Exodus 3:15 – “God also said to Moses, ‘Say to the Israelites, “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.” This is my name forever, the name you shall call me from generation to generation.'”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 3:15 is a continuation of God’s revelation to Moses at the burning bush. After introducing Himself as “I AM WHO I AM” in verse 14, God further instructs Moses on how to address the Israelites. God identifies Himself as “The Lord, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.” This description roots God’s identity in the history and promises made to the patriarchs of Israel.
By stating “This is my name forever,” God establishes His identity not only for that moment but for all generations to come. He is declaring that He is the same God who was faithful to their ancestors and who will continue to be faithful to His people. The use of “forever” emphasizes the eternal and unchanging nature of God’s name and His covenant relationship with His people.
Historical Context
In the historical context of Exodus, the Israelites were living in Egypt, oppressed and enslaved by Pharaoh. They had been there for generations, and it’s possible that some had begun to lose sight of the promises made to their ancestors. God’s reminder that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob serves to reconnect the Israelites with their heritage and the covenant promises that were still in effect.
Moses, who had been living in Midian for forty years, was being called to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery. God’s introduction of Himself in this way was meant to reassure Moses and the people that the God who had made promises to their forefathers was still with them and had not forgotten them.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 3:15 underscores the continuity and faithfulness of God. By identifying Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God is affirming that His covenant promises are still valid and that He is faithful to fulfill them. This verse highlights the importance of remembering and honoring God’s name as an essential part of the relationship between God and His people.
The statement “This is my name forever” indicates that God’s character and identity do not change over time. God is not just a historical figure; He is the living God who is actively involved in the lives of His people throughout all generations. This permanence gives believers confidence that God’s promises are reliable and that His relationship with His people is enduring.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 3:15 serves as a key moment in the narrative where God’s identity is solidified for both Moses and the Israelites. The repetition of “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob” not only reinforces the connection between God and the patriarchs but also emphasizes the continuity of God’s relationship with His people.
The phrase “This is my name forever” acts as a powerful declaration, establishing God’s eternal nature and His unchanging commitment to His people. This declaration is meant to be passed down through generations, ensuring that the knowledge of who God is remains central to the identity of His people.
Biblical Cross-References
- Genesis 17:7: God promises Abraham, “I will establish my covenant as an everlasting covenant between me and you and your descendants after you for the generations to come, to be your God and the God of your descendants after you.”
- Psalm 135:13: “Your name, Lord, endures forever, your renown, Lord, through all generations,” echoing the eternal nature of God’s name.
- Matthew 22:32: Jesus references this verse when He says, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. He is not the God of the dead but of the living.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 3:15 is a reminder that the God we serve is the same God who was faithful to the patriarchs. The promises God made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are part of the same covenant relationship that extends to us through faith in Jesus Christ. This verse assures us that God’s character is unchanging and that His faithfulness endures through all generations.
It also challenges us to remember and honor God’s name in our own lives. As believers, we are called to carry the knowledge of who God is into the world and pass it down to future generations. This verse encourages us to stay rooted in the history of God’s faithfulness as we navigate our own faith journeys.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 3:15 reveals God’s love through His ongoing commitment to His people. By declaring His name and connecting it to the patriarchs, God is showing that His relationship with His people is based on love, faithfulness, and covenant. His love is not fleeting or conditional; it is steadfast and endures through all generations.
God’s love is also demonstrated in His desire to be known by His people. He does not remain distant or anonymous but reveals His name and character so that His people can know Him, trust Him, and have a relationship with Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 3:15 connects to Jesus Christ in a profound way. Jesus often spoke of God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing that He was continuing the work that God had begun with the patriarchs. Moreover, Jesus Himself claimed the divine name “I AM” in several instances (John 8:58), directly linking Himself to the God who spoke to Moses at the burning bush.
Through Jesus, we see the fulfillment of the promises made to the patriarchs. Jesus is the ultimate expression of God’s faithfulness and love, as He came to fulfill the covenant and bring salvation to all people. In Christ, we see the eternal nature of God’s name and His unchanging purpose to redeem and restore His creation.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob strengthen your faith in His promises?
- In what ways can you honor and remember God’s name in your daily life?
- How does the continuity of God’s faithfulness from generation to generation encourage you in your own walk with Him?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of passing down the knowledge of God to future generations?
- How does Jesus’ connection to the God of the patriarchs deepen your understanding of God’s unchanging nature and His plan for salvation?