Exodus 3

Exodus 3:1

Horeb or Sinai was called the Mount of God, as he at this time appeared on it, and soon after proclaimed his laws from it; ch. xix. xx

Exodus 3:2

This flame represented the awful majesty, perfect purity, and infinite power, of God. The bush burning and not consumed, denotes the church of God, and particularly the Israelites, in their state debased, exposed, persecuted, and afflicted; but preserved by the presence and power of God; John xvi. 33. Acts xiv

Exodus 3:22

Ps. xlvi. 1—5. But perhaps it chiefly prongured the Godhead as dwelling in the manhood of Christ; and the terrible execution of divine vengeance upon him while he was preserved by his Godhead, and his Father’s residence in him; lvi. 2 Cor. v. 19, 21. Ver. 5. The pulling off his shoes marked with what holiness, humility, and reverence, we ought to approach unto God.—The ground was holy, was occasionally consecrated by the special manifestation of God thereon. Ver. 6. God was the God of Abraham, &c. He was engaged to them by manifold promises, which he was now come to perform. Ver. 7. I have seen, &c. I have kindly observed, mercifully regarded, and pitied, their misery. Ver. 8. I am about to manifest my infinite power and condescension in their deliverance.—A land flowing with milk and honey is one abounding with necessary and agreeable productions. Ver. 12. In the view of this solemn fellowship with me, encourage yourself to promote this deliverance. 2 Ver. 13.—Which of these names should I use, that they may be most encouraged to expect the deliverance? Ver. 14. I am that I am, I am the Fountain of being, eternally and unchangeably existing in, of, from, and by, myself. Ver. 15.—This is my character, whereby I will be remembered, owned, and served, by my people, and distinguished from all others. Ver. 19. Notwithstanding manifold plagues inflicted on his kingdom, he will not let you go but by mere constraint. Ver. 22. The word here rendered borrowed signifies merely to ask: it was no sin thus to ask the Egyptians’ property. God, the original and supreme proprietor of all things, commanded it. The Egyptians had forfeited their right by their wickedness, with respect to him. Hereby, too, He, as a righteous Judge, ordered payment of their wages to the Hebrews, who had been defrauded

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. III.—However long God seem to neglect, he will visit me at last. Let me therefore attend to my lawful calling, however mean, expecting his countenance in the way of my duty. If I desire solemn fellowship with him, let me retire from the world, and inquire into what he hath revealed. Let me always approach his presence with strong faith, holy awe, clean hands, and a pure heart. Let me, with joy and wonder, behold him as in Christ crucified, and at present in his church, to preserve her in her hottest troubles. Let me trust in Him as my own and my father’s God; and rejoice in the firmness and perpetuity of his new-covenant relations to us. Let me admire his mercy and wisdom in appearing for the salvation of his people when they have given over looking for him: and let me firmly hope that, whatever be the unworthiness of the object, the weakness of the instrument, or the wickedness or power of the opposer, the Lord will exactly fulfil the promises of his grace. O may I have this great I am to do all for me, give all to me, and be ALL IN ALL unto me! May I in every thing study to have his call cleared up and certified to me! May I receive my directions from him, what I shall say or do! May I labour after faithfulness in my work; and then, leaving it to the Lord, he will succeed my endeavours, graciously reward me on their account; and the wrongs done to me in this world will be all rectified at last