Exodus 3:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:1
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, salvation, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it foreshadows Christ's work through typology and prophetic elements. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 3:1
1 Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.
Analysis
Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb (וּמֹשֶׁה הָיָה רֹעֶה אֶת־צֹאן יִתְרוֹ חֹתְנוֹ כֹּהֵן מִדְיָן וַיִּנְהַג אֶת־הַצֹּאן אַחַר הַמִּדְבָּר וַיָּבֹא אֶל־הַר הָאֱלֹהִים חֹרֵבָה, uMosheh hayah ro'eh et-tson Yithro chotno kohen Midyan vayinhag et-hatson achar hamidbar vayavo el-har ha'Elohim Choreivah)—Moses the prince has become Moses the shepherd for 40 years—God's wilderness seminary. Mountain of God (הַר הָאֱלֹהִים, har ha'Elohim) and Horeb (חֹרֵבָה, related to "desolate") is Mount Sinai, where God will later give the Law (Exodus 19-20). The name "mountain of God" is prophetic—this site wasn't sacred until God manifested there. Moses' shepherding prepared him for leading God's flock; the wilderness trained him for the Exodus journey. Humble pastoral work was God's chosen preparation for His chosen deliverer.
Historical Context
Horeb/Sinai is traditionally located in the southern Sinai Peninsula, though exact location is debated. The journey from Midian to Horeb with flocks was arduous, indicating Moses' skill and experience in wilderness survival. Shepherding taught patience, attentiveness, and sacrificial leadership—all essential qualities for Moses' future role. The 40-year preparation period (Acts 7:30) mirrored his 40 years in Egypt and foreshadowed 40 years leading Israel.
Reflection
- How does Moses' 40 years of obscure shepherding encourage you when God's preparation seems lengthy and hidden?
- What "backside of the desert" experiences is God using to equip you for future callings you don't yet see?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 19:3, 24:13, 1 Kings 19:8
- References Moses: Exodus 17:6
- Word: Numbers 10:29, Judges 4:11
- Parallel theme: Exodus 2:16, 3:5, 19:11, Psalms 106:19