Exodus 3 presents the calling of Moses through the burning bush, revealing God’s plan to deliver Israel from Egypt. Read the full text here.
Text Structure
Ex 3:1-3
The burning bush. Moses sees a bush that burns without being consumed, an unusual supernatural sign that captures his attention and leads him to draw near to understand what is happening.
Ex 3:4-6
God’s call. God speaks to Moses and reveals Himself as the God of his fathers, instructing him to recognize the holiness of that moment and the reverence required in His presence.
Ex 3:7-10
The mission. God declares that He has heard the cry of His people and decides to act, sending Moses as the instrument to deliver Israel from the oppression they faced in Egypt.
Ex 3:11-12
Moses’ resistance. He questions his ability and feels inadequate, but God responds with a firm promise: His presence would be enough to accomplish the mission.
Ex 3:13-15
The name of God. God reveals Himself as “I AM,” showing His eternal, independent, and sovereign nature, above time and any human limitation.
Ex 3:16-22
The detailed plan. God instructs Moses on how to act, anticipating Pharaoh’s resistance and revealing that deliverance would come through clear demonstrations of power.
Additional Literature
As a complement to the theme presented in Exodus 3, the following reading is recommended:
Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 22 - “Moses”
Reflection
Exodus 3 shows that God reveals Himself in everyday life, but in a way that completely transforms the direction of a person’s life. An ordinary moment becomes an eternal calling.
Moses’ question is not uncommon: “Who am I?” God’s answer shifts the focus: it’s not about who is going, but about Who is sending.
As presented in Patriarchs and Prophets, chapter 22, God’s calling does not depend on human ability, but on His presence. When He calls, He also sustains.