Exodus 3:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:4
4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, prayer. 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 establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. 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 3:4
4 And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I.
Analysis
And when the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I (וַיַּרְא יְהוָה כִּי סָר לִרְאוֹת וַיִּקְרָא אֵלָיו אֱלֹהִים מִתּוֹךְ הַסְּנֶה וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר הִנֵּנִי, vayar YHWH ki sar lir'ot vayikra elav Elohim mitokh hasneh vayomer Mosheh Mosheh vayomer hineni)—When the LORD saw that he turned aside—God waits for Moses' response before speaking. The double name Moses, Moses (מֹשֶׁה מֹשֶׁה) signals urgent, intimate divine address (cf. Abraham, Abraham, Genesis 22:11; Samuel, Samuel, 1 Samuel 3:10). Here am I (הִנֵּנִי, hineni) is the classic response of readiness to obey (Genesis 22:1, Isaiah 6:8). Moses has journeyed from impulsive self-confidence (2:12) to humble availability. The text shifts from "angel of the LORD" (v. 2) to "the LORD" and "God" (v. 4), revealing that the messenger and the message are one—this is YHWH Himself speaking.
Historical Context
The double name calling emphasizes solemnity and affection in Hebrew narrative. God's speaking from the bush confirms this is no vision but direct divine revelation. Moses' response "hineni" would later be required of prophets (Isaiah 6:8) and saints (1 Samuel 3:4-10), showing readiness to hear and obey. This moment marks Moses' transition from shepherd to prophet.
Reflection
- How does God's waiting until Moses 'turned aside' teach about the importance of responsive attentiveness to receive His call?
- What does Moses' simple 'Here am I' teach about the humility and readiness required to receive divine commissioning?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References God: Genesis 22:1, 46:2, Psalms 62:11, Acts 10:3
- References Lord: Genesis 22:11, 1 Samuel 3:4, 3:6, 3:8
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 33:16, Acts 9:4