Week 28 · Day 1: The Names of God
I Am Who I Am
The name that will not be captured by a definition.
What the labels mean
- Scripture explicitly says
- This states what the biblical text itself says, in the passage being read.
- Direct quotation or allusion
- One part of Scripture quotes or clearly alludes to another. The citing reference is named so you can check it.
- Canonical theme
- A connection across the whole Bible. The passages develop the same theme; one is not quoting the other.
- Interpretive conclusion
- A conclusion drawn from the text. The reasoning is given so you can weigh it against the passage.
- Application
- A step, prayer or question for the reader. Not a claim about what the passage states.
Today’s verse
Loading Exodus 3:14…
Exodus 3:14
Today’s focus
The truth of the day
Moses asks what to say when Israel asks for God's name. The answer is not a title borrowed from the gods of Egypt. It is a self-existing declaration: I am who I am. God does not derive His existence or His identity from anything outside Himself.
This name becomes the covenant name Yahweh, rendered LORD in small capitals through most English translations, and it is bound to the promise that follows in verse 15: this is my name forever. God's self-disclosure at the bush is tied directly to His faithfulness to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
Today’s reminder
Scripture explicitly says- God's existence depends on nothing outside Himself.
- His name is bound to His promises, not just His power.
- Knowing God's name means being known, not just informed.
Deeper insight
What the passage says in its own setting
Moses meets God at a burning bush that is not consumed, and the whole scene builds toward this exchange about the name. Egypt worshiped many gods with defined domains. Israel's God announces Himself as the one whose being is not contained by any domain, and whose name will be remembered for all generations, as verse 15 says.
The verb behind I AM is the same root as the name Yahweh, so the name itself is a kind of declaration of being. Later in Exodus 34:6-7 the LORD expands on that name with a description of His mercy, grace, patience, and justice, showing that the name carries character as well as existence.
Christ connection
Where this leads to Jesus
Canonical themeJohn 8:58 records Jesus using I AM language of Himself before Abraham, and the reaction of His hearers in the next verse shows they understood the claim. The name given at the bush is not left behind in Exodus.
Reflection
ApplicationWhat difference does it make to you that God's existence and character do not depend on anything outside Himself?
Today’s action
ApplicationWrite out Exodus 3:14-15 and keep it where you will see it today as a reminder of whose name you call on.
Today’s prayer
ApplicationLORD, You are the God who simply is, without beginning and without need. Thank You that Your name is bound to Your covenant faithfulness. Let me trust who You have said You are. Amen.
Another layer
Keep going into the library
- Everything on Attributes of God in the library