Lesson 59: Exodus 3:14
The Blueprint — The Verse
God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”
Memorization Practice
Click words to hide them and test your memory.
Without looking, enter the book, chapter, and verse for this passage.
Rate your recall:
The Context — The History
Moses encountered God at Horeb (SinaiA mountain in the wilderness where God revealed Himself to Moses and gave Israel the Law, including the Ten Commandments. Sinai marks the formal establishment of God’s covenant with His people, accompanied by thunder, fire, cloud, and divine glory. The name represents revelation, covenant, holiness, and God’s direct communication with Israel during the Exodus. More) while tending Jethro's flock, centuries after Israel's ancestors settled in EgyptA major ancient civilization located southwest of Israel, centered along the Nile River. In Scripture, Egypt is known for its powerful kingdoms, advanced culture, and the setting of Israel’s bondage and Exodus. It often symbolizes strength, refuge, oppression, or deliverance, depending on the context. Egypt played a key role in biblical history, interacting with the patriarchs, prophets, and early Israel... More. Egyptian religion named many gods; IsraelThe nation chosen by Yahweh as His own covenant people, descended from Jacob (Israel) and formed into a distinct identity at Sinai. In the biblical worldview, Israel is God’s allotted portion among all nations after Babel (Deuteronomy 32), set apart to reveal His character, law, and redemptive plan. Israel carries the promises given to Abraham, the mission of representing Yahweh... More would learn a name tied to self-existence and faithfulness.
The Narrative — The Lead-Up
At the burning bush, Moses asked what name he should give the Israelites. God reveals himself as I AM—the eternal, self-defining One who is about to deliver his people from Pharaoh's oppression.
The Echo — Follow-on Verses
-
Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the children of IsraelThe nation chosen by Yahweh as His own covenant people, descended from Jacob (Israel) and formed into a distinct identity at Sinai. In the biblical worldview, Israel is God’s allotted portion among all nations after Babel (Deuteronomy 32), set apart to reveal His character, law, and redemptive plan. Israel carries the promises given to Abraham, the mission of representing Yahweh... More, and tell them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you;’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ What should I tell them?”
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately before this lesson () to hear the lead-in to the passage.
-
God said moreover to Moses, “You shall tell the children of IsraelThe nation chosen by Yahweh as His own covenant people, descended from Jacob (Israel) and formed into a distinct identity at Sinai. In the biblical worldview, Israel is God’s allotted portion among all nations after Babel (Deuteronomy 32), set apart to reveal His character, law, and redemptive plan. Israel carries the promises given to Abraham, the mission of representing Yahweh... More this, ‘Yahweh, the God of your fathers, the God of AbrahamThe first patriarch of Israel and the foundational figure of God’s covenant. Abraham is called by God to leave his homeland, promised a great nation, and declared righteous through faith. He is the father of Isaac and Ishmael, and the ancestor of both Israel and many surrounding peoples. His life represents faith, obedience, and the beginning of God’s covenant plan... More, the God of IsaacThe second patriarch of Israel, son of Abraham and Sarah, and the child of God’s covenant promise. His birth fulfilled God’s pledge to give Abraham a son through Sarah. Isaac is known for the near‑sacrifice on Mount Moriah, his role in continuing the covenant line, and as the father of Esau and Jacob, through whom the nation of Israel would... More, and the God of JacobThe third patriarch of Israel, son of Isaac and Rebekah and grandson of Abraham. Jacob is known for receiving the covenant blessing, his encounter with God where he was renamed Israel, and as the father of the twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel. His life reflects themes of struggle, transformation, promise, and the unfolding of God’s covenant... More, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and this is my memorial to all generations.
Shown in World English Bible (WEB).
Read the verse immediately after this lesson () to continue the passage.
Discussion
-
What does God's name reveal about his character?
-
Why might Moses need a name before confronting Pharaoh?
-
How does knowing God as I AM shape your identity?
Places — Map this passage
Locations mentioned in this lesson passage. Switch to Whole book or Journey mode on the map for a broader view.
Places list
Geographic data © OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0)