The name of God holds an important key to understanding the doctrine of God and the doctrine of revelation. The name of God is a personal disclosure and reveals His relationship with His people. His name is known only because He chooses to make it known. To the Hebrew mind God was both hidden and revealed, transcendent and immanent. Even though He was mysterious, lofty, and unapproachable, He bridged the gap with mankind by revealing His name.

The truth of God’s character is focused in His name. This accounts for Israel’s great reverence for God’s name. The Ten Commandments prohibited the violation of God’s name (Exod 20:7; Deut 5:11). Prophets spoke with authority when they uttered God’s name. Oaths taken in God’s name were considered binding, and battles fought in the name of God were victorious. Other nations would fear Israel not because it was a mighty nation but because it rallied under the Lord’s name. In the NT God’s name is manifested most clearly in Jesus Christ. He is called “the Word” (John 1:1), and Jesus Himself makes the claim that He has revealed the name of God (John 17:6). God’s name is His promise to dwell with His people.