The revelation of the Divine Name is a significant event in the biblical narrative, marking a profound moment of self-disclosure by God to humanity. This revelation occurs primarily in the Old Testament, where God reveals His name to Moses in the context of the burning bush encounter. The Divine Name, often represented as YHWH (Yahweh), is central to understanding God's character and His covenant relationship with His people.

The Revelation at the Burning Bush

The most explicit revelation of the Divine Name occurs in Exodus 3:13-15. When Moses encounters God in the burning bush, he asks what name he should use to describe the God of his ancestors to the Israelites. God responds, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). He further instructs Moses to say to the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you." This name, often rendered as "Yahweh," is derived from the Hebrew verb "to be," signifying God's eternal, self-existent nature.

The Significance of the Name YHWH

The name YHWH is deeply significant in the Hebrew Scriptures. It appears over 6,800 times in the Old Testament and is often translated as "LORD" in English Bibles. This name emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His faithfulness, and His covenantal relationship with Israel. In Exodus 3:15, God declares, "This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation" . The use of this name underscores God's personal involvement with His people and His commitment to fulfill His promises.

Theological Implications

The revelation of the Divine Name carries profound theological implications. It reveals God's transcendence and immanence—He is both the eternal, self-sufficient Creator and the personal, covenant-keeping God who interacts with His creation. The name YHWH also highlights God's holiness and otherness, setting Him apart from the gods of the surrounding nations.

The Use of the Divine Name in Worship and Scripture

In Jewish tradition, the name YHWH is considered so sacred that it is not pronounced aloud. Instead, the term "Adonai" (Lord) is used in its place during readings of the Scriptures. This practice reflects the deep reverence for the holiness of God's name. In Christian theology, the Divine Name is understood in light of the revelation of Jesus Christ, who is seen as the fulfillment of God's promises and the ultimate expression of His character.

The Divine Name in the New Testament

While the specific name YHWH does not appear in the New Testament, the concept of God's self-revelation continues. Jesus, in the Gospel of John, uses the phrase "I am" (Greek: ego eimi) in several key statements, echoing the Divine Name revealed to Moses. For example, Jesus declares, "I am the bread of life" (John 6:35) and "I am the way and the truth and the life" (John 14:6), linking His identity to the eternal, self-existent God of the Old Testament.

Conclusion

The revelation of the Divine Name is a cornerstone of biblical theology, providing insight into God's nature and His relationship with humanity. It serves as a foundation for understanding the continuity of God's redemptive work from the Old Testament to the New Testament, culminating in the person and work of Jesus Christ.