to the people. He offers them a look into His heart at the exact moment when they most sense His possible distance. Scholars have observed that in light of the dominating issue of God’s presence, the revelation of His name in Exodus 34:5–6 takes on a deeper significance. Birch (127) believes God’s revelation of His name is God’s way of making Himself available. Mettinger (23) calls the divine name a “password.” Fretheim (Suffering, 100–101) writes, Naming entails a certain kind of relationship. Giving
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