Exodus 3:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 3:6
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 3 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, truth. 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 offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 3:6
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 4:5, Genesis 28:13, Judges 13:22, 1 Kings 18:36, Psalms 132:2, Matthew 22:32
- Parallel theme: Revelation 1:17