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  • Exodus 3 – God Calls Moses from the Burning Bush

    Encountering the Divine: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on God’s Call in Exodus 3

    ✨ Executive Summary ✨

    Exodus 3, a pivotal chapter in salvation history, recounts Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb. This extraordinary event marks the turning point in Moses’ life, transforming him from a humble shepherd to the divinely appointed leader tasked with liberating the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This commentary, rooted in Coptic Orthodox tradition, explores the profound theological implications of this theophany, analyzing God’s self-revelation, the significance of His name, “I AM WHO I AM,” and the commissioning of Moses. We delve into the Patristic interpretations of this passage, connecting it to the broader narrative of redemption found throughout the Old and New Testaments. Ultimately, Exodus 3 reveals God’s unwavering commitment to His people, His powerful intervention in human history, and the transformative potential of encountering the living God. Discover the depths of this chapter through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Let’s uncover the profound spiritual truths embedded within the narrative, and how they apply to our lives today.

    Exodus Chapter 3 details the life-altering moment when God called Moses from the burning bush. This encounter on Mount Horeb, a mountain of God, set in motion the liberation of the Israelites and solidified Moses’ role as a pivotal prophet. The chapter unveils profound theological truths about God’s nature, His relationship with His people, and His plan for salvation.

    🔥 Commentary Sections 🔥

    Verse 1

    KJV: Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.

    NKJV: Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb the mountain of God.

    Moses, now a shepherd in Midian, is tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law. The geographical detail of “the backside of the desert” and the mention of “Horeb the mountain of God” set the stage for a divine encounter. The term “mountain of God” immediately elevates the location, suggesting a sacred space. This mirrors the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on consecrated places, such as churches and monasteries, as sites where divine grace is particularly accessible. Moses’ humble occupation as a shepherd foreshadows his future role as a shepherd of God’s people. We are reminded that God often chooses the humble and unassuming to accomplish His grand purposes. Much like launching your online presence, God may use the simplest things to build something extraordinary.

    Spiritual Application: God can use our everyday circumstances, no matter how mundane they seem, to lead us to profound spiritual experiences. We must remain open to encountering Him in the ordinary moments of life.

    Verse 2

    KJV: And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

    NKJV: And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.

    The “Angel of the Lord” appearing in a flame of fire is a crucial detail. In Coptic Orthodox theology, this “Angel of the Lord” is often interpreted as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. The burning bush, unconsumed, symbolizes the divine presence dwelling within the created world without destroying it. This miraculous image also reflects the Theotokos, the Virgin Mary, who bore the uncontainable God within her womb without being consumed, remaining a virgin before, during, and after childbirth. The imagery is rich with symbolism. The bush represents humanity, and the fire represents the divine presence. The fact that the bush is not consumed signifies that God’s presence can transform and purify us without destroying our essence. As Saint Athanasius writes:

    Αὐτὸς γὰρ ἐνηνθρώπησεν, ἵνα ἡμεῖς θεοποιηθῶμεν.

    Translation: “For He was made man, that we might be made God.” (Athanasius, De Incarnatione, 54)

    Spiritual Application: God’s presence in our lives can transform us without destroying us. We are called to allow the “fire” of the Holy Spirit to purify and illuminate our hearts.

    Verse 3

    KJV: And Moses said, I will now turn aside, and see this great sight, why the bush is not burnt.

    NKJV: Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.”

    Moses’ curiosity and his decision to “turn aside” demonstrate a key aspect of faith: the willingness to investigate and seek God. This turning aside is not merely a physical act, but also a turning of the heart and mind towards the divine. It speaks to the importance of actively seeking understanding and revelation in our spiritual journey. It also showcases Moses’ humility, acknowledging that this is a “great sight,” something beyond his ordinary experience. True humility allows us to recognize the divine when it presents itself. Moses isn’t immediately fearful, but cautiously curious. This demonstrates a balanced approach to encountering the divine: reverence coupled with a desire to understand.

    Spiritual Application: We must cultivate a spirit of curiosity and a willingness to “turn aside” from our daily routines to seek God in unexpected places and circumstances.

    Verse 4

    KJV: And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.

    NKJV: So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

    God’s response to Moses’ curiosity is crucial. He sees Moses’ willingness to seek Him and calls him by name, twice. The repetition of “Moses, Moses” emphasizes the personal nature of God’s call, indicating a specific and deliberate purpose. Moses’ response, “Here I am,” signifies his availability and obedience to God’s will. This call echoes the call of Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10) and foreshadows the call of the disciples in the New Testament (Matthew 4:18-22). The double calling, reminiscent of a parent gently but firmly calling a child, shows a combination of authority and tenderness in God’s voice.

