Exodus 3:6

Exodus 3:6 records a pivotal moment in biblical history: God's direct revelation to Moses at the burning bush. This verse is foundational, establishing God's identity and Moses' initial response to divine presence.

Context

This verse occurs during Moses' forty-year exile in Midian, where he is tending sheep. He encounters a miraculous sight—a bush burning but not consumed. As Moses draws near to investigate, God calls to him from the midst of the bush. This particular statement follows God's instruction for Moses to remove his sandals, acknowledging the ground as holy. God is about to commission Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage, and this self-identification is crucial for Moses to understand who is sending him.

Key Themes

• God's Enduring Identity and Covenant Faithfulness: By declaring Himself "the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," the Lord emphasizes continuity. He is not a new deity but the same faithful God who established an everlasting covenant with the patriarchs of Israel. This declaration assures Moses that the God of his ancestors, the God of promise, is now actively intervening in the history of His people. This continuity is a powerful theme found throughout the Old Testament, reaffirming God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His promises.
• Divine Holiness and Awe: Moses' immediate reaction—hiding his face and being afraid to look upon God—underscores the profound holiness and majesty of the Almighty. This is a common response in scripture when humans encounter the divine presence, highlighting the immense gap between finite humanity and infinite, holy God. It teaches us reverence and humility in the presence of the Creator. The fear mentioned here is not terror but a profound sense of awe and respect for God's transcendent nature.
• God's Personal Relationship: The phrase "the God of thy father" makes the divine connection deeply personal to Moses, linking him directly to the ancestral faith. This personal address signals that God is not a distant, abstract concept but a living Being who engages personally with His chosen servants.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of "the God of" (אֱלֹהֵי, 'Elohei) before each patriarch's name emphatically links God's identity to His historical relationship with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This phrase sets the stage for the even more profound revelation of God's name, "I AM THAT I AM" (Exodus 3:14), which immediately follows this declaration. Jesus Himself later references this very verse in Matthew 22:32 to argue for the resurrection, stating, "God is not the God of the dead, but of the living," affirming the enduring life and relationship with His covenant people.

Practical Application

Exodus 3:6 reminds us that the God we worship is the same faithful God who has acted throughout history. He is personal, covenant-keeping, and utterly holy. This passage calls us to:

1. Reverence: To approach God with humility and awe, recognizing His supreme holiness.
2. Trust in His Faithfulness: To remember that God is true to His promises, even when circumstances seem bleak. His character is unchanging.
3. Embrace Our Spiritual Heritage: To recognize that our faith is connected to a long line of believers, and God's work continues through generations.