chapter that reveals God’s character, His faithfulness, and His redemptive plan. Through the story of Moses, the suffering of the Israelites, and the revelation of God’s name, we see a God who keeps His promises and calls us to trust Him.

May we, like Moses, learn to listen, to trust, and to act in faith, knowing that the God who came to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob has also come to us—and He will fulfill all that He has promised.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through Exodus 6. May these lessons inspire us to deeper faith and greater hope in the living God.

Reader: Jeff. Speaker: Richard Agee.