The Name: YHWH
Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, when he came to Mount Horeb, the mountain of God. There, he saw a bush on fire, but it was not burning up! God called to him from the bush, “Moses! Moses!” Moses replied, “Here I am.”
God said, “Do not come closer. Remove your sandals, for the place where you stand is holy. I have seen the suffering of my people in Egypt and have come to rescue them. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people out of Egypt.” Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” God answered, “I will be with you.”
Then Moses asked, “Suppose they ask me your name. What should I tell them?”
“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.’”
God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The LORD (YHWH), the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”
Exodus 3:14 -15
In Exodus 3:14-15, we see the first time God reveals His name. Just like our names carry meaning and story, God’s name tells us something true about who He is. YHWH means “I AM” always was, always is, and always will be. He is the beginning, the end and everything in between. In this story we also learn something important, our God wants to be known and remembered.
Over the next several weeks, we’ll explore the nine compound names of YHWH. But today, we start at the foundation by focusing on YHWH and how knowing His name helps our littles begin to know Him.
Engage:
As you read the story, slow down and invite your little one into the moment. Help them imagine God speaking to Moses and telling him His name: YHWH “I AM.” Ask questions that help them wonder about God’s name:
“Why do you think God wants us to know His name?” (So we can call Him and talk to Him right?)
“Can you imagine if you didn’t have a name, what would mom and dad call you?”
“and If I didn’t have a name, oh no! how would friends and family get my attention when they need help?”
When you meet a new friend what’s one of the first things you learn about them?
Explain:
In the same way, God told us His name because He wanted to be known and close to us.
Apply:
Take some time to share the story of your child’s name (if there is one) and what it means. Help them see that names carry meaning and tell a story, just like God’s name, YHWH, tells us about Him.
Invite them to use God’s name this week. When they pray, encourage them to say, “YHWH” or “God, You are I AM.” Help them see that prayer is talking to someone real.
When routines change (school, bedtime, moving), remind them “YHWH” never changes.
Let this week be about helping your child feel comfortable calling on God, knowing He is not far away or unknown, but a God who wanted us to know His name.
Repeat & Reinforce:
Breathing in & out:
Inhale “Yah,” exhale “Whe.”
Every breath reminds us of his name
Necklace or Bracelet
Use beads and string to make a simple YHWH necklace or bracelet.
Each time your child wears it, they can say His name.
YHWH Name Art:
Give your child paper, crayons, markers, or stickers.
Write YHWH in big letters and have them decorate it.
Closing Thought:
God, the Creator of the universe isn’t just powerful, He’s personal too! He never changes, and can be trusted. Before children learn all the amazing ways God helps, heals, and provides, I hope they had fun discovering this simple truth: Our God has a name, YHWH, and He made Himself known to us because He loves us!
I’ll leave you with this fun 5-minute animated video of “The Story of Moses and the Burning Bush”
For even more hands-on fun, pair this mini-devo with the activity sheet below.
Love,
Gi 🤍
YHWH Activity Sheet
This two-page activity sheet introduces children to God’s name, YHWH, revealed at the burning bush.
Page 1 helps children connect the story to themselves through their name, God’s name, prayer, coloring, and simple truths: God has a name. God knows my name. God loves me.
Page 2 invites children to trace and decorate YHWH, helping them remember that God shared His name because He wants to be known.
The Story of Moses and the Burning Bush | Bible Stories for Kids
