Exodus 3:6
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.
Original Language Analysis
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
3 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
אָבִ֔יךָ
of thy father
H1
אָבִ֔יךָ
of thy father
Strong's:
H1
Word #:
4 of 18
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
7 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃
I am the God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
9 of 18
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
פָּנָ֔יו
his face
H6440
פָּנָ֔יו
his face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 18
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
14 of 18
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יָרֵ֔א
for he was afraid
H3372
יָרֵ֔א
for he was afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
15 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Cross References
Matthew 22:32I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.Luke 20:37Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.Mark 12:26And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?Exodus 4:5That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.Acts 7:32Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.Genesis 28:13And, behold, the LORD stood above it, and said, I am the LORD God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed;Revelation 1:17And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last:1 Kings 18:36And it came to pass at the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near, and said, LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that thou art God in Israel, and that I am thy servant, and that I have done all these things at thy word.Judges 13:22And Manoah said unto his wife, We shall surely die, because we have seen God.Psalms 132:2How he sware unto the LORD, and vowed unto the mighty God of Jacob;
Historical Context
God's self-identification through the patriarchs anchors Moses' call in redemptive history. The covenant promises to Abraham (Genesis 12, 15, 17), reiterated to Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15), are now being fulfilled through Moses. This continuity shows God's faithfulness across generations and prepares Moses to lead Israel in covenant relationship with YHWH.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's self-revelation as 'God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob' assure you of His faithfulness to covenant promises?
- What does Moses' hiding his face teach about the balance between intimate relationship with God and reverent fear of His holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moreover he said, I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God (וַיֹּאמֶר אָנֹכִי אֱלֹהֵי אָבִיךָ אֱלֹהֵי אַבְרָהָם אֱלֹהֵי יִצְחָק וֵאלֹהֵי יַעֲקֹב וַיַּסְתֵּר מֹשֶׁה פָּנָיו כִּי יָרֵא מֵהַבִּיט אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים, vayomer anokhi Elohei avikha Elohei Avraham Elohei Yitschak vElohei Ya'akov vayaster Mosheh panav ki yare mehabit el-ha'Elohim)—I am the God of thy father—God identifies Himself through covenant relationship. The threefold repetition God of Abraham, God of Isaac, God of Jacob emphasizes covenant continuity (cf. Matthew 22:32). Jesus uses this verse to prove the resurrection—the living God is God of the living. Moses hid his face (וַיַּסְתֵּר פָּנָיו)—reverential fear replaces curiosity. Afraid to look upon God acknowledges the ancient belief that seeing God meant death (Exodus 33:20, Judges 6:22-23). Moses' fear demonstrates proper response to theophany—awe, reverence, and holy fear.