Exodus 3:11
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:11
11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, prayer, covenant. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 3:11
11 And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?
Analysis
And Moses said unto God, Who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh, and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt? (וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־הָאֱלֹהִים מִי אָנֹכִי כִּי אֵלֵךְ אֶל־פַּרְעֹה וְכִי אוֹצִיא אֶת־בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל מִמִּצְרָיִם)—Moses' first objection: personal inadequacy. Who am I? (מִי אָנֹכִי, mi anokhi)—Moses' humility contrasts with his earlier presumption (2:12). Forty years in the wilderness broke his self-confidence. That I should go unto Pharaoh—Moses fled as fugitive murderer (2:15); how can he return? Bring forth... Israel—Moses earlier tried self-appointed deliverance (2:12); it failed miserably. Now he doubts God-appointed mission. True humility recognizes inadequacy but trusts God's sufficiency. False humility uses inadequacy as excuse for disobedience. God's response (v. 12) shifts focus from Moses' identity to divine presence.
Historical Context
Moses' question 'Who am I?' reflects radical transformation from the prince who acted presumptuously (2:12) to the shepherd who doubts his adequacy. Midian's wilderness humbled Moses necessarily—leaders must be broken of self-reliance before God can use them. Moses learns what Paul later wrote: 'When I am weak, then am I strong' (2 Corinthians 12:10).
Reflection
- How does Moses' humility ('Who am I?') challenge both self-reliant pride and excuse-making false humility in your response to God's call?
- When has God used a 'wilderness season' to break your self-sufficiency and prepare you for greater kingdom work?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: 2 Samuel 7:18, 1 Kings 3:7, Jeremiah 1:6, 2 Corinthians 3:5
- References Israel: 1 Samuel 18:18
- References Moses: Exodus 6:12
- Parallel theme: 1 Kings 3:9, 2 Corinthians 2:16