2 God also said to Moses, "I am the LORD. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob as God Almighty, but by my name the LORD I did not make myself known to them. (Exodus 6)
I was struck by verses two and three where God differentiates his name. He appeared to Moses’ ancestors as God Almighty, or El Shaddai. The Almighty One. But by his name the LORD he did not make himself known. The LORD is translated Jehovah or Yahweh. Here in this new name revealed, God’s character and strength are expressed as the eternal unchangeable One and the rock of ages.
In looking up the words, the nuances became more apparent. El Shaddai means God Almighty, and the word ‘El’ points to the power of God himself. ‘Shaddai’ is derived from the word breast, which implies nourishment, supply, or satisfaction. God (El) who helps, and (Shaddai) who blesses abundantly.
The name LORD is different. Lord is one who has authority, control or power over others. The LORD means the ruler, master, powerful one.
God provided for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was known as God Almighty, El Shaddai. But God now showed himself not only as provider, but also as the One who is all-powerful, in control, and who has authority over all. The name he is now known as is the LORD. It was revealed to Moses in order that he trusts God to do as He said.
Recall that Moses did go to Pharaoh, not only saying the things God told him to say, but he also performed miracles, and things got worse. Moses went to God and said essentially, You did not do what You said You would do; things have gotten worse. Perhaps this is the reason God revealed himself as the LORD. He needed for Moses to trust him, even though things did get worse for the time being. Ultimately, the Israelites were victorious, but in the interim, things looked bleak, especially when Pharaoh’s magicians could replicate many of the miracles. Perhaps it had to do with the Israelites’ position as slaves in Egypt. Perhaps it had to do with Moses’ confidence and his original unwillingness to go.
The interesting things to me is that Moses is reassured that God, the LORD, is in control. And His mighty hand will deliver them, just as He said. Moses had to trust. He also had to obey God’s command.
LORD, you have revealed yourself to Moses and to your people not only as our Provider - El Shaddai - the one who blesses us; but also as the One in control – the LORD - the Ruler of the universe. May we trust You with every detail of our lives, and thus, may we be blessed by You, and in turn, be a blessing to others.
I was struck by verses two and three where God differentiates his name. He appeared to Moses’ ancestors as God Almighty, or El Shaddai. The Almighty One. But by his name the LORD he did not make himself known. The LORD is translated Jehovah or Yahweh. Here in this new name revealed, God’s character and strength are expressed as the eternal unchangeable One and the rock of ages.
In looking up the words, the nuances became more apparent. El Shaddai means God Almighty, and the word ‘El’ points to the power of God himself. ‘Shaddai’ is derived from the word breast, which implies nourishment, supply, or satisfaction. God (El) who helps, and (Shaddai) who blesses abundantly.
The name LORD is different. Lord is one who has authority, control or power over others. The LORD means the ruler, master, powerful one.
God provided for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He was known as God Almighty, El Shaddai. But God now showed himself not only as provider, but also as the One who is all-powerful, in control, and who has authority over all. The name he is now known as is the LORD. It was revealed to Moses in order that he trusts God to do as He said.
Recall that Moses did go to Pharaoh, not only saying the things God told him to say, but he also performed miracles, and things got worse. Moses went to God and said essentially, You did not do what You said You would do; things have gotten worse. Perhaps this is the reason God revealed himself as the LORD. He needed for Moses to trust him, even though things did get worse for the time being. Ultimately, the Israelites were victorious, but in the interim, things looked bleak, especially when Pharaoh’s magicians could replicate many of the miracles. Perhaps it had to do with the Israelites’ position as slaves in Egypt. Perhaps it had to do with Moses’ confidence and his original unwillingness to go.
The interesting things to me is that Moses is reassured that God, the LORD, is in control. And His mighty hand will deliver them, just as He said. Moses had to trust. He also had to obey God’s command.
LORD, you have revealed yourself to Moses and to your people not only as our Provider - El Shaddai - the one who blesses us; but also as the One in control – the LORD - the Ruler of the universe. May we trust You with every detail of our lives, and thus, may we be blessed by You, and in turn, be a blessing to others.
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