Neville Goddard on Exodus 3:13

Executive Summary

Neville Goddard interprets the story of Moses in Exodus 3:13 as the pivotal moment when God's true name was first revealed to humanity. This name is 'I AM.' He teaches that this is not the name of a separate, external deity, but is the name of the creator within every individual—your own consciousness. To know this name is to understand that your own awareness of being is God.

Key Concepts

• Exodus 3:13 is the scripture where God reveals His name.
• The name revealed to Moses is 'I AM.'
• This was the first time this specific name for God was ever revealed.
• 'I AM' is not the name of an external being; it is your own name, your own consciousness.
• To know this name is to put your trust entirely in your own consciousness as the one and only God.

Detailed Explanation

Neville Goddard explains that the dialogue in Exodus 3:13, where Moses asks what name he should give to the people of Israel, is the scriptural basis for the revelation of God's true identity. Prior to this moment, the name of the Lord was not known in this way. The answer given to Moses, 'I AM that I AM' or simply 'I AM,' is presented as God's eternal name, the one by which He will be known for all generations.

The profound implication of this teaching is that the name of God the creator is synonymous with your own consciousness. When you say or think 'I am,' you are speaking the name of God. This is not a historical or theological abstraction; Neville states that every person is in this state of being now. The God who is 'I AM' is not separate from you but is your very own awareness.

Understanding this revelation has a direct impact on one's spiritual practice. To truly know God's name is to place complete trust in your own consciousness as the sole creative power. This means turning away from any belief in external causes or powers, which Neville equates to making 'graven images.' The command to have no other gods is fulfilled by relying exclusively on the God within, whose name is I AM.

Important Quotes

And the name revealed of God the creator is “I AM”.

— Moses Elijah Jesus

‘Say to them, I am has sent you. That is My name forever, and by this I shall be known throughout all generations.’”

— No Other Gods

those who know thy name put their trust in thee.

— No Other Gods

Related Concepts

• I AM: This concept is central. Exodus 3:13 is the scriptural origin for identifying 'I AM' as the name of God, which Neville equates with your own consciousness.
• Consciousness: The name 'I AM' is explicitly identified as your own consciousness. The revelation to Moses is a revelation about the nature of your own being.
• Law of Assumption: While not directly mentioned, the principle of trusting only in your 'I AM' is the foundation of the Law of Assumption. By knowing your consciousness is God, you can assume the state of your wish fulfilled with the faith that your 'I AM' will make it so.

Common Misunderstandings

• An External God: The most common misunderstanding is to believe that 'I AM' is the name of a God outside of yourself. Neville's interpretation is that God became you, and 'I AM' is your own name.
• A Historical Event Only: Viewing this as merely a story about Moses is a misunderstanding. The revelation is a timeless truth about the nature of every individual's own consciousness.

Practical Applications

The practical application of this teaching is to shift your source of trust from the external world to your own consciousness. When faced with a desire or a problem, instead of looking outside for help, you are to turn inward to your own 'I AM.' By recognizing that your awareness is the one and only creative power, you can assume the feeling of your wish fulfilled, trusting that your 'I AM' is the power that brings it into your experience. This means ceasing to petition an external God and beginning to declare from within what you desire to be.

Frequently Asked Questions

What name for God does Neville say is revealed in Exodus 3:13?

Neville teaches that God's true and eternal name, revealed for the first time to Moses, is 'I AM.'

According to Neville, who is the 'I AM' mentioned in this scripture?

The 'I AM' is not an external deity. It is your own consciousness, your awareness of being. When you say 'I am,' you are speaking the name of God.

What is the significance of knowing God's name is 'I AM'?

To know this name is to understand that the creative power of God is within you as your own consciousness. This knowledge leads you to place all your trust in your own consciousness to create your reality, rather than in any external power.