What's in a Name?Намуна

God’s name

When Moses is called by God to bring the people of Israel out of Egypt and to lead them through the desert to the land of Canaan, he asks a striking question. “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13). Apparently, he did not know God very well then! Maybe this was due to Moses being raised as an Egyptian prince, or to his people living among the polytheistic Egyptians for generations. Whatever the background of his question, God’s answer is important. He calls Himself “I am who I am”, and says that this is his name forever. Thus, He is to be remembered throughout all generations.

This name reveals much about God: He exists absolutely, independent of anything. He is the ultimate source of existence. He is unchangeable. And He promises Moses, “I will be with you”. The Lord God is infinitely great and holy, but this does not prevent him from reaching out to humans.

Thank you, God, for letting us know Who you are!