Exodus 3:6 - Moreover he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 3:6" mean?
This verse, Exodus 3:6, is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Moreover he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”"
"I am the God...": This is God's self-identification. It's a declaration of his existence and presence.
"God of your father": This likely refers to Moses' father-in-law, Jethro (also called Reuel), who was a priest of Midian. The phrase acknowledges a pre-existing relationship or connection to God through Moses' lineage.
"God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob": This is crucial. It emphasizes God's covenant relationship with the patriarchs of Israel. By identifying himself in this way, God is:
Establishing continuity: He's not a new God, but the same God who made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This links Moses and the Israelites directly to the promises and covenants made in the past.
Asserting his faithfulness: The promises made to the patriarchs (land, descendants, blessing) were still valid and would be fulfilled. This is a message of hope and reassurance to the Israelites who were suffering in slavery in Egypt.
Declaring his power: These figures (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) were significant in Israelite history. Associating with them indicates that God has always been powerful and active in the lives of his people.
"Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God."
"Moses hid his face": This is a sign of reverence, humility, and fear in the presence of the divine. It acknowledges God's holiness and Moses' own unworthiness.
"for he was afraid to look at God": This reveals the profound awe and fear that God's presence inspires. The idea that humans cannot directly look upon God and live is a common theme in the Hebrew Bible. It emphasizes God's transcendence and the potential danger of encountering his unfiltered glory.
In summary, this verse is a powerful declaration of God's identity, his covenant with the patriarchs, and his impending intervention in the lives of the Israelites. It also highlights the appropriate response of a human being in the presence of the divine – reverence, humility, and awe. It sets the stage for the rest of the Exodus story, where God will deliver his people from slavery and fulfill the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The statement identifies God with specific people and is meant to inspire Moses and through him the people of Israel that God knows them and their history.
Exodus 3:6 - Moreover he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God.
What does "Exodus 3:6" mean?
This verse, Exodus 3:6, is a pivotal moment in the story of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:
"Moreover he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.”"
"I am the God...": This is God's self-identification. It's a declaration of his existence and presence.
"God of your father": This likely refers to Moses' father-in-law, Jethro (also called Reuel), who was a priest of Midian. The phrase acknowledges a pre-existing relationship or connection to God through Moses' lineage.
"God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob": This is crucial. It emphasizes God's covenant relationship with the patriarchs of Israel. By identifying himself in this way, God is:
Establishing continuity: He's not a new God, but the same God who made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This links Moses and the Israelites directly to the promises and covenants made in the past.
Asserting his faithfulness: The promises made to the patriarchs (land, descendants, blessing) were still valid and would be fulfilled. This is a message of hope and reassurance to the Israelites who were suffering in slavery in Egypt.
Declaring his power: These figures (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) were significant in Israelite history. Associating with them indicates that God has always been powerful and active in the lives of his people.
"Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look at God."
"Moses hid his face": This is a sign of reverence, humility, and fear in the presence of the divine. It acknowledges God's holiness and Moses' own unworthiness.
"for he was afraid to look at God": This reveals the profound awe and fear that God's presence inspires. The idea that humans cannot directly look upon God and live is a common theme in the Hebrew Bible. It emphasizes God's transcendence and the potential danger of encountering his unfiltered glory.
In summary, this verse is a powerful declaration of God's identity, his covenant with the patriarchs, and his impending intervention in the lives of the Israelites. It also highlights the appropriate response of a human being in the presence of the divine – reverence, humility, and awe. It sets the stage for the rest of the Exodus story, where God will deliver his people from slavery and fulfill the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The statement identifies God with specific people and is meant to inspire Moses and through him the people of Israel that God knows them and their history.