Main Highlights
God appears to Moses in a burning bush and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, revealing His name as I AM WHO I AM.
Key Verses
"Then Moses said to God, If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, “The God of your fathers has sent me to you,” and they ask me, “What is his name?” what shall I say to them? God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM. And he said, Say this to the people of Israel, “I AM has sent me to you.”"- Exodus 3:13-14
Related Scripture
"Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."- John 8:58
Scholar Insight
"N.T. Wright connects the I AM revelation to God's self-existence and his covenant faithfulness."
Theological Analysis
What we learn about God
We learn about God's power over earthly rulers (Exodus 1:17), His providential care (Exodus 2:6), and His self-existent nature as I AM (Exodus 3:14). He is also revealed as a God who hears the cries of His people (Exodus 2:24-25) and acts to deliver them.
Christological Connection
While not explicitly named, the Angel of the Lord in the burning bush is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The theme of deliverance also foreshadows Jesus's role as the ultimate deliverer from sin and death.
Systematic Theology
These passages introduce the concept of divine revelation, God making Himself known to humanity. The burning bush encounter is a key example of God initiating communication with Moses.
Law & Grace
The concept of law is not yet explicitly given, but the seeds of it are present in God's moral character and His intention to establish a covenant with His people. Grace is evident in God's unmerited favor toward Israel, choosing them for deliverance despite their slavery.
Personal Application
These passages encourage us to trust in God's power and sovereignty, recognize God's presence in our lives, respond to God's call, and remember God's faithfulness.