Exodus 3:6 – “Then he said, ‘I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ At this, Moses hid his face, because he was afraid to look at God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Exodus 3:6 is a significant moment in Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. After commanding Moses to remove his sandals in recognition of the holy ground, God introduces Himself with a powerful declaration: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” This statement establishes the continuity of God’s covenant with the patriarchs and affirms that the same God who guided their lives is now appearing to Moses.
Moses’ reaction—hiding his face in fear—reveals his deep reverence and awe for God. Moses recognizes that he is in the presence of the Almighty, and his response reflects an awareness of his own unworthiness before a holy God. This verse not only introduces Moses to the God who will guide him through the rest of his life but also connects Moses to the rich heritage of faith that began with the patriarchs.
Historical Context
In the historical context, the names Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob are foundational to the identity of the people of Israel. God had made covenants with each of these patriarchs, promising them descendants, land, and blessings that would extend to all nations. By identifying Himself as the God of these forefathers, God is reminding Moses of the promises He made and is reaffirming His commitment to fulfill them.
At this point, Moses is living in Midian, having fled Egypt forty years earlier. The mention of “the God of your father” likely refers to Moses’ immediate ancestors, connecting him personally to the story of God’s people. This moment marks the beginning of Moses’ realization that God has a specific plan for him, tied directly to the promises made to his ancestors.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 3:6 emphasizes the faithfulness of God. By declaring Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God is affirming that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His promises are enduring, and His covenant with the patriarchs continues through Moses and the people of Israel.
This verse also highlights the importance of God’s self-revelation. God does not remain hidden but chooses to reveal Himself to Moses in a way that is both personal and deeply connected to the history of Israel. The fear that Moses feels is a natural response to encountering the living God, reflecting the awe and reverence due to Him.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 3:6 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative. The verse transitions from the miraculous sign of the burning bush to a personal and historical connection between God and Moses. The repetition of “the God of” before each patriarch’s name adds emphasis and reinforces the continuity of God’s relationship with His people.
Moses’ act of hiding his face is a literary device that conveys his deep sense of humility and fear in the presence of God. It also sets the tone for the rest of the encounter, where Moses will be both challenged and reassured by God’s words.
Biblical Cross-References
- Matthew 22:31-32: Jesus quotes this verse when discussing the resurrection, emphasizing that God is not the God of the dead but of the living.
- Acts 7:32: Stephen references this encounter in his speech before the Sanhedrin, highlighting God’s faithfulness to His promises.
- Genesis 28:13: God introduces Himself to Jacob in a similar way, affirming His covenant relationship with the patriarchs.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Exodus 3:6 serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the continuity of His promises. The God who spoke to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is the same God who calls and guides us today. This verse encourages believers to trust in God’s unchanging nature and His commitment to fulfill His promises, even across generations.
Moses’ response also teaches us about the appropriate reverence and humility we should have when approaching God. Recognizing who God is—the same God of the patriarchs—should inspire awe and a deep respect in our hearts.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows God’s love in His desire to connect personally with Moses and, by extension, with His people. By identifying Himself as the God of the patriarchs, God is affirming His loving commitment to the covenant He made with them. This covenant is not just a contract; it’s a relationship based on love, faithfulness, and a desire to bless His people.
God’s self-revelation is an act of love, inviting Moses into a deeper understanding of who He is and what He is about to do. It demonstrates that God’s love is not distant but is intricately woven into the history and future of His people.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Exodus 3:6 connects to Jesus Christ in the way that God’s promises are fulfilled through Him. Jesus is the ultimate descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, through whom all the promises of God are realized (Galatians 3:16). Just as God introduced Himself to Moses as the God of the patriarchs, Jesus identifies Himself with the same God, claiming unity with the Father (John 10:30).
Furthermore, the reverence Moses shows before God parallels the reverence with which we should approach Jesus, who is both our Savior and our God. Jesus’ resurrection also affirms that God is the God of the living, as He declared in Matthew 22:31-32, echoing the same truth revealed to Moses.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How does understanding God as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob strengthen your faith in His promises?
- In what ways can you cultivate a deeper reverence for God in your daily life, similar to Moses’ response?
- How does the continuity of God’s relationship with the patriarchs encourage you in your own walk with God?
- What does this verse teach you about God’s faithfulness and how can that impact your trust in Him?
- How does recognizing Jesus as the fulfillment of God’s promises to the patriarchs deepen your understanding of His role in your life?