I Am Who I Am Scriptile

Description

I Am Who I Am: Unveiling the Divine Essence

The phrase “I AM WHO I AM,” or “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” in Hebrew, stands as a profound revelation of God’s nature, delivered to Moses in the burning bush narrative of Exodus 3:14-15. This response to Moses’ inquiry about God’s name is not merely a label, but a declaration of God’s self-existence, eternal presence, and absolute sovereignty. Understanding this Scriptile’s phrase requires delving into the context of the passage and exploring its theological implications. In Exodus 3, Moses, tasked with the daunting mission of liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, seeks assurance. He asks God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13 NKJV). This question is not simply a request for a linguistic identifier; it reflects a deeper yearning to understand the nature and authority of the God who is sending him.

The Divine Response: “I AM WHO I AM”

God’s response, “I AM WHO I AM,” transcends the limitations of a mere name. It is a declaration of His self-sufficiency and uncreated being. The Hebrew phrase “Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh” is derived from the verb “hayah,” meaning “to be.” It emphasizes God’s continuous and eternal existence. He is not dependent on anything or anyone for His being; He simply IS. The NKJV further elaborates, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” (Exodus 3:14 NKJV). This simplified form, “I AM,” carries the same weight of divine self-existence. It is a powerful affirmation of God’s presence and power.

Connecting “I AM” to the Covenant and YHWH

Following this, God instructs Moses, “Moreover God said to Moses, ‘Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: “The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.”’” (Exodus 3:15 NKJV). Here, the connection between “I AM” and the established covenantal relationship with the patriarchs is made explicit. “The Lord God” or “YHWH,” the Tetragrammaton, is introduced as the name by which God will be known forever. 

The Theological Implications of “I AM”

The significance of “I AM WHO I AM” lies in its revelation of God’s immutable and transcendent nature. It implies:

• Self-Existence: God’s being is not contingent on any external force. He exists independently and eternally. This contrasts with the pagan deities of the time, who were often associated with natural phenomena and subject to the cycles of nature.
• Eternal Presence: The continuous form of the verb “to be” emphasizes God’s ongoing presence. He is not limited by time or space. He is always present and active in the world.
• Absolute Sovereignty: God’s declaration of “I AM WHO I AM” asserts His absolute authority and control. He is not bound by any limitations or constraints. His will is supreme.
• Faithfulness to Covenant: By connecting “I AM” with the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God reaffirms His commitment to His covenant with the Israelites. He is the same God who made promises to their ancestors, and He will fulfill those promises.

“I AM” in the New Testament: Jesus’ Divine Identity

The phrase “I AM” is also echoed throughout the New Testament, particularly in the Gospel of John, where Jesus uses it to assert His divine identity. For example, “Jesus said to them, ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.’” (John 8:58 NKJV). This use of “I AM” directly connects Jesus to the divine self-revelation in Exodus, reaffirming His claim to divinity.

Conclusion: The Essence of God Revealed

In essence, “I AM WHO I AM” is a profound theological statement that reveals the core of God’s being. It is a declaration of His eternal, self-sufficient, and sovereign nature. It serves as a reminder of God’s unwavering presence and faithfulness to His covenant, and it provides a foundation for understanding the divine identity of Jesus Christ. This declaration transcends the limitations of human language, offering a glimpse into the infinite and incomprehensible nature of God.