Exodus 3: Moses and The Burning Bush

I. Introduction:  The third chapter of the book of Exodus holds a unique place in the annals of biblical theology. It presents the first encounter of Moses with God and sets the stage for the exodus itself. The power, majesty, and divinity of God are profoundly depicted, presenting an inspirational narrative about God’s revelation of His sacred name and mission to liberate His people. This evaluation dissects this divinity, extracting its inspirational essence to readers today.

II. The Burning Bush: A symbol of God’s Presence (Exodus 3:2)

Exodus 3:2 reveals God manifesting His divine presence through a burning bush, a supernatural phenomenon that defies the natural course of things. This theme of God’s presence is also echoed in Exodus 13:21 and Isaiah 43:2, where God assures His presence amidst trials.

III. The Divine Call and Moses’s Humility (Exodus 3:4)

As God calls out to Moses in Exodus 3:4, Moses responds affirmatively, reflecting his humility before God. The continuity in such divine human call and response is seen in Samuel’s calling in 1 Samuel 3:10.

IV. The Holiness of God (Exodus 3:5)

God’s command to Moses to remove his sandals denotes God’s holy nature (Exodus 3:5). This recalls Joshua 5:15, where Joshua encounters a similar divine command. In both instances, the physical act of removing sandals symbolizes reverence toward God’s holiness.

V. God’s Compassionate Nature: The Suffering of His People (Exodus 3:7-9)

God reveals His compassion by expressing concern for the suffering of His people in Exodus 3:7-9. This divine compassion is a recurrent theme in the Bible, as seen in Psalms 46:1 and Lamentations 3:22.

VI. The Divine Commission: Deliverance of His People (Exodus 3:10)

God’s divine commission to Moses to bring His people out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10) is a powerful testament of God’s plan and purpose. Similar divine commissions can be seen in the calling of the prophets like Isaiah (Isaiah 6:8) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:7).

VII. God’s Assurance of Victory (Exodus 3:12)

God assures Moses of victory, as He promises to be with him (Exodus 3:12). This divine assurance is mirrored in many instances such as in Deuteronomy 20:4 and 1 Samuel 17:47, showcasing God’s omnipotence and willingness to fight for His people.

VIII. The Revelation of God’s Sacred Name: YHWH (Exodus 3:14)

When God reveals His sacred name as “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14), the profound divinity in this self-existence and eternal nature of God is unveiled. This theme of God’s eternal existence is common in the Bible, as seen in Psalms 90:2 and Revelations 1:8.

IX. Conclusion: Exodus Chapter 3 is a profound source of inspiration, revealing God’s divine attributes – His omnipresence, holiness, compassion, purpose, assurance of victory, and eternal existence. These revelations not only shaped Moses’s faith journey but continue to inspire believers today, affirming God’s unchanging character and His unwavering commitment to deliver His people.