The statement of Exodus 6:3 is at first sight, startling, because we remember several passages in Genesis where that sacred name appears. But this arises from the fact that much of Genesis was composed long after the people had left these sad experiences behind them; and it was natural to apply to God the name which was familiar to them all at the time of writing. To the patriarchs God was El, the Strong; to their descendants he was the unchanging Jehovah, who fulfilled promises made centuries before. See Malachi 3:6. Notice the seven I wills, and the three I AMs. How often with us, as with Israel in Exodus 6:9, our faith and hope are hindered by physical or temporal circumstances. But our God knows our frame and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. Therefore He can make allowances. [source]
Chapter Summary: Exodus 6
1God renews his promise by his name JEHOVAH 9Moses vainly attempts to encourage the Israelites 10He and Aaron are again sent to Pharaoh 14Genealogies of Reuben, Simeon and Levi, of whom came Moses and Aaron 26The history resumed