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Exodus 3

22 verses

TL;DR

Moses encounters the burning bush on Mount Horeb, where God reveals Himself, commissions Moses to free Israel from Egypt, and declares His covenantal name. The chapter sets the stage for the Exodus by combining divine encounter, mission, and promise.

Summary

The chapter opens with Moses leading his father‑in‑law Jethro’s flock to the desert and coming upon the burning bush at Mount Horeb. The bush is aflame yet not consumed, and the Angel of the LORD speaks to Moses, commanding him to remove his sandals for the holy ground. God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, declares that He has heard Israel’s suffering in Egypt, and vows to deliver them to a land flowing with milk and honey. Moses questions his ability to confront Pharaoh, but God assures him of His presence and gives him a token—serving the people on the mountain after their liberation—as proof of His calling. God also reveals His name, “I AM THAT I AM,” instructing Moses to proclaim it to Israel. Finally, God outlines the plan to persuade Pharaoh through miracles, promising that Israel will not leave empty but will bring wealth from the Egyptians.

Outline
  1. Moses’ encounter with the burning bush and divine revelation of God’s identity
  2. God’s proclamation of Israel’s deliverance and instructions to Moses
  3. God’s covenantal name and the plan to free Israel through miracles
Themes
Divine RevelationFaith and ObedienceCovenantal Deliverance
Keywords
MosesGodPharaohIsraelExodusburning bushholy groundcovenantdeliveranceI AM
People
MosesJethroGodPharaoh
Places
Mount HorebEgyptCanaan
Things
burning bushflame of fireholy groundtoken
Key Verses
  • Exodus 3:2: Illustrates the supernatural nature of the burning bush, a central symbol of God’s presence.
  • Exodus 3:7: Reveals God’s empathy for Israel’s suffering, establishing the motive for the mission.
  • Exodus 3:14: God’s self‑revelation as “I AM THAT I AM” establishes His eternal nature and sets the foundation for Israel’s identity.
Questions
  • What does the burning bush reveal about God’s character and His mode of communication?
  • How does God’s promise to Moses connect to the larger narrative of the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land?
  • In what ways does the declaration of God’s name in Exodus 3:14 influence Israel’s understanding of their relationship with God?
  • What can we learn from Moses' fear and his request for signs about the importance of faith and obedience?
  • How does the promise of bringing riches from Egypt challenge or reinforce the idea of divine provision?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage contains awe at God’s revelation, fear in Moses, and hope in the promised deliverance.