Exodus 3:13 - Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, 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?”
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What does "Exodus 3:13" mean?
This verse from Exodus 3:13 is a pivotal moment in the Bible and reveals a core element of the relationship between God and humanity. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Moses' Hesitation: Moses is tasked by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He's understandably hesitant, feeling inadequate for the monumental task. He anticipates resistance and doubt from the Israelites.
The Question of Authority: Moses recognizes that to convince the Israelites to follow him, he needs more than just his own word. He needs to invoke the authority of the God who is sending him.
The Importance of the Name: In ancient cultures, names were incredibly important. They represented the essence, character, and power of the individual or deity. Asking for someone's name was asking for deeper knowledge and understanding of them.
What Should I Tell Them?: Moses is asking God for a way to communicate His identity to the Israelites. He knows they will ask who sent him, and they will expect a name. He's essentially asking, "What aspect of yourself, what title, what attribute, will resonate with them and convince them that you are the God who has the power and the will to deliver them?"
In essence, Moses is asking God for a way to connect with the Israelites, to demonstrate that he is acting on divine authority, and to provide them with a way to understand and trust the God who is calling them to freedom. The answer to this question in the following verse (Exodus 3:14) is the revelation of God's name as "I AM WHO I AM" (or "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE"), a profound statement of God's self-existence, eternal nature, and promise to be with His people.
Exodus 3:13 - Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the children of Israel, 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?”
What does "Exodus 3:13" mean?
This verse from Exodus 3:13 is a pivotal moment in the Bible and reveals a core element of the relationship between God and humanity. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
Moses' Hesitation: Moses is tasked by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. He's understandably hesitant, feeling inadequate for the monumental task. He anticipates resistance and doubt from the Israelites.
The Question of Authority: Moses recognizes that to convince the Israelites to follow him, he needs more than just his own word. He needs to invoke the authority of the God who is sending him.
The Importance of the Name: In ancient cultures, names were incredibly important. They represented the essence, character, and power of the individual or deity. Asking for someone's name was asking for deeper knowledge and understanding of them.
What Should I Tell Them?: Moses is asking God for a way to communicate His identity to the Israelites. He knows they will ask who sent him, and they will expect a name. He's essentially asking, "What aspect of yourself, what title, what attribute, will resonate with them and convince them that you are the God who has the power and the will to deliver them?"
In essence, Moses is asking God for a way to connect with the Israelites, to demonstrate that he is acting on divine authority, and to provide them with a way to understand and trust the God who is calling them to freedom. The answer to this question in the following verse (Exodus 3:14) is the revelation of God's name as "I AM WHO I AM" (or "I WILL BE WHAT I WILL BE"), a profound statement of God's self-existence, eternal nature, and promise to be with His people.