Exodus 3

Chapter Summary

Exodus chapter 3 begins with Moses tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro in the wilderness, where he encounters a burning bush that is not consumed by fire. God speaks to Moses from the bush, telling him to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. God then reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and informs Moses that He has seen the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and has come to deliver them. Moses is hesitant to accept the task, citing his own inadequacy, but God promises to be with him and gives him signs to perform before the Israelites to demonstrate His power. The chapter concludes with God instructing Moses to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go, and Moses' continued reluctance due to his speech impediment.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 3 is situated in the larger context of the book of Exodus, which tells the story of the Israelites' deliverance from slavery in Egypt. This chapter marks a significant turning point in the book, as God reveals Himself to Moses and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The chapter is also connected to the larger biblical narrative, as it highlights God's covenant faithfulness to the patriarchs and His desire to redeem His people from sin. The events of Exodus 3 are also referenced in the New Testament, particularly in the book of Hebrews, which emphasizes the superiority of Christ over Moses and the Old Covenant.

Heart Application

As we reflect on Exodus chapter 3, we are reminded of God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in our lives. We are also encouraged to trust in God's power and presence, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. Just as Moses was called by God to a great task, we are also called to serve God and to fulfill His purposes in our lives. May we respond to God's call with faith and obedience, trusting in His promise to be with us and to empower us.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 3 is about God's call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. God reveals Himself to Moses in a burning bush and commissions him to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go. Moses is hesitant, but God promises to be with him and gives him signs to perform before the Israelites. This chapter shows us that God is sovereign and desires to be involved in our lives, and that He calls us to trust in His power and presence.

Voices from the Church

“The burning bush is a symbol of the Church of God, which is not consumed by the fires of persecution, but continues to flourish and bear fruit.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Moses' reluctance to accept the task that God has given him serves as a reminder that we are all inadequate for the tasks that God calls us to, but God's grace and power are sufficient to overcome our weaknesses.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

1. The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6) — Moses encounters a burning bush that is not consumed by fire, and God speaks to him from the bush.
2. God's Call to Moses (Exodus 3:7-10) — God reveals Himself to Moses and commissions him to go to Pharaoh and demand that he let the Israelites go.
3. Moses' Reluctance (Exodus 3:11-12) — Moses is hesitant to accept the task that God has given him, citing his own inadequacy.
4. God's Promise to Moses (Exodus 3:13-14) — God promises to be with Moses and gives him signs to perform before the Israelites.
5. Moses' Continued Reluctance (Exodus 3:15-22) — Moses continues to express his reluctance, but God reassures him and gives him further instructions.

Core Doctrines

Sovereignty of God

Exodus chapter 3 highlights God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in the lives of His people. God takes the initiative to reveal Himself to Moses and to call him to a great task.

Covenant Theology

The chapter also emphasizes God's covenant faithfulness to the patriarchs and His desire to redeem His people from sin. The events of Exodus 3 are connected to the larger biblical narrative, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promises.

Providence of God

The chapter shows us that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, guiding and directing them towards His purposes. God's presence and power are emphasized throughout the chapter, particularly in the burning bush and in God's promise to be with Moses.

Apologetics

The burning bush serves as a symbol of God's presence and power, and it is a reminder that God is always with us, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Lessons from Exodus 3

1. God's Sovereignty — Exodus chapter 3 teaches us that God is sovereign and desires to be involved in our lives. He takes the initiative to reveal Himself to us and to call us to great tasks.
2. God's Presence — The chapter emphasizes God's presence and power, particularly in the burning bush and in God's promise to be with Moses. This serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
3. Faith and Obedience — Moses' reluctance to accept the task that God has given him serves as a reminder that we are all inadequate for the tasks that God calls us to, but God's grace and power are sufficient to overcome our weaknesses. We are encouraged to respond to God's call with faith and obedience, trusting in His promise to be with us and to empower us.
4. Covenant Faithfulness — The chapter highlights God's covenant faithfulness to the patriarchs and His desire to redeem His people from sin. This serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises and desires to redeem us from our sins.
5. Trust in God's Power — Exodus chapter 3 encourages us to trust in God's power and presence, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. We are reminded that God is sovereign and desires to be involved in our lives, and that He promises to be with us and to empower us.

Themes from Exodus 3

1. Redemption — Exodus chapter 3 is part of the larger story of redemption in the Bible, highlighting God's desire to redeem His people from sin and slavery. The chapter serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises and desires to redeem us from our sins.
2. Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in the lives of His people. God takes the initiative to reveal Himself to Moses and to call him to a great task.
3. Faith — Moses' reluctance to accept the task that God has given him serves as a reminder that we are all inadequate for the tasks that God calls us to, but God's grace and power are sufficient to overcome our weaknesses. We are encouraged to respond to God's call with faith and obedience, trusting in His promise to be with us and to empower us.
4. Obedience — The chapter encourages us to respond to God's call with obedience, trusting in His promise to be with us and to empower us. We are reminded that God is sovereign and desires to be involved in our lives, and that He promises to be with us and to empower us.
5. Presence — The chapter emphasizes God's presence and power, particularly in the burning bush and in God's promise to be with Moses. This serves as a reminder that God is always with us, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.

Questions for Meditation

1. What does the burning bush represent in Exodus chapter 3, and what does it symbolize about God's presence and power?
2. How does Moses' reluctance to accept the task that God has given him serve as a reminder of our own inadequacy, and how does God's promise to be with him encourage us to trust in His power and presence?
3. What does Exodus chapter 3 teach us about God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in our lives, and how can we apply this to our own lives and circumstances?
4. How does the chapter emphasize God's covenant faithfulness to the patriarchs and His desire to redeem His people from sin, and what does this mean for our understanding of God's character and purposes?
5. What are some ways that we can respond to God's call in our own lives, and how can we trust in His promise to be with us and to empower us?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 3

	Sermon	Description
	K-513 Theology of Exile (2 of 2) by Art Katz	Art Katz emphasizes the significance of understanding God's judgment as a means to grasp His true nature, particularly in the context of the Holocaust and the exile of Israel. He a
	Be Still by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being still and knowing that God is in control. He encourages the audience to develop a deep and loving relationship with
	Books I Recommend With Comments - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of John Wesley and his dedication to meeting with God every morning at 4 o'clock. The speaker recommends a book called "A Treasury of
	A Holy Nation by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of separation from the world in the life of Abraham. God called Abraham to leave his country, his family, and his father's hou
	The Awful Presence of God by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for individuals to turn their attention towards God and His message. He uses the story of Moses and the burning bush as an example
	Brokenness Study #2 - the Purpose by Charles Stanley	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the incredible task that God gave to Moses. He was instructed to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Hebrew people. Moses was initiall
	Alone - Abandonment by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for a revival in the church. He describes the current state of the church as weak and powerless, comparing it to people in Africa l
	The Famine Has Begun by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and revealing His mind to the people. He shares his own experience of receiving letters from peo
	Dedicated to God Not Man by Major Ian Thomas	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the essential principles of the Christian life. He begins by discussing Moses and how he was learned in the w
	A Stick and a One Line Sermon by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of reaching the lost for the sake of Christ and giving one's life as a living sacrifice for God's causes. The preacher refers

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 3

In Exodus chapter 3, we see a remarkable display of God's power and presence, as He reveals Himself to Moses in a burning bush and commissions him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This chapter highlights God's sovereignty and His desire to be involved in the lives of His people, and it serves as a reminder that He is always with us, even in the midst of challenging circumstances. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The bush was a humble shrub, but it became a glorious sight when it was made the medium of the divine presence.' (Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 3:2) The chapter also emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience, as Moses is called to trust in God's power and presence and to respond to His call with obedience. As Henry notes, 'Moses was a man of great faith, but he was also a man of great humility, and he knew that he was not sufficient for the task that God had given him.' (Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 3:11) Overall, Exodus chapter 3 is a powerful reminder of God's character and purposes, and it encourages us to trust in His power and presence in our own lives and circumstances. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?