    Spiritual Application: God is attentive to our hearts and responds to our sincere efforts to seek Him. He calls us by name, knowing us intimately and desiring a personal relationship with us.

    Verse 5

    KJV: And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.

    NKJV: Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.”

    God commands Moses to remove his sandals because the ground is holy. This act of removing shoes signifies reverence and humility in the presence of the divine. It is a recognition of God’s holiness and a symbolic separation from the mundane. The holiness of the ground is not inherent but derives from God’s presence. This mirrors the Coptic Orthodox understanding of sacred spaces, such as churches, where the Holy Spirit dwells and sanctifies the environment. Saint Basil the Great emphasizes the importance of reverence in prayer:

    Προσκυνητέον τὸν Κύριον ἐν τῷ φόβῳ, καὶ τὴν σωτηρίαν ἡμῶν ἐν τρόμῳ κατεργαζέσθωμεν.

    Translation: “Worship the Lord in fear, and work out your salvation with trembling.” (Basil the Great, Homiliae, 10)

    This emphasizes the necessity of humility and reverence when approaching God.

    Spiritual Application: We must approach God with reverence and humility, recognizing His holiness and acknowledging our own unworthiness. This can involve acts of physical reverence, such as bowing or kneeling in prayer.

    Verse 6

    KJV: Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

    NKJV: Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

    God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing the continuity of His covenant with the patriarchs. This declaration grounds God’s revelation in the historical context of His relationship with the Israelites. Moses’ reaction, hiding his face in fear, demonstrates the overwhelming nature of encountering the divine glory. This highlights the awe and reverence due to God’s transcendent holiness. God does not present himself as a new deity but as the same God who established the covenant with their forefathers. This continuity is important, showing God’s faithfulness and unwavering commitment. Moses’ fear underscores the vast difference between the human and the divine, reminding us that approaching God is not to be taken lightly.

    Spiritual Application: God is faithful to His promises and continues to work through the generations. We should remember the faithfulness of God in the past to strengthen our faith in the present.

    Verse 7-8

    KJV: And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows; And I am come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up out of that land unto a good land and a large, unto a land flowing with milk and honey; unto the place of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites.

    NKJV: And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites.”

    These verses reveal God’s compassion for His suffering people. He has “surely seen” their affliction, “heard their cry,” and “knows their sorrows.” This emphasizes God’s active involvement in the plight of the Israelites. His statement “I am come down to deliver them” signifies His intervention in human history to redeem His people. The promise of a “land flowing with milk and honey” represents the abundance and blessing that God intends to bestow upon them. The use of “surely seen” emphasizes God’s attentive awareness. He doesn’t just passively observe but actively takes notice of their suffering. The phrase “I am come down” is anthropomorphic, portraying God as descending from His heavenly dwelling to personally intervene. This highlights God’s immanence and His willingness to engage directly with His creation. The promise of a land “flowing with milk and honey” is a common metaphor for abundance, fertility, and divine blessing in the Old Testament. It symbolizes not only physical prosperity but also spiritual fulfillment. The listing of the Canaanite tribes emphasizes the challenges they will face in claiming the promised land but also underscores God’s promise of victory. He will not only deliver them from slavery but also lead them to triumph over their enemies.

    Spiritual Application: God is aware of our suffering and hears our cries. We can trust in His compassion and His promise to deliver us from our trials and tribulations.

    Verse 9-10

    KJV: Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel is come unto me: and I have also seen the oppression wherewith the Egyptians oppress them. Come now therefore, and I will send thee unto Pharaoh, that thou mayest bring forth my people the children of Israel out of Egypt.

    NKJV: Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them. Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.

    God reiterates His awareness of the Israelites’ suffering and commissions Moses to deliver them. This is the pivotal moment where Moses is called to be the leader and deliverer of his people. The phrase “I will send thee unto Pharaoh” highlights the divine authority behind Moses’ mission. He is not acting on his own initiative but as God’s appointed representative. God is entrusting Moses with a daunting task, facing the powerful Pharaoh of Egypt. But, the divine assurance is with him. The wording, “I will send you to Pharaoh,” directly implies God’s intention to challenge and confront the ruling power of Egypt. This is not a mere request but a divinely ordained confrontation that sets the stage for the plagues and the Exodus. The commission also emphasizes God’s ownership of the people: “bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” They are not simply a group of slaves but God’s chosen people, whom He is determined to liberate. This highlights the unique relationship between God and Israel.

    Spiritual Application: God calls us to participate in His work of redemption in the world. We may feel inadequate, but He equips us with the strength and authority to fulfill His purpose.

    Verse 11

    KJV: And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?

