God’s Image Study • Commandment 3: God’s Name
Our examination of idols and images brought us back to whom we trust, serve, and represent. The third commandment continues that examination by drawing our attention to God’s name.
Before considering what it means to take or carry His name in vain, we need to begin with the name itself: YHWH (יהוה).
Exodus 3 places the discussion within God’s response to His people’s suffering. He has seen their affliction, heard their cry, and announces that He will deliver them. He commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh.
When Moses questions his ability to carry out that task, God assures him of His presence. Moses then asks what he should say when the Israelites ask for the name of the God who sent him. Read Exodus 3:7–13, LSB.
The answer includes this Hebrew expression:
אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה — Ehyeh asher ehyeh
The LSB renders it “I AM WHO I AM.” Another recognized rendering is “I will be who I will be.” The Hebrew verb carries the sense of being or becoming, with its expression in English depending upon context. Exodus 3:14
In this study, we understand that declaration as revealing God’s freedom to be what He determines. He makes Himself known through His presence and through what He does. We must allow His own words and actions to inform our understanding of Him.
Notice the connection with verse 12: the same Hebrew word, ehyeh, appears in His assurance that He will be with Moses. His declaration comes within an account of presence, purpose, and deliverance. Read Exodus 3:12–15, LSB.
Verse 15 then identifies Him by the name YHWH (יהוה)—rendered Jehovah in the ASV and Yahweh in the LSB—and identifies Him as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
The ASV concludes the verse:
“this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.”
— Exodus 3:15, ASV, excerpt
His name and His identity belong together.
A title can describe authority or a role. Here, God gives Moses a name by which to identify the One sending him. That distinction matters as we continue the work of distinguishing God from those who speak or act under His authority.
It also gives us the starting point for the third commandment. We need to consider what God says about His name before deciding how it should be treated.
What happens when readers encounter a title where the Hebrew text contains His name? What does it mean to remember that name? And what responsibility belongs to someone who uses it while claiming to speak for Him?
These questions connect with the studies we have already completed. A claim of divine authority must be examined. So must the words, conduct, and teaching attached to that claim.
As we proceed, we will keep the name itself in view alongside the responsibility of representing its bearer. Knowing how to identify someone and faithfully representing that person belong together.
Threads to Follow
His name for every generation: What does Exodus 3:15 ask us to remember?
Forgetting His name: What is happening among the prophets in Jeremiah 23:25–27?
Taking or carrying His name: What does Exodus 20:7 require of those who use His name or claim His authority?
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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