The Faithful Presence of God: Unpacking the Meaning of “I AM”
In the book of Exodus, God reveals himself to Moses in a mysterious and profound way, declaring, “I AM WHO I AM.” This enigmatic statement has been interpreted in various ways throughout history, with some understanding it as an expression of God’s self-existence or aseity. However, a closer examination of the context suggests that this phrase may be more closely related to God’s faithfulness to his people.
A Three-Part Answer
When Moses asks God by what name he should identify himself to the Israelites, God provides a three-part answer. The first part, “I AM WHO I AM,” is often seen as the most elusive and philosophical aspect of God’s identity. However, the second and third parts of God’s answer, “I AM has sent me to you” and “The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you,” provide important clues about the meaning of “I AM.”
The Interchangeability of “I AM” and “the LORD”
The parallels between the second and third parts of God’s answer suggest that the names “I AM” and “the LORD” are interchangeable to a certain degree. This is further supported by the observation that the Hebrew name Yahweh, which is translated as “the LORD,” appears to be a third-person form of the verb “to be,” the same verb underlying the name “I AM” (ehyeh). This interchangeability is crucial for understanding the significance of “I AM” and its relationship to God’s faithfulness.
God’s Faithfulness to His People
Throughout the book of Exodus, God repeatedly promises to act in certain ways, with the result that people will “know that I am Yahweh.” This phrase does not simply refer to the acquisition of knowledge about God’s label or name; rather, it signifies the experience of God’s true nature and character. In Exodus, people come to “know that he is Yahweh” either through experiencing God’s salvation and provision or his judgment against Egypt. This theme of God’s faithfulness is central to the book of Exodus and provides the broader context for understanding the meaning of “I AM.”
A Hint of God’s Faithfulness in Exodus 3
In Exodus 3, God introduces himself to Moses as the God of the patriarchs and specifies his intention to fulfill his promises by bringing Israel to the land of Canaan. When Moses questions his adequacy for the task, God assures him by saying, “But I will be (ehyeh) with you.” This verse uses the same word that God will use in Exodus 3:14 to identify himself as “I AM” (ehyeh), highlighting the connection between God’s faithfulness and his presence with his people.
Conclusion
In light of the broader context and immediate narrative flow of Exodus, it is likely that the names “I AM” and “the LORD” pertain to God’s faithfulness to his people. The elusive phrase “I AM WHO I AM” most likely refers to this facet of God’s identity as well, emphasizing his faithful presence with his people. Rather than reminding his people of his aseity, God is seeking to encourage his weary people of his faithful presence in their midst.
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