Exodus Chapter 3: A Detailed Analysis

Introduction

Exodus 3 is a pivotal chapter in the Bible, marking the divine calling of Moses and the revelation of God's name. This chapter is set in the Midianite wilderness, where Moses, now a shepherd, encounters God in the miraculous burning bush. This event changes the course of history, leading to the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage.

Context of Exodus 3

Before we delve into the specific verses, it's essential to understand the background:

The Condition of Israel – The Israelites are suffering under Egyptian oppression (Exodus 2:23-25).
Moses’ Journey – Having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian, Moses has settled in Midian, where he marries Zipporah and tends to his father-in-law Jethro’s flocks.
God’s Timing – The time for deliverance has come, and God chooses Moses as His instrument.

Verse-by-Verse Explanation

Verses 1-6: The Burning Bush – God's Revelation to Moses

Verse 1:
"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb."

Moses, now around 80 years old (Acts 7:30), is leading a quiet life as a shepherd.
"Backside of the desert" implies he was far from civilization, symbolizing solitude and divine preparation.
Horeb, another name for Mount Sinai, is later the site where God gives the Ten Commandments.

Verse 2:
"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed."

"The angel of the LORD" is often interpreted as a theophany—a visible manifestation of God Himself.
The burning bush represents God's power, holiness, and eternal nature.
Fire in biblical symbolism often represents God's presence (e.g., the pillar of fire in Exodus 13:21).

Verse 3:
"And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt."

Moses' curiosity leads him toward God's revelation, showing that divine encounters require human response.

Verse 4:
"And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I."

The repetition of "Moses, Moses" emphasizes urgency and personal calling.
"Here am I" reflects Moses' willingness, similar to Abraham (Genesis 22:1).

Verse 5:
"And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground."

God’s holiness requires reverence. Removing sandals symbolizes respect and purity.
Holiness is not about location but God's presence.

Verse 6:
"Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God."

God identifies Himself with the patriarchs, confirming His covenant faithfulness.
Moses' reaction (hiding his face) shows deep reverence and fear of divine presence.

Verses 7-12: God's Mission for Moses

Verse 7:
"And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows."

God sees, hears, and knows—highlighting His compassion and awareness of human suffering.
"My people" signifies God's special relationship with Israel.

Verse 8:
"And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites."

"I am come down" reflects divine intervention.
"Flowing with milk and honey" symbolizes abundance and prosperity.
Listing the nations foreshadows future battles.

Verse 9:
"Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them."

God reaffirms His awareness of their suffering.

Verse 10:
"Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt."

Moses is commissioned as God's instrument of deliverance.

Verse 11:
"And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?"

Moses doubts himself, showing humility and fear.

Verse 12:
"And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain."

God's presence is Moses’ strength.
The "token" (sign) is that Moses will return to worship at Horeb.

Verses 13-22: God's Name and Promise

Verse 13:
"And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?"

Moses anticipates resistance and seeks God's authoritative name.

Verse 14:
"And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you."

"I AM THAT I AM" (Hebrew: Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh) signifies God's self-existence and eternal nature.
Jesus later applies this to Himself (John 8:58).

Verse 15:
"And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations."

"LORD" (YHWH) is God's covenant name.
God emphasizes His faithfulness through generations.

Verse 16-22:

God instructs Moses to gather Israel’s elders and tell them of divine deliverance.
Pharaoh will resist, but God will display wonders to compel him.
The Israelites will leave Egypt with riches, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:14).

Theological and Practical Lessons

God’s Calling and Preparation
- Moses' 40 years in Midian prepared him for leadership.
- God calls people at the right time.
God’s Compassion
- He hears and responds to human suffering.
The Holiness of God
- The burning bush reveals God's transcendence.
God’s Name and Character
- "I AM" signifies God's self-existence and faithfulness.
God’s Sovereignty Over Nations
- He controls history and rulers.
Human Weakness and Divine Strength
- Moses’ doubts show that God chooses the weak to display His power.

Conclusion

Exodus 3 is a turning point in biblical history, marking the divine appointment of Moses. It introduces God's eternal name and mission, emphasizing His power, faithfulness, and plan for redemption. This chapter foreshadows the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, the true "I AM."

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Wednesday, March 26, 2025