Exodus 3 details Moses' divine calling, his encounter with God in the burning bush, and God's promise.
Exodus 3 marks a pivotal moment in the Bible as it tells the story of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. Moses, having fled Egypt years earlier, now lives in exile as a shepherd in the land of Midian. While tending to the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, Moses witnesses a bush on fire that is not consumed by the flames. As he approaches to investigate, God speaks to him from the midst of the bush, calling Moses to deliver the Israelites from their oppression in Egypt. This encounter serves as the foundation of Moses' divine mission, and it sets the stage for the liberation of God's people from bondage.
This chapter highlights several significant themes, including God’s sovereignty, His faithfulness to His promises, and His personal involvement in the lives of His people. Moses' reaction to God’s call—initially filled with doubts and reluctance—reflects the common human response when faced with overwhelming responsibility. However, through this powerful interaction, God reassures Moses that He will be with him, empowering him for the task ahead. Exodus 3 introduces the concept of God's holy presence, with Moses being instructed to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This serves as a reminder of the sacredness of God's presence and His holiness.
Exodus 3 also reveals God's name to Moses. In this passage, God identifies Himself as "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14), a profound statement that signifies God's eternal and self-existent nature. This revelation is key not only for Moses but also for the Israelites, who will come to know God as the one true God who is present with them. The chapter moves beyond Moses' initial hesitation and begins to lay out the blueprint for the great deliverance that will follow, emphasizing God's control over the course of human history and His divine plan for Israel.
God Appears to Moses in the Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6)
The beginning of Exodus 3 presents a dramatic and awe-inspiring moment in Moses’ life. While he is in the wilderness, tending to the sheep of Jethro, his father-in-law, he encounters a burning bush that does not burn up. This unusual sight draws Moses' attention, and as he approaches the bush, God calls out to him by name: "Moses, Moses." Moses responds, “Here am I.” This interaction immediately demonstrates God’s personal care and attention for Moses, calling him by name and signifying the importance of the moment.
In Exodus 3:5, God commands Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This instruction reveals the sacredness of the moment and the need for reverence when approaching the presence of the Almighty. God's holiness is emphasized, highlighting the difference between human beings and the divine. God's voice, coming from the fire, is a powerful symbol of His presence. The fire represents His purity and His consuming power, and the fact that the bush is not consumed reinforces the idea that God, though powerful, is merciful and sustaining.
The encounter also sets the stage for the revelation of God's identity. As God introduces Himself to Moses, He speaks of His covenant with the Israelites, stating that He has seen the suffering of His people and has heard their cries. In Exodus 3:6, God identifies Himself as "the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." This lineage serves to remind Moses that the covenant made with the patriarchs is still in effect and that God is now fulfilling His promise to deliver their descendants from slavery.
Moses' Reluctance and God's Assurance (Exodus 3:7-12)
Despite the extraordinary nature of the burning bush, Moses initially hesitates to accept the task God sets before him. In Exodus 3:11, Moses expresses his doubt and fear, asking, "Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?" Moses is aware of his past and the fact that he fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster. He doubts his ability to confront Pharaoh and doubts that the Israelites would believe that he had been sent by God. His reluctance is not just based on self-doubt but also on the weight of the responsibility and the daunting task that lies ahead.
God responds to Moses' doubts with assurance. In Exodus 3:12, He says, "Certainly I will be with thee." This promise of God's presence is central to Moses' mission and serves as the foundation of his confidence. God assures Moses that He will not send him alone, but will go with him every step of the way. This is a powerful reminder that when God calls someone to a task, He also provides the strength, resources, and support necessary to accomplish it. Moses’ fear and reluctance are met with the assurance that God will be present to help him fulfill the mission.
Additionally, God gives Moses a sign to reassure him that he will indeed bring the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 3:12, God tells Moses that when he has successfully led the people out of Egypt, they will worship God on this very mountain. This promise not only assures Moses of God's presence but also provides a glimpse into the ultimate outcome of the mission. It is a prophetic assurance that Moses will see the fulfillment of God's promise, even though the journey will be long and fraught with challenges.
God Reveals His Name to Moses (Exodus 3:13-15)
One of the most significant moments in Exodus 3 is when God reveals His name to Moses. When Moses asks God what he should say to the Israelites when they ask for the name of the God who has sent him, God responds with the words, "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14). This statement is profound, as it reveals God's eternal, self-existent nature. God is not defined by anything external; He simply exists, independent and unchanging. The name "I AM" signifies that God is present, always existing, and always faithful to His promises. This name encapsulates God’s nature—He is the God who is, who was, and who will be, existing outside of time and beyond human comprehension.
In Exodus 3:15, God further explains that His name is to be known throughout all generations. "The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" is the name that will be remembered by the Israelites. This name connects God to the patriarchs and reinforces His covenantal relationship with the descendants of Abraham. The revelation of God’s name is not just a theological statement but also an invitation to experience a personal relationship with the Almighty. By calling Himself "I AM," God emphasizes His active involvement in the lives of His people.
The revelation of God's name also prepares Moses for the task ahead. Knowing that God’s name is "I AM" reassures Moses that he is not going in his own strength but under the authority and power of the eternal God. This understanding of God's identity will serve as the foundation for Moses’ courage and determination as he faces Pharaoh and leads the Israelites out of Egypt.
God's Commission for Moses to Lead Israel Out of Egypt (Exodus 3:16-22)
After revealing His name, God commissions Moses to go to the elders of Israel and deliver His message to them. In Exodus 3:16, God instructs Moses to gather the elders of Israel and tell them that "the LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob" has appeared to him and has promised to bring them out of Egypt. This message carries the weight of God's covenant and His faithfulness to fulfill His promise to the patriarchs. Moses is instructed to speak to the elders and convince them that God has heard their cries and is ready to deliver them.
God also tells Moses that when the Israelites leave Egypt, they will not leave empty-handed. In Exodus 3:22, God promises that the Israelites will ask the Egyptians for silver, gold, and clothing, and they will be given these items. This provision will not only ensure that the Israelites are equipped for their journey but will also demonstrate God’s power over Egypt. The Egyptians will be moved to give the Israelites the wealth they request, highlighting God's ability to work in the hearts of the people around His chosen nation.
This final part of Exodus 3 establishes Moses’ mission as one of great significance. He is not merely going to Pharaoh as an emissary of the Israelites but as the chosen instrument of God to fulfill His divine purpose. Moses’ obedience to God's call will result in the liberation of God’s people, setting in motion a series of events that will shape the history of Israel.
Conclusion
Exodus 3 is a pivotal chapter that sets the foundation for the entire story of Israel's deliverance from Egypt. It presents Moses’ calling, the revelation of God’s name, and God’s assurance that He will be with Moses every step of the way. As Moses is confronted by God’s holiness and calls to lead His people, he learns of God's unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfilling His promises. The chapter also emphasizes God's personal involvement with His people, reminding us that God is always present and working in the lives of those He calls. The message of Exodus 3 encourages us to trust in God’s timing, to follow His lead, and to embrace His call, knowing that He is with us and will equip us for every task He gives us. Through Moses' story, we see that when God calls, He empowers and provides for those who are obedient to His will.
FAQs about Exodus 3: Moses' Calling and Encounter with God
1. What is the significance of Moses' encounter with God in Exodus 3?
Moses' encounter with God in Exodus 3 is one of the most significant moments in the Bible. It marks the beginning of God’s active intervention in the lives of the Israelites, signaling the start of their deliverance from slavery in Egypt. Through this encounter, God reveals His presence to Moses in the form of a burning bush that is not consumed, symbolizing His power and holiness. God also reveals His name, “I AM THAT I AM,” which signifies His eternal, self-existent nature. This revelation is crucial because it not only assures Moses of God’s ability to fulfill His promises but also establishes a personal relationship with God, who is involved in the lives of His people. God’s promise to be with Moses as he leads the Israelites out of Egypt shows that God’s plan will be fulfilled, even when the task seems overwhelming.
2. Why did Moses hesitate when God called him to lead the Israelites?
Moses hesitated when God called him to lead the Israelites due to a combination of self-doubt, fear, and a sense of inadequacy. Having fled Egypt years earlier after killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses was not only reluctant to return to Egypt but also questioned whether the Israelites would believe that God had truly sent him. His past mistakes, particularly his actions in Egypt, weighed heavily on him, and he felt unworthy of the task. In addition, Moses feared that Pharaoh would not listen to him. However, God's response to Moses' hesitation was filled with assurance, providing the promise of His presence and guidance, which eventually helped Moses overcome his doubts and embrace the mission.
3. What does the name “I AM THAT I AM” reveal about God?
The name “I AM THAT I AM,” revealed to Moses in Exodus 3:14, holds profound theological significance. It emphasizes God’s self-existence, eternality, and unchanging nature. The phrase implies that God is not defined by anyone or anything outside of Himself. Unlike human beings who depend on others for existence, God exists independently, without beginning or end. This revelation of God’s name is also a declaration of His sovereignty over time and space. It assures Moses and the Israelites that God is always present and has the power to accomplish His will, regardless of circumstances. By revealing His name in this way, God invites Moses and the Israelites into a deeper understanding of His character and the intimate relationship He desires to have with His people.
4. Why does God tell Moses to remove his sandals in Exodus 3:5?
In Exodus 3:5, God instructs Moses to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. This command is symbolic of the sacredness of the moment and the reverence required when approaching the presence of the Almighty. Removing shoes was an ancient practice in many cultures to show respect or to signify entering a holy or sacred space. By asking Moses to take off his sandals, God is reminding him of His holiness and the need for reverence. It also serves as a physical act of humility, acknowledging the difference between God’s holiness and human sinfulness. This act highlights the profound significance of Moses’ encounter with God and establishes the importance of approaching God's presence with awe and respect.
5. How does Exodus 3 demonstrate God’s faithfulness to His promises?
Exodus 3 reveals God’s faithfulness to His promises in several ways. First, God reminds Moses of the covenant He made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, reaffirming that He has not forgotten His people. God has seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and has heard their cries, which is evidence of His attentive care. He promises to deliver them from their bondage, fulfilling the promise made to their ancestors. Additionally, God assures Moses that He will be with him as he confronts Pharaoh and leads the Israelites out of Egypt. The entire encounter emphasizes that God is faithful to His word, and He will act according to His divine plan, even when circumstances seem difficult or impossible. This faithfulness is a key theme throughout the Bible, showing that God’s promises are sure and trustworthy.
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