Definition: And I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac, and unto Jacob, by [the name of] God Almighty, but by my name JEHOVAH was I not known to them.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this passage from Exodus 6:3. It’s a really important and startling verse in the Bible that tells us about the beginning of the Israelites' story. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: God Revealed Himself: The verse says God, Almighty, revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the sons of Abraham). He Was Known as JEHOVAH: Instead of using a common name like "God" or “Lord,” God revealed Himself by the name JEHOVAH . This is a significant change – it was a new and distinct identity. What’s Happening? They Didn't Recognize Him: Immediately after this revelation, the Israelites – who were Abraham's descendants – didn't recognize God as the being they had always believed in. They thought He was speaking their name, not His true name. A Problem Begins: This is a crucial point. It sets up a problem for the Israelites because they started to worship them instead of Him . It's like when you start calling something "you" instead of "God." Why is this important? This verse is often seen as the beginning of a very difficult situation in Israel’s history. It highlights that God was being deliberately hidden and not recognized by his chosen people. It sets the stage for later events, including the story of the Exodus – where God brought them out of Egypt and led them to their promised land. In short: This verse describes a moment when God revealed Himself to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, but they didn't recognize His true identity, leading to a significant challenge for the Israelites’ relationship with Him. --- Do you want me to explain any of this in more detail? For example, would you like to know: More about the context of the story? The significance of the name "JEHOVAH"?