Exodus 3 explained: The Burning Bush and God's Name

A bush that does not burn (vv. 1-6)

Moses, now a shepherd far from Egypt, sees a desert thornbush on fire that never burns up, often read as a picture of God present with a suffering people who are not destroyed. Taking off sandals was a sign of respect in a holy place, and God names himself the God of Moses' ancestors, tying this moment to his old promises.

God has seen and heard (vv. 7-10)

God says he has noticed the slaves' misery and will bring them to a rich, fertile land, which is what "flowing with milk and honey" means. The list of nations is an honest reminder that the land was already home to other peoples, which later leads to hard stories of conquest.

Who am I? (vv. 11-12)

Moses doubts he is the right person. God's answer is not about Moses' ability but a promise to be with him, and the proof comes only afterward, when the people worship on this same mountain.

God's name (vv. 13-15)

God answers with a mysterious phrase built on the Hebrew verb "to be," which may mean that he simply is, or that he will be whatever he chooses to be for his people; scholars are unsure of its exact sense, though it is linked to the personal name many Bibles print as "the LORD." Christians later connected it with sayings of Jesus about himself in John's Gospel.

The plan for Pharaoh (vv. 16-20)

Moses is to gather Israel's leaders and ask Pharaoh for a short trip into the wilderness to offer sacrifices. God warns that Pharaoh will refuse until forced, pointing ahead to the plagues.

Not leaving empty-handed (vv. 21-22)

The Israelite women are to ask their Egyptian neighbors for silver, gold and clothing, and the text bluntly calls this plundering Egypt. Many interpreters see it as back pay for generations of forced labor, though readers have long wrestled with it.

Key verse: Exodus 3:14

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on whether God's answer about his name in verse 14 mainly describes his unchanging, self-existent being or mainly promises his active presence with his people in history.

Something to think about

When have you been asked to do something you felt completely unqualified for, and what, if anything, made it possible to say yes?