    NKJV: But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

    Moses’ response is one of humility and self-doubt. He questions his own ability and worthiness to undertake such a monumental task. This reflects a common human reaction to divine calling. We often feel inadequate and overwhelmed when faced with God’s demands. This mirrors the sentiment of Saint Peter when he exclaimed, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord!” (Luke 5:8). Moses’ self-doubt is a natural reaction to being called to such a monumental task. It showcases his humility and awareness of his own limitations. He does not presume any inherent ability or authority but rather questions his qualifications. This response emphasizes the profound imbalance between human weakness and divine power. Moses recognizes the magnitude of confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of Egypt, acknowledging that it is beyond his own capabilities.

    Spiritual Application: It is natural to feel inadequate when God calls us to a task. However, we must remember that He equips us with the grace and strength to overcome our limitations.

    Verse 12

    KJV: And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

    NKJV: So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

    God reassures Moses with the promise, “Certainly I will be with thee.” This divine assurance is the foundation of Moses’ confidence and strength. The sign given to Moses is that they will serve God on this very mountain after the Exodus, confirming the divine origin of his mission. The promise “I will certainly be with you” is the cornerstone of Moses’ calling. It assures him of God’s constant presence and support, overcoming his feelings of inadequacy. God’s presence is not just passive; it is an active, empowering force that will enable Moses to fulfill his mission. The sign given to Moses is future-oriented: “When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” This serves as a tangible confirmation of God’s promise. The fact that they will return to the same mountain where Moses received the call solidifies the connection between the initial encounter and the eventual fulfillment of God’s plan.

    Spiritual Application: God’s presence is our greatest source of strength and assurance. We can trust in His promise to be with us always, even in the most challenging circumstances.

    Verse 13

    KJV: And Moses said unto God, Behold, when I come unto the children of Israel, and shall say unto them, The God of your fathers hath sent me unto you; and they shall say to me, What is his name? what shall I say unto them?

    NKJV: Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

    Moses asks God what His name is, anticipating the Israelites’ need for a concrete identity for the God who is sending him. This question is not merely about information but about establishing a relationship with God. In ancient cultures, a name represented the essence and character of a person. Moses is seeking a way to introduce God to the Israelites in a meaningful and understandable way. Asking “What is His name?” is not just a matter of curiosity but a request for God to reveal His essential nature and character. Moses understands that the name carries power and significance, representing the very being of God. He needs this name to effectively communicate God’s identity and authority to the Israelites.

    Spiritual Application: Knowing God’s name is not merely an intellectual exercise but an invitation to a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him.

    Verse 14

    KJV: And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.

    NKJV: And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

    God’s response, “I AM THAT I AM,” is a profound revelation of His eternal and self-existent nature. In Hebrew, this is expressed as *’Ehyeh Asher ‘Ehyeh* (אֶֽהְיֶ֖ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽהְיֶ֑ה), conveying the idea of absolute being and self-sufficiency. This name signifies that God is not dependent on anything or anyone for His existence. He is the ultimate source of all being. This is the core of God’s self-revelation. It indicates His eternal, self-existent, and unchanging nature. This means God is not subject to time or any external forces; He simply *is*. This statement affirms His absolute sovereignty and independence. It is a declaration that God is the ultimate reality, the source of all existence. The phrase “I AM” becomes a powerful statement of God’s presence and power. It is not just a name but a declaration of who He is and what He can do.

    Spiritual Application: God is the eternal and self-existent source of all being. We can find our identity and purpose in Him, the one who is always present and faithful.

    Verse 15

    KJV: And God said moreover unto Moses, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath sent me unto you: this is my name for ever, and this is my memorial unto all generations.

    NKJV: Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’

    God further clarifies His name by associating it with the God of the patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This reinforces the continuity of His covenant with the Israelites. He is not a new God but the same God who made promises to their ancestors. God identifies Himself as the God of their ancestors to establish a historical and relational connection. This name serves as a reminder of God’s covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, emphasizing His faithfulness and commitment to His promises. The phrase “This is My name forever” indicates that this is how God wants to be known and remembered throughout all generations. This emphasizes the enduring significance of His covenant relationship with His people. God’s memorial ensures that His identity and works are never forgotten. It is a testament to His enduring presence and His commitment to His people throughout history.

    Spiritual Application: God’s faithfulness endures through the generations. We should remember His promises and trust in His unwavering love and commitment.

