The Meaning of Gods Name

7. (a) What is Gods personal name understood to mean? (b) What did
Moses really want to know when he asked God His name?
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Jehovah chose his own name, one rich in meaning. Jehovah is
understood to mean He Causes to Become. He is unique in all the
universe, for he brought all things into existence, and he causes all his
purposes to be fulfilled. That is an awe-inspiring thought. But is there
another facet to the meaning of Gods name? Moses evidently wanted to
learn more. You see, he knew that Jehovah is the Creator, and he knew
Gods name. The divine name was not new. People had been using it for
centuries. Really, in asking Gods name, Moses was asking about the
person represented by the name. In effect, he was saying: What can I
tell your people Israel about you that will build their faith in you, that will
convince them that you really will deliver them?
8, 9. (a) How did Jehovah answer Moses question, and what is wrong
with the way His response is often translated? (b) What is the meaning
of the statement I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be?
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In response Jehovah revealed a thrilling aspect of his personality,
something that is related to the meaning of his name. He said to Moses:
I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be. (Exodus 3:14) Many Bible
translations here read: I am that I am. But careful renderings show that
God was not merely affirming his own existence. Rather, Jehovah was
teaching Mosesand by extension all of usthat He would prove to
be, or choose to become, whatever was needed in order to fulfill His
promises. J. B. Rotherhams translation pointedly renders this verse: I
Will Become whatsoever I please. One authority on Biblical Hebrew
explains the phrase this way: Whatever the situation or need . . . , God
will become the solution to that need.