BY MY NAME THE LORD I DID NOT MAKE MYSELF KNOW TO THEM / EXODUS 6:3

START YOUR DAY RIGHT DAILY DEVOTION

(KJV) Exodus 6:3

And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but by my name Jehovah was I not known to them.

The Power of the Promise-Keeper: Understanding Exodus 6:3

In Exodus 6:3, God speaks a profound and easily misunderstood truth to Moses: “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.”

At first glance, this verse might seem confusing. How could the patriarchs not know the name “LORD” (the Hebrew Yahweh) when it appears throughout the book of Genesis?

The answer doesn’t mean Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had never heard the word. Instead, it means they had not yet lived out the full weight, character, and power behind that name.

From “God Almighty” to “The Lord”

The names of God in scripture are not just labels; they reveal His character and power.

God Almighty (El Shaddai): The patriarchs primarily knew God by this name. It emphasizes His supreme power to fulfill what He has promised. Abraham experienced God’s almighty power when Isaac was born against all human odds. He knew God was strong enough to keep His word, even if he didn’t live to see the entire covenant fulfilled.
The LORD (Yahweh): This is God’s sacred, covenant-keeping name. It focuses deeply on redemption, rescue, and bringing His people into a close, personal relationship with Him.

While Abraham received the covenant, Moses and the Israelites were about to witness the absolute fulfillment of it. They were going to watch Yahweh actively rescue them from bondage in Egypt.

Living the Reality of His Name

There is a massive difference between knowing someone’s name and knowing their character through shared experience.

You might know that God is a healer or a provider because you read it in a book. But when you are broke and a bill gets paid, or when you are sick and your body mends, you truly know Him as Provider and Healer.

The generation of Exodus was about to transition from hearing about a promising God to experiencing a covenant-keeping Deliverer. Today, we serve that very same God—the one who not only makes promises through His power but faithfully brings them to pass because of His unchanging love for us.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for being El Shaddai—the God Almighty who is more than enough to handle every detail of our lives. Thank You for being Yahweh, our loyal, covenant-keeping Lord who rescues us and pulls us into relationship with You. Forgive us for the times we treat Your name as just a word rather than a reflection of Your ultimate power. Help us to trust Your timing, knowing that what You promise in power, You will always perform in faithfulness. We rest secure in who You are today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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