This verse from Exodus 3:4 is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses and marks the beginning of his encounter with God. Let's break down the meaning:
"When Yahweh saw that he came over to see...": This indicates that God (referred to here as Yahweh, often translated as "LORD") was observing Moses' curiosity. Moses was drawn to the burning bush, which was an unusual phenomenon as it was burning but not being consumed. God saw Moses' initiative to investigate.
"...God called to him out of the middle of the bush...": God initiated contact with Moses from within the burning bush. This emphasizes the divine presence and power. The bush itself isn't God, but rather a vehicle through which God chose to manifest and communicate.
"...and said, “Moses! Moses!”": God calls Moses by name, repeating it for emphasis. This signals the beginning of a personal and significant communication. Calling someone's name twice is a common literary device used to draw attention and indicate importance.
"He said, “Here I am.”": Moses' response is simple and humble. It shows his readiness to listen and obey. It's a statement of availability and submission to the one who is calling him.
In Summary, the verse indicates:
God's observation and initiation: God noticed Moses' curiosity and initiated the encounter.
Divine presence: God's presence is made manifest in a unique way, through the burning bush.
Personal communication: God establishes a direct, personal connection with Moses by calling him by name.
Moses' response: Moses shows a willingness to listen and obey, setting the stage for the divine mission he is about to receive.
This verse sets the scene for the rest of the chapter, where God will reveal his plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and calls Moses to be the one to lead them. It's a moment of divine appointment and transformation for Moses.
This verse from Exodus 3:4 is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses and marks the beginning of his encounter with God. Let's break down the meaning:
"When Yahweh saw that he came over to see...": This indicates that God (referred to here as Yahweh, often translated as "LORD") was observing Moses' curiosity. Moses was drawn to the burning bush, which was an unusual phenomenon as it was burning but not being consumed. God saw Moses' initiative to investigate.
"...God called to him out of the middle of the bush...": God initiated contact with Moses from within the burning bush. This emphasizes the divine presence and power. The bush itself isn't God, but rather a vehicle through which God chose to manifest and communicate.
"...and said, “Moses! Moses!”": God calls Moses by name, repeating it for emphasis. This signals the beginning of a personal and significant communication. Calling someone's name twice is a common literary device used to draw attention and indicate importance.
"He said, “Here I am.”": Moses' response is simple and humble. It shows his readiness to listen and obey. It's a statement of availability and submission to the one who is calling him.
In Summary, the verse indicates:
God's observation and initiation: God noticed Moses' curiosity and initiated the encounter.
Divine presence: God's presence is made manifest in a unique way, through the burning bush.
Personal communication: God establishes a direct, personal connection with Moses by calling him by name.
Moses' response: Moses shows a willingness to listen and obey, setting the stage for the divine mission he is about to receive.
This verse sets the scene for the rest of the chapter, where God will reveal his plan to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and calls Moses to be the one to lead them. It's a moment of divine appointment and transformation for Moses.