    Verse 16-22

    KJV: Go, and gather the elders of Israel together, and say unto them, The LORD God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared unto me, saying, I have surely visited you, and seen that which is done to you in Egypt: And I have said, I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt unto the land of the Canaanites, and the Hittites, and the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Hivites, and the Jebusites, unto a land flowing with milk and honey. And they shall hearken to thy voice: and thou shalt come, thou and the elders of Israel, unto the king of Egypt, and ye shall say unto him, The LORD God of the Hebrews hath met with us: and now let us go, we beseech thee, three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God. And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. And I will stretch out my hand, and smite Egypt with all my wonders which I will do in the midst thereof: and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favour in the sight of the Egyptians: and it shall come to pass, that, when ye go, ye shall not go empty: But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put them upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

    NKJV: Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go. And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

    These verses outline God’s plan for the Exodus. Moses is instructed to gather the elders of Israel and deliver God’s message of deliverance. God foretells Pharaoh’s resistance and promises to perform wonders in Egypt to compel him to release the Israelites. He also assures Moses that the Israelites will gain favor in the eyes of the Egyptians and leave with riches, effectively compensating them for their years of slavery. God anticipates the Israelites’ obedience and promises to empower Moses’ voice. God knows Pharaoh will resist, not even yielding to a mighty hand. This indicates a predetermined series of events where Pharaoh’s stubbornness will serve God’s greater purpose, paving the way for the demonstration of His power and glory. God promises to strike Egypt with wonders, demonstrating His power and sovereignty over Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. This divine intervention will eventually lead to Pharaoh’s release of the Israelites. God ensures the Israelites will not leave empty-handed, compensating them for their years of unpaid labor. This act of “plundering” the Egyptians is not about theft but about reclaiming what rightfully belongs to them, symbolizing a reversal of their fortunes and a restoration of their dignity.

    Spiritual Application: God has a plan for our lives, even when we face opposition and resistance. We can trust in His power to overcome obstacles and bring us to a place of freedom and abundance.

    💡 Key Reflections and Teachings 💡

    Exodus 3 offers several vital lessons for our lives today:

    • Divine Encounters: God reveals Himself in unexpected places and ways. Be open to encountering Him in the ordinary moments of life.
    • Humility and Reverence: Approach God with humility and reverence, acknowledging His holiness and your own limitations.
    • God’s Compassion: God is aware of your suffering and hears your cries. Trust in His compassion and His promise to deliver you.
    • Divine Calling: God calls you to participate in His work of redemption in the world. He equips you with the strength and authority to fulfill His purpose.
    • God’s Presence: God’s presence is your greatest source of strength and assurance. Trust in His promise to be with you always.
    • Faithfulness and Remembrance: Remember God’s faithfulness throughout history and trust in His unwavering love and commitment.

    ❓ FAQ ❓

    Here are some frequently asked questions about Exodus 3:

    • Q: Why did God appear in a burning bush?

      A: The burning bush symbolizes God’s presence in the world without being consumed by it. It also foreshadows the Incarnation, where God took on human form without diminishing His divinity. It can be likened to the Theotokos who carried God without being consumed.

    • Q: What is the significance of God’s name, “I AM WHO I AM”?

      A: This name reveals God’s eternal and self-existent nature. It signifies that He is the ultimate source of all being and is not dependent on anything or anyone for His existence. God is showing that He simply exists and is the foundation of reality.

    • Q: Why did God command Moses to remove his sandals?

      A: Removing sandals was a sign of reverence and humility in the presence of the divine. It recognized the holiness of the ground and symbolized a separation from the mundane. This action shows great honor and respect.

    • Q: What does Exodus 3 teach us about God’s relationship with humanity?

      A: It reveals God’s deep compassion for humanity, His active involvement in our suffering, and His desire to deliver us from oppression. He is a God who sees, hears, and knows our sorrows, and He intervenes in our lives to bring us to freedom and abundance.

    📜 Conclusion 🕊️

    Exodus 3 is a profound testament to God’s self-revelation, His compassion for His people, and His power to transform individuals and nations. The encounter at the burning bush forever changed Moses’ life and set in motion the liberation of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. The revelation of God’s name, “I AM WHO I AM,” unveils the depths of His eternal and self-existent nature. As Coptic Orthodox Christians, we draw strength and inspiration from this passage, recognizing that God is not distant or indifferent to our suffering, but actively involved in our lives. We can encounter this same God today, through prayer, sacraments, and service to others. By approaching Him with humility and reverence, we open ourselves to experience His transformative presence and participate in His ongoing work of redemption. Discover the divine call within you and respond with a heart ready to serve. Trust in God’s promise of presence and His power to lead you to a life of freedom and abundance. May we all echo Moses’ willingness to turn aside and say, “Here I am,” ready to follow God’s call. Let this chapter serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering commitment to His people and the transformative power of encountering the Divine.

    Tags

    Burning Bush, Moses, Exodus, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, God, I AM, Mount Horeb, Theophany, Salvation

    Meta Description

    Explore the profound meaning of Exodus 3 through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover God’s call to Moses and the significance of “I AM WHO I AM” in this detailed commentary.