For God to reveal himself is ultimately to name himself. In a sense, everything God does and says identifies his authority, character, and name. God is Creator, Sustainer, Flower-maker, Rain-giver, Sparrow-watcher, and Hair-counter (Matt. 10:29–30). But God also gives particular names that reveal important dimensions of his relationship with us.

He is YHWH or Yahweh, a word that has been incorrectly rendered Jehovah. In most Bible translations this is written “LORD” in small capital letters. This name is a contraction of the phrase God spoke to Moses when Moses asked his name: “I AM WHO I AM.”

Notice two things about this name. First, it is a name. In the Bible, if we name something, we have dominion over it. Thus, Adam named the animals, and parents name children. We never give names to God; God always names himself. Beyond this, however, what we can name we usually can manipulate to some extent. If someone calls your name in a crowded room, you will turn to see who is calling to you. When God gives us a name, he is graciously allowing us a measure of influence to receive his attention. God actually tells Moses that Yahweh is his “memorial name,” the name to be used when remembering or calling on him (Exod. 3:15).

Second, in another sense Yahweh is not a name. God refused to give any name for himself to Jacob in Genesis 32:29. Jacob, who sought to control everyone, learned that God is transcendent, beyond control. The name “I Simply Am” emphasizes his self-existence. We can use his name in prayer, but he is outside our dominion. — R.C. Sproul, Before the Face of God: Book 4: A Daily Guide for Living from Ephesians, Hebrews, and James, electronic ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House; Ligonier Ministries, 1994), 242–243.

I have just completed a seven-part Bible Study called Ancient Words. It explores seven key Hebrew words we need to understand in order to really understand the gospel. This article is an excerpt from this Bible study. The Bible Study is available on Amazon. It is also avail as well as part of my Good Questions Have Groups Talking subscription service.

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