BIBLE STUDY — December 25 | Exodus 3

“God Calls from the Burning Bush”

Introduction

Exodus 3 is one of the most powerful and defining moments in the Old Testament. Moses, now an
eighty-year-old shepherd in the desert of Midian, encounters God in a way that changes his life — and the course of history.

God appears to Moses through a burning bush that is on fire but not consumed. This miracle reveals God’s holiness and His compassion. After forty years of silence, God calls Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of slavery.

This chapter teaches that God often calls ordinary people from ordinary places to do extraordinary
things, and when He does, He provides everything needed to fulfill His purpose.

Context

โ— Author: Moses, inspired by the Holy Spirit

โ— Setting: The wilderness near Mount Horeb (also called Mount Sinai)

โ— Audience: The Israelites, to remind them that God personally called Moses to deliver them

โ— Purpose: To reveal God’s character — holy, faithful, and compassionate — and His plan to rescue His
people from bondage

Verse-by-Verse Overview

Verses 1–2 – The Angel of the Lord Appears

Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed.

In a quiet desert, God appears to Moses through an ordinary bush set ablaze with extraordinary fire. The flame that does not consume symbolizes God’s holy presence — powerful yet sustaining. God meets Moses not in Egypt’s palace but in the wilderness of obscurity.

Lesson: God often reveals Himself in unexpected places. What feels like isolation can become the place of divine encounter and calling.

Verses 3–4 – God Calls His Servant by Name

Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.”

Moses’ curiosity becomes the doorway to his calling. When he turns aside to see, God speaks. God calls
Moses by name — a sign of personal relationship and purpose.

Lesson: When you pause long enough to notice God at work, He reveals His purpose. Attention to His
presence leads to assignment.

Verses 5–6 – Holy Ground

Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your 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.

Moses learns that God’s presence makes any place holy. Removing sandals symbolizes humility, reverence, and submission. The same God who made promises to the patriarchs is now personally calling Moses.

Lesson: God’s presence transforms ordinary moments into sacred ones. Reverence is the right response to divine revelation.

Verses 7–9 – God’s Compassion and Promise

And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.”

God reveals His heart of compassion. He sees, hears, and knows His people’s pain — and He promises to act. His “coming down” points to divine intervention — the same pattern fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Lesson: God is not distant from suffering. He sees your pain and moves with purpose to redeem it.

Verses 10–12 – God’s Commission

Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

God calls Moses to lead Israel’s deliverance, but Moses immediately doubts his ability. God answers not with flattery, but with assurance: “I will be with you.” The mission’s success depends on God’s presence, not Moses’ skill.

Lesson: God’s calling always comes with His presence. It’s not who you are, but who is with you, that makes all the difference.

Verses 13–15 – The Name of God Revealed

Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’”

God reveals His covenant name — YHWH (I AM WHO I AM) — the self-existent, eternal One. This name
declares that God is unchanging, all-sufficient, and eternally present.

Lesson: God’s identity is the foundation of our faith. He is not “I was” or “I will be,” but “I AM” — forever
constant and near.

Verses 16–17 – God’s Promise of Deliverance

Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of
Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’

God confirms His plan to rescue Israel and lead them into abundance. His visitation signifies not just
awareness but active involvement — His covenant faithfulness in motion.

Lesson: When God visits His people, change follows. His presence brings both deliverance and direction.

Verses 18–20 – Pharaoh’s Resistance Foretold

Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go.”

God prepares Moses for resistance. Pharaoh’s hardness will not defeat God’s plan — it will display God’s
power. Every act of defiance becomes an opportunity for divine demonstration.

Lesson: Obstacles are not signs of failure but setups for God’s glory. What seems like opposition often
becomes the stage for His wonders.

Verses 21–22 – God Promises Favor and Restoration (NKJV)

“And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”

God not only promises deliverance but restoration. The people who were slaves will leave with wealth — a visible sign of God’s justice and blessing.

Lesson: God’s redemption always brings restoration. He doesn’t just bring you out; He blesses you beyond what was lost.

Application for Today

1. Be Open to God’s Call: God often speaks in ordinary moments — be ready to listen.

2. Approach God with Reverence: His presence is holy; treat His voice with honor.

3. Trust God’s Compassion: He sees, hears, and acts — never doubt His care.

4. Depend on His Presence: When you feel unqualified, remember “I will be with you.”

5. Walk in Faith, Not Fear: If God sends you, He equips you. Obedience brings His power.

Summary

Exodus 3 reveals the heart and holiness of God. From a burning bush in the desert, the eternal “I AM” calls an ordinary shepherd to lead His people to freedom. Moses feels unworthy, but God assures him that His presence is enough.

This chapter shows that God still calls us today — not because we are strong, but because He is. His
holiness reminds us to bow in reverence, and His compassion assures us that He never forgets His people.

When we say yes to His call, even the wilderness becomes holy ground.

Reflection Questions

1. How has God used an ordinary situation to get your attention or speak to you?

2. What fears or insecurities hold you