Exodus 3:11 - 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?”
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What does "Exodus 3:11" mean?
This verse, Exodus 3:11, reveals Moses' profound feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness when God commands him to liberate the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Moses said to God...": This establishes that Moses is directly addressing God.
"Who am I...": This is the core of his concern. He is questioning his own identity and significance. He sees himself as insignificant and unimportant.
"...that I should go to Pharaoh...": Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler in the world at the time. Moses is expressing doubt about his ability to even approach such a formidable figure, let alone convince him to release the Israelites.
"...and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?": The task God is giving him seems impossibly large. He doesn't believe he has the skills, authority, or power to lead an entire nation out of bondage.
In essence, Moses is saying:
"I'm nobody special. I'm just a shepherd."
"I'm not qualified to deal with someone as powerful as Pharaoh."
"I'm not capable of leading the Israelites to freedom."
"Why me? There must be someone better suited for this task."
Meaning and Significance:
Humility: The verse highlights Moses' humility. He doesn't presume to have the necessary attributes for such a monumental task.
Recognition of Divine Power: His question implicitly acknowledges that the task is beyond human ability. He recognizes that he would need divine intervention and power to succeed.
A Common Human Response: Moses' reaction is relatable. When faced with daunting challenges, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and doubt oneself.
God's Choice of the Unlikely: The fact that God chooses someone who feels so inadequate emphasizes that God's power is made perfect in weakness. God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, to demonstrate that the power comes from Him, not from the individual.
This verse is a key moment in the story of Moses. It sets the stage for God's reassurances and empowerment of Moses, emphasizing that it is God's power, not Moses' own, that will ultimately deliver the Israelites. It also shows the contrast between human limitation and divine potential. God will reassure him in the following verses (Exodus 3:12), saying, "I will be with you."
Exodus 3:11 - 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?”
What does "Exodus 3:11" mean?
This verse, Exodus 3:11, reveals Moses' profound feelings of inadequacy and unworthiness when God commands him to liberate the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Moses said to God...": This establishes that Moses is directly addressing God.
"Who am I...": This is the core of his concern. He is questioning his own identity and significance. He sees himself as insignificant and unimportant.
"...that I should go to Pharaoh...": Pharaoh was the most powerful ruler in the world at the time. Moses is expressing doubt about his ability to even approach such a formidable figure, let alone convince him to release the Israelites.
"...and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?": The task God is giving him seems impossibly large. He doesn't believe he has the skills, authority, or power to lead an entire nation out of bondage.
In essence, Moses is saying:
"I'm nobody special. I'm just a shepherd."
"I'm not qualified to deal with someone as powerful as Pharaoh."
"I'm not capable of leading the Israelites to freedom."
"Why me? There must be someone better suited for this task."
Meaning and Significance:
Humility: The verse highlights Moses' humility. He doesn't presume to have the necessary attributes for such a monumental task.
Recognition of Divine Power: His question implicitly acknowledges that the task is beyond human ability. He recognizes that he would need divine intervention and power to succeed.
A Common Human Response: Moses' reaction is relatable. When faced with daunting challenges, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and doubt oneself.
God's Choice of the Unlikely: The fact that God chooses someone who feels so inadequate emphasizes that God's power is made perfect in weakness. God often uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things, to demonstrate that the power comes from Him, not from the individual.
This verse is a key moment in the story of Moses. It sets the stage for God's reassurances and empowerment of Moses, emphasizing that it is God's power, not Moses' own, that will ultimately deliver the Israelites. It also shows the contrast between human limitation and divine potential. God will reassure him in the following verses (Exodus 3:12), saying, "I will be with you."