The LORD is... Psalm 23 (I Am Who I Am)

God said to Moses, "I am who I am." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, 'I am has sent me to you.'"  Exodus 3:14 ESV

God revealed himself to Moses as I AM in Exodus 3. However the fullness of its meaning had not yet been revealed.

In nine places in the Old Testament, the Lord "filled out" or "completed" the name I AM to reveal more fully His divine nature and gracious ministry to His people:

• Yahweh-Jireh: The LORD will provide or see to it (Genesis 22:14)
• Yahweh-Rophe: The LORD who heals (Exodus 15:26)
• Yahweh-Nissi: The LORD our banner (Exodus 17:15)
• Yahweh-M'Kaddesh: The LORD who sanctifies (Leviticus 20:8)
• Yahweh-Shalom: The LORD our peace (Judges 6:24)
• Yahweh-Rohi: The LORD my shepherd (Psalm 23:1)
• Yahweh-Sabaoth: The LORD of hosts (Psalm 46:7)
• Yahweh-Tsidkenu: The LORD our righteousness (Jeremiah 23:6)
• Yahweh-Shammah: The LORD is there (Ezekiel 48:35)

Of course all of these names refer to our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”  So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?”  Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
John 8:56-58 (ESV)

(adapted from JESUS In The Present Tense by Warren W. Wiersbe.)


Psalm 23 is probably the most loved psalm in the entire Bible.  Look at how these names for God are seen through out Psalm 23.  In the 23rd Psalm we see how God reveals Himself to us and ministers to us.  It is no wonder it brings comfort to so many people.  He has given us these names to remind us of His character and to show us who He is.  We see how He shepherds us:



1 The Lord is my shepherd; (Yahweh-Rohi)I shall not want. (Yahweh-Jireh) 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. (Yahweh-Shalom)3 He restores my soul. (Yahweh-Rophe) He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. (Yahweh-Tsidkenu) 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; (Yahweh-Shammah) your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; (Yahweh-Nissi) you anoint my head with oil; (Yahweh-M'Kaddesh) my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
Psalms 23:1-6 (ESV)

_____
Soli Deo Gloria
ah