Book of Exodus - Chapter 3 - Verse 13

When Moses asked God what he should tell the Israelites when they ask for the name of the God who sent him, he was seeking to understand the identity and authority of the one who had commissioned him. In the culture of the time, knowing someone's name was believed to give insight into their character and nature. By asking for God's name, the Israelites were seeking to know who this God was and what kind of relationship they could expect to have with him. God's response, "I AM WHO I AM," highlights his eternal and unchanging nature. This name signifies God's self-existence, his sovereignty, and his faithfulness. It reassures the Israelites that the one who is sending Moses is the eternal, all-powerful God who will always be present with them. The significance of God's name in this verse is a powerful reminder of his unfailing nature and his commitment to his people throughout history.

In this verse, Moses is expressing his concern to God about the possible questions he may face from the Israelites when he informs them of God's message. The theological interpretation of this passage reveals Moses' apprehension about correctly representing God to his people. The Israelites' question about God's name is significant as names in ancient Hebrew culture carried great significance and revealed something about the nature or character of the individual. By asking for God's name, the Israelites were seeking to understand his essence and power. The word study of the term "name" in this verse can shed light on the importance of God's identity and authority in the eyes of the Israelites. Through this exchange between Moses and God, we see the beginning of God revealing himself to his people in a new and profound way, culminating in the revelation of his name as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14).