“Who is YHWH that I Should Obey His Voice?”

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

BIBLE READING: Exodus 5-6

“But Pharaoh said, “Who is YHWH, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know YHWH, and moreover, I will not let Israel go.” (Exodus 5.2)

It was a good question. Here was the most powerful man in the world being confronted by two men representing his slaves. For all he knew, YHWH was a man among them leading a new rebellion. “The theme of Pharaoh’s not knowing YHWH follows a certain progression, especially from this point to the end of the plagues. Pharaoh started out not knowing who YHWH was in the sense of not recognizing the name YHWH, and then thereafter he obviously recognized the name but did not realize who YHWH really was, and then finally, before it was all over, he knew very well who YHWH was and was sorry that he had to find out the hard way. In other words, there are two meanings to “Who is the Lord?” (1) “Who are you talking about? I don’t recognize that name.” (2) “What makes you think I would care about obeying YHWH?””  (Excerpt from New American Commentary, Exodus, Stuart, Douglas K., Exodus 5.2).

Many people today ask the same question. Some of this is the proud nature of our society. “God” has become a fluid subject defined by everyone’s concept of a higher power and how they see the world. The thought that an objective, unchanging, all-powerful God exists with expectation is rejected by many. However, some ask this question because they have never truly met the God of the bible. Do we have an adequate answer? Can we show them that God is worthy of our attention, loyalty and total life devotion?

Exodus equips us with the tools to solidify our faith and teach it to others. Here, YHWH repeats and reiterates who he is so that we too might know him. He is…

1. God Almighty (6.2). In ancient literature, this term denotes someone who devastates and destroys. When God applied it to himself, it was usually in the context of calling someone to himself for their protection against those who he would destroy. In other words, no one can stand against him. His power is supreme and absolute. Which makes his calling and revelation to humanity so profound.
2. God who keeps promises (6.3-4). He has not forgotten Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Though history has moved on, he has no changed since that point and will continue to be affixed to the promises of these critical relationships.
3. God who hears and sees (6.5). He is not removed or unconcerned about those less than himself. “The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous and his ears are open to their cry… The righteous cry and the LORD hears them and delivers them out of their trouble” (Psalm 34.15, 17). He is profoundly moved by the needs of the helpless, weak poor and afflicted.
4. God who delivers and saves (6.6-8). Long before YHWH acts, he communicates what he will do and the outcome. Many assert their abilities but only God can control the outcome. This section presents the plan and Exodus 5-15 proves he can.
5. God of personal invitation. The deliverance was specific to these people and their situation. The goal was for God to take these people to be HIS people. He was not cold, removed, indifferent or angry. He was aware and involved, desiring the best for people made in his image. So much so that he would make their fight, his fight. He does the same for us, ultimately returning in our form to offer us hope.

Who is YHWH that I should obey his voice? Pharaoh would learn... but have we? These things are recorded for our learning and evaluation. It is upon these unchanging qualities that we rest our hope today.

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