Exodus Chapter 3 — Moses and the Burning Bush
God speaks to Moses through a miraculous burning bush, commissioning him to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and revealing His eternal name.
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Notable Verses
Exodus 3:5
“He said, “Don’t come close. Take off your sandals, for the place you are standing on is holy ground.””
This verse establishes the concept of God's holiness and the reverence required when approaching the divine presence.
Exodus 3:14
“God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM,” and he said, “You shall tell the children of Israel this: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ””
This is one of the most significant name revelations in the Bible, signifying God's eternal and self-existent nature.
Chapter Summary
In Exodus Chapter 3, Moses is tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, near Mount Horeb when he witnesses a bush that burns but is not consumed. Out of the bush, God calls Moses by name and instructs him to remove his sandals, as he is standing on holy ground. God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and states that He has seen the suffering of His people in Egypt. He commissions Moses to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites to a land flowing with milk and honey. When Moses questions his own identity and asks for God's name, God reveals Himself as 'I AM WHO I AM,' instructing Moses to tell the Israelites that 'I AM' has sent him. God promises to demonstrate His power through wonders that will eventually compel Pharaoh to let the people go, and He assures Moses that the Israelites will not leave Egypt empty-handed.
Frequently Asked Questions
God commanded Moses to remove his sandals because the ground he was standing on was holy due to the presence of God. It was an act of humility and respect before the divine.
The name indicates God's self-existence, eternal nature, and unchangeable character. It identifies Him as the one true God who is present and active in history.
The encounter took place at Mount Horeb, which the text describes as 'God’s mountain.' This location is also widely known as Mount Sinai.
Study Note
The Hebrew name for God revealed here, often transliterated as Yahweh, is related to the verb 'to be' and emphasizes His active presence with His people.
Related Chapters
Genesis 15
This chapter contains God's earlier promise to Abraham regarding the deliverance of his descendants from bondage.
Exodus 4
Exodus 4 continues the dialogue between God and Moses as Moses prepares to return to Egypt.
Acts 7
In the New Testament, Stephen recounts the events of the burning bush while summarizing Israel's history.
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