The Divine Revelation to Moses: Exploring the Meaning of God’s Name

One of the most fascinating aspects of the Old Testament is the relationship between God and His chosen prophet, Moses. This article delves into the mystery and uniqueness of God's revelation to Moses, focusing on the significance of God’s name, YHWH, and its interpretation in the biblical context.

God’s Communication with Moses

Moses is well-known for his interactions with God, but the nature of their communication varies. Typically, God speaks to Moses through angels, as seen in numerous instances throughout the Old Testament. However, there was one particular occasion when God Himself—Jehovah—revelled His glory to Moses in a unique manner.

This revelation occurred on a mountain, where God placed His 'palm' over Moses to shield him from the full impact of His divine glory. Only then did Moses gain a glimpse of God's afterglow, a rare and profound experience. On this occasion, God spoke to Moses directly and revealed a verse that has been pivotal in theological discussions: “You are not able to see my face because no man may see me and yet live.” This divine encounter further emphasized the transcendent nature of God.

Reflecting on this encounter, the apostle John, under divine inspiration, wrote, “No man has seen God at any time.” This statement underscores the impossibility of humans beholding God's full essence in this earthly existence. Moses came the closest to seeing God, but even he did not see God directly. Instead, he experienced a divine afterglow and heard direct communication from Jehovah.

The Meaning of God’s Name, YHWH

The name of God, YHWH, is one of the most significant and elusive aspects of biblical theology. Despite the common misconception that God's name is "I AM that I AM" based on some Koine Greek translations of Exodus 3:14, the actual Hebrew text provides a more profound meaning. The phrase Eh·yeh Asher Eh·yeh is interpreted as "I will become what I choose to become," a testament to God's sovereignty and the dynamic nature of His divine intent.

Significantly, the Hebrew verb ha·yah, meaning 'to become' or 'to prove to be,' underlies the phrase 'Eh·yeh.' This verb does not convey a static state of being, but rather a continuous act of becoming. Thus, the name YHWH, when literally translated, means "He Causes to Become." This interpretation aligns with God's role as a Deliverer, Redeemer, Protector, and Provider.

It is important to note that the concept of 'I AM' (or variations thereof) is a misunderstanding. While the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures Study Edition suggests a more accurate translation for Exodus 3:14 as "I Will Prove to Be What I Will Prove to Be," it clarifies that this does not refer simply to God's self-existence but to His dynamic, purposeful nature.

Exodus 3:15: A Memorial to His Name

In Exodus 3, God provides Moses with a statement to convey to the Israelites about His identity and role: “Jehovah, the God of your forefathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob has sent me to you.” Here, God establishes Himself as the God of the patriarchs, setting the foundation for the covenant and the people's understanding of their relationship with Him. Further, He states, “This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation.”

The New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures Study Edition translates "Yhōvāh" as "Je·hovah" and notes that this name is the causative form of the imperfect state of the Hebrew verb ha·wah, meaning 'to become.' Thus, His name conveys the profound meaning of 'He Causes to Become.' This dynamic name reflects God's continuous involvement in the world and His people, emphasizing His ongoing role as their deliverer and provider.