The concept of the Name of the LORD being made known is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's desire to reveal His character, authority, and presence to humanity. The Name of the LORD is not merely a label but encapsulates His essence, attributes, and the relationship He seeks with His creation.

Old Testament Revelation

In the Old Testament, the Name of the LORD is progressively revealed to His people. In Exodus 3:13-15, God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush, declaring, "I AM WHO I AM." This self-revelation, rendered in Hebrew as YHWH, signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature. The Berean Standard Bible translates this passage as, "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'"

The Name of the LORD is further revealed through His actions and covenantal promises. In Exodus 6:2-3, God speaks to Moses, saying, "I am the LORD. 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." Here, the LORD (YHWH) is associated with His faithfulness to His covenant with the patriarchs.

The Psalms frequently emphasize the importance of the Name of the LORD. Psalm 9:10 states, "Those who know Your name trust in You, for You, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek You." The Name of the LORD is a source of refuge and strength, as seen in Proverbs 18:10 : "The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe."

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the revelation of the Name of the LORD reaches its fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus embodies the divine Name, as seen in John 17:6 , where He prays, "I have revealed Your name to those You have given Me out of the world." Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus makes known the character and purposes of God.

The apostolic writings affirm the significance of Jesus' Name. Philippians 2:9-11 declares, "Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." The Name of Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God's authority and redemptive work.

Theological Implications

The making known of the Name of the LORD carries profound theological implications. It signifies God's initiative in revealing Himself to humanity, inviting a response of faith, worship, and obedience. The Name of the LORD is a source of blessing and protection, as seen in the Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:24-27 : "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."

The Name of the LORD also serves as a call to holiness and reverence. Leviticus 22:32 instructs, "You must not profane My holy name, so that I may be sanctified among the Israelites. I am the LORD who sanctifies you." Believers are called to honor and uphold the sanctity of God's Name in their lives and witness.

Conclusion

The revelation of the Name of the LORD throughout Scripture underscores the centrality of God's self-disclosure in His relationship with humanity. From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Name of the LORD is a testament to His unchanging nature, His covenantal faithfulness, and His redemptive purposes fulfilled in Jesus Christ.