Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 3

Exodus 3:1-6: The Burning Bush This passage tells how God appeared to Moses at the burning bush on Mount Horeb, calling him to begin his mission to deliver Israel. Moses’ life had three main parts: forty years as a prince in Egypt, forty years as a shepherd in Midian, and forty years as Israel’s leader. Even though God had planned for Moses to deliver Israel from birth, He waited until Moses was eighty to speak to him about it. Sometimes God prepares His servants for a long time before calling them to important work.v. 1: When God appeared to Moses, he was taking care of Jethro’s sheep near Mount Horeb, called the “mountain of God” (v. 1 ). Even though this was a humble job for someone so well educated, Moses learned patience and contentment. God often gives important work to those who are faithful in simple tasks. Moses found more of God in the quiet desert than he ever did in the palace (Luke 2:8 ).

v. 2: Moses saw the angel of the Lord

v. 3: Moses was curious about the strange sight and decided to go closer to understand why the bush was not burned up (v. 3 ). It is good to seek to understand God's works and to learn from what He shows us.

v. 4: When the Lord

v. 5: God told Moses not to come too close and to take off his shoes, because he was standing on holy ground (v. 5 ). This showed respect for God’s presence. When we worship God, we should do it with reverence and humility (Eccl. 5:1-2 ).

v. 6: God introduced Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (v. 6 ). This reminded Moses of God’s promises and the hope of eternal life. Moses was afraid and hid his face, showing respect and fear before God. The more we know about God, the more we should worship Him with humility and awe (Luke 20:37; Matt. 22:31 ; Heb. 11:16; Ex. 2:24 ).

Exodus 3:7-10: Compassion of God for the Israelites This passage shows God’s deep compassion for the suffering of His people in Egypt. After many years of hardship, God tells Moses that He has seen and heard everything the Israelites have gone through. Now, God is ready to act and bring them out of Egypt to a good land. He chooses Moses to lead this mission. God’s timing may seem slow to us, but He never forgets His people. When we cry out to Him, He hears us and will answer in His perfect time.v. 7: God tells Moses that He has truly seen the pain and trouble of the Israelites in Egypt. He has heard their cries and knows their suffering (v. 7 ). Even when people cannot speak about their pain, God sees every tear and knows every sorrow.

v. 8: God says He has come down to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and take them to a good and spacious land, a land “flowing with milk and honey” (the land of Canaan) (v. 8 ). This promise means God will set them free from slavery and give them a better life. This deliverance is also a picture of how God saves us from sin and brings us to heaven (Isa. 64:1 ).

v. 9: God repeats that He has heard the cry of the Israelites and has seen how the Egyptians are oppressing them (v. 9 ). God always notices when His people are treated unfairly, no matter how powerful the oppressors are.

v. 10: God calls Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt (v. 10 ). Moses is not just to announce God’s promise, but to act as God’s leader for His people. God often chooses those who seem weak or unlikely to do great things for Him (Ps. 78:71 ).

Exodus 3:11-15: Instructions Given to Moses In this passage, Moses talks with God at the burning bush and receives his mission to free the Israelites. Moses feels unworthy and unsure about his ability to face Pharaoh and lead the people. God answers Moses’ worries by promising to be with him and by revealing His special name. God also explains that He is the same God who made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and that He will keep His word to their descendants.v. 11: Moses tells God, “Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (v. 11 ). Moses feels weak and unqualified for such a big task. Even though Moses was skilled and trained, he did not think highly of himself. Often, those most ready to serve God are the most humble.

v. 12: God answers that He will be with Moses. God’s presence is enough to overcome any weakness or fear (v. 12 ). God promises that Moses will succeed, and says that after the Israelites leave Egypt, they will worship Him on this mountain. Serving God is the greatest result of being set free.

v. 13: Moses asks God what he should say if the Israelites question him about God’s name or authority (v. 13 ). He knows the people might doubt him, so he wants to be prepared with the right answer.

v. 14: God says, “I AM THAT I AM.” Moses is told to tell the Israelites, “I AM has sent me to you” (v. 14 ). This name means God exists by Himself, is always the same, and is faithful to His promises. God cannot change or fail (Rev. 1:8 ).

v. 15: God tells Moses to say, “The Lord

Exodus 3:16-22: Moses Instructed for His Mission In these verses, God gives Moses detailed instructions about what to say and do when he returns to Egypt. Moses is told to speak first to the elders of Israel, sharing God’s promise to take them out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. God also tells Moses what to say to Pharaoh and warns him that Pharaoh will resist. God promises to show His power through miracles and to make the Egyptians treat the Israelites favorably when they leave. This plan shows that God keeps His promises and is in control of the whole situation.v. 16: Moses must gather the elders of Israel and tell them that the Lord

v. 17: He is to repeat God’s promise that He will bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into a land “flowing with milk and honey”—the land of the Canaanites and other nations (v. 17 ). God’s word is sure; what He says, He will do.

v. 18: God says the elders will listen to Moses this time. Moses and the elders must then go to Pharaoh and humbly ask for permission to travel three days into the wilderness to worship God (v. 18 ). Their request is reasonable and fair, showing that Pharaoh had no excuse for refusing.

v. 19: God warns Moses that Pharaoh will not let the Israelites go, even when asked politely or even under pressure (v. 19 ). God knows Pharaoh’s heart and his stubbornness.

v. 20: God promises to strike Egypt with powerful miracles so that Pharaoh will have to let the Israelites go (v. 20 ). If people will not listen to God’s words, they will be forced to listen to His actions.

v. 21: God will make the Egyptians show kindness to the Israelites, so that when they leave, they will not go empty-handed (v. 21 ). God can turn enemies into friends when He chooses.

v. 22: Each Israelite woman should ask her Egyptian neighbors for silver, gold, and clothing. This way, the Israelites will leave Egypt with many riches, and the Egyptians will pay back what was taken from the Israelites through years of slavery (v. 22 ). God knows how to make things right for His people.