Understanding the Identity of Jehovah in the Bible
Who Is the God of the Old Testament?
The God of the Old Testament is Jesus Christ, known as the LORD (Jehovah). The Bible shows that He is the Creator (John 1:3), the Savior (Luke 2:11), and the Redeemer (Isaiah 43:14; Galatians 3:13). Jesus also identified Himself as the “I AM” (John 8:58), the same name God used in Exodus 3:14. This reveals that Jesus Christ is the same divine Being who interacted with Israel throughout the Old Testament.
When Pharaoh defiantly asked, “Who is the LORD, that I should obey His voice?” (Exodus 5:2), he expressed a question that many still ask today.
Who is the God of the Old Testament?
Some imagine Him as harsh, distant, and different from the loving Savior revealed in the New Testament. Others assume He is exclusively God the Father.
But the Bible presents a clear and powerful truth:
The God of the Old Testament—known as “the LORD” (Jehovah)—is Jesus Christ before His human birth.
Understanding this truth unlocks the unity of Scripture and reveals the consistent character of God from Genesis to Revelation.
Understanding the Name “LORD” (Jehovah)
In the Old Testament, the name “LORD” (all caps) is translated from the Hebrew name often rendered as YHWH, commonly pronounced Jehovah.
This name carries deep meaning:
- “The Eternal One”
- “The Self-Existent One”
- “I AM”
This directly connects to Jesus Christ’s own statement:
“Before Abraham was, I AM.” (John 8:58)
The Jews understood exactly what He meant—and attempted to stone Him—because He was claiming to be the very same Jehovah who spoke in the Old Testament.
Jehovah Is Jesus Christ
The Bible consistently shows that the One called LORD (Jehovah) in the Old Testament is the same Being revealed as Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
1. The Creator
Old Testament:
“I have made the earth… I have stretched out the heavens.” (Isaiah 45:12)
New Testament:
“All things were made by Him.” (John 1:3)
➡️ The Creator identified as Jehovah is revealed as Jesus Christ.
2. Pillar of Fire
Old Testament:
“And the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud and pillar of fire to lead the way” (Exdous 13:21,22}
New Testament:
“…all our fathers were under the cloud (1 Corinthians 10:1-4)
➡️ The God who lead these Israelites inthe wilderness is the Jesus
3. The Savior
Old Testament:
“There is no savior besides Me.” (Hosea 13:4)
New Testament:
“A Savior… Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:11)
➡️ Jehovah and Jesus are both declared to be the one Savior.
4. The Redeemer
Old Testament:
“Thus says the LORD, your Redeemer.” (Isaiah 43:14)
New Testament:
“Christ has redeemed us.” (Galatians 3:13)
➡️ The Redeemer of Israel is Jesus Christ.
5. The “I AM”
When God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, He declared:
“I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)
Jesus later applied this same identity to Himself (John 8:58), directly identifying Himself as the God who spoke to Moses.
6. The One Who Led Israel
Old Testament:
“The Rock of salvation, Of the Rock who begot you” (Deuteronomy 32:15, 18)
New Testament:
“That Rock was Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4)
➡️ Jesus Christ was actively guiding Israel long before His human birth.
7. The Pierced One
Old Testament prophecy:
“They shall look upon Me whom they have pierced.” (Zechariah 12:10)
New Testament fulfillment:
“They shall look on Him whom they pierced.” (John 19:37)
➡️ Jehovah is the One who would be crucified—Jesus Christ.
Why This Truth Matters
Understanding that Jesus Christ is the God of the Old Testament answers one of the biggest misconceptions in Christianity:
👉 The Bible does not present two different Gods.
👉 It reveals one consistent divine Being working out a unified plan.
The same Jesus who said:
“Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44)
Is the same LORD who:
- Delivered Israel from Egypt
- Gave the Law
- Judged nations
- Showed mercy to the repentant
Is God Different in the Old vs New Testament?
Many people struggle with what appears to be a contrast:
- Old Testament → judgment and law
- New Testament → grace and love
But this is a misunderstanding.
The Bible shows that God is always:
- Merciful → “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18)
- Just → He does not overlook sin
- Consistent → “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8)
There is no contradiction—only a fuller revelation.
Why So Many Misunderstand This
Confusion often comes from:
- Separating the Old and New Testaments
- Ignoring how the Bible interprets itself
- Losing sight of the central role of Christ throughout Scripture
But Jesus Himself said (speaking of the Old Testament Scriptures):
“These are they which testify of Me.” (John 5:39)
➡️ The Old Testament is not separate from Christ—it reveals Him.
The Key to Understanding the Bible
If you want to truly understand Scripture:
👉 Read the Old Testament knowing that Jesus Christ is the LORD (Jehovah)
👉 Recognize that He is present throughout the entire Bible
👉 See every law, prophecy, and act of deliverance pointing to Him
This transforms the way you read the Bible.
Conclusion
So, who is the God of the Old Testament?
He is Jesus Christ—the LORD, Jehovah, the Creator, the Redeemer, and the coming King.
He is not a different God from the New Testament.
He is the same loving, just, and merciful Savior revealed more fully in the Gospels.
And this truth changes everything.
Because when you read the Old Testament…
👉 You are seeing Jesus Christ in action long before His birth in Bethlehem.