Exodus 3:6

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.

Exodus 3:6 (KJV)

Context

This verse belongs to the account of the burning bush on Mount Horeb. Moses, who had fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian, was tending sheep when God appeared to him in fire. Just before this verse, God told Moses to remove his sandals because the ground was holy (Exodus 3:5). Now God speaks again, identifying Himself and calling Moses to lead Israel out of slavery.

Meaning

God says, “I am the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” This phrase connects Moses to the patriarchs, the founding fathers of Israel. It shows that the same God who made promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob now speaks to Moses. The covenant is not broken or forgotten; it continues across generations. God is faithful to His word.

This self-revelation also confirms that the speaker is the LORD Himself, the God of Israel, not a mere angel. The phrase “God of thy father” may refer to Moses’ immediate ancestors or to the patriarchs collectively. Either way, God ties His identity to the promises made to the patriarchs, including the land of Canaan and the coming Messiah. The covenant is not broken or forgotten; it continues across generations.

Moses hides his face because he is afraid to look upon God. This fear is not terror that drives him away. It is reverent awe, a recognition that he stands before the holy Creator. Moses understands his own unworthiness in the presence of divine glory. His response teaches that approaching God requires humility and respect.

Biblical connections

Jesus later uses this same phrase to teach about the resurrection. In Matthew 22:32, He explains that God is not the God of the dead but of the living. Because God calls Himself the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, those patriarchs are alive to Him. This verse therefore points beyond the present moment to the hope of life after death.

Application

God’s faithfulness to the patriarchs assures us that His promises are sure. He does not change or forget. We can trust that what He has promised, He will fulfill. The God who guided Abraham and Moses is the same God we serve today.

Moses’ reverence also speaks to us. We live in an age of casual familiarity, but God remains holy. We should approach Him with awe and humility, not with careless pride. True worship begins with recognizing who God is and who we are before Him.

This encounter also marks Moses’ commissioning. God chooses an ordinary shepherd to become the deliverer of Israel. He works through imperfect people to accomplish His purposes. When God calls, He also equips. We can respond to His call with confidence, knowing that He is faithful.

Reflection

Consider how you approach God. Do you come with the same reverent fear that Moses showed? Do you trust that the God of the patriarchs is your God too? Let this verse remind you of His unchanging faithfulness and His holy presence. Respond to Him with humility, and let His call shape your life.