God reveals himself through his name as the God who fulfills his promise and redeems Israel from Egypt. According to this view, the period prior to the Egyptian deliverance was a time of anticipation, for the promises made to the patriarchs had yet to be fulfilled. The character of the Lord as expressed in 6:3 is one who is faithful to his covenant commitments. The fulfilment of the promises will bring with it an understanding of the Lord as one who fulfils his word. In looking at 1:1–15:21 canonically