Meaning of Exodus 3:6

This verse marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, as God reveals Himself to Moses at the burning bush, establishing a profound connection to the patriarchs of Israel. The statement, "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob," is not merely an introduction but a declaration of covenantal relationship and continuity. By identifying Himself with the God of these foundational figures, the Lord emphasizes His faithfulness to the promises made to them, assuring Moses that He remembers His covenant with Abraham and will bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses' reaction, hiding his face in fear, underscores the awesome holiness and divine presence of God, a recognition of the vast gulf between the mortal and the divine, and the inherent awe that such a direct encounter would inspire.

Context and Background

The encounter occurs while Moses is tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, in the wilderness of Midian. He has been exiled from Egypt for decades, having fled after killing an Egyptian. During this time, he likely felt disconnected from his people and his past. The burning bush, which is consumed by fire but not destroyed, serves as a supernatural sign, drawing Moses' attention and preparing him for a divine revelation. God's direct address and self-identification are the immediate precursors to His commissioning of Moses to lead the Israelites out of their bondage.

Key Themes and Messages

• Divine Covenant and Faithfulness: God's reiteration of His identity as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is a powerful affirmation of His enduring covenant with these patriarchs and their descendants. It signifies that God's promises are not forgotten and that His purposes will be fulfilled.
• Divine Presence and Holiness: Moses' fear and his act of hiding his face highlight the overwhelming holiness and majesty of God. It illustrates the profound difference between humanity and the divine, and the natural human response of awe and reverence in the face of God's immediate presence.
• God's Initiative and Revelation: This encounter is entirely initiated by God. He reveals Himself to Moses, not the other way around, demonstrating God's active role in history and His desire to communicate with humanity.
• Continuity of God's Plan: By linking Himself to the patriarchs, God shows that His plan for the liberation of Israel is not a new one but a continuation of His established purposes from the time of Abraham.

Spiritual Significance and Application

This verse speaks to the nature of God's relationship with His people. He is a God who remembers His promises and remains faithful, even through long periods of human suffering or perceived divine absence. For believers, it assures them that God's covenant love extends to them through Christ, and that He is intimately acquainted with their lives and their struggles. Moses' fear is a reminder of the reverence due to God, urging believers to approach Him with humility and respect, while also recognizing that the New Covenant in Christ allows for boldness and access to God's throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16).

Relation to the Broader Biblical Narrative

Exodus 3:6 is foundational to the entire Old Testament narrative. It establishes the divine authority and purpose behind the Exodus, the defining event of Israel's early history. This revelation directly leads to God's commissioning of Moses and the subsequent liberation of the Israelites from slavery. The covenant established with Abraham and reaffirmed here is the bedrock upon which Israel's identity and relationship with God are built. The theme of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises echoes throughout the Scriptures, culminating in the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ.

Analogies

• An Heirloom Promise: Imagine a family heirloom that has been passed down through generations, carrying with it the promises and legacy of ancestors. God's declaration is like a solemn recommitment to that ancient, precious promise, assuring the current generation that the legacy is secure and will be honored.
• A Family Crest: The names of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob serve as a divine family crest, signifying God's ownership and His enduring relationship with this specific lineage. It's like a king declaring, "I am the sovereign of this ancient royal house."
• A Foundation Stone: The patriarchs represent the foundational stones upon which God's relationship with Israel is built. God is declaring that He is the same architect and builder who laid those crucial first stones, and He will continue the construction.

Relation to Other Verses

• Genesis 12:1-3: This passage records God's initial covenant promises to Abraham, including the promise of descendants and a land. Exodus 3:6 directly references this covenant, showing God's faithfulness to it.
• Deuteronomy 7:7-9: Moses, in his later address to the Israelites, recounts God's love and choice of them, emphasizing that God's commitment was not due to their size or number, but to His love and the oath He swore to their fathers. This reinforces the continuity of God's faithfulness.
• Hebrews 11:16: The author of Hebrews highlights that the patriarchs looked for a heavenly city, and "God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city." This verse echoes the sentiment of Exodus 3:6, emphasizing God's enduring relationship and His ultimate fulfillment of His promises.
• Matthew 22:32: Jesus Himself quotes this very phrase when refuting the Sadducees' denial of the resurrection, stating, "I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." He uses it to prove that God is a God of the living, demonstrating the enduring reality of His relationship with the patriarchs and, by extension, with all who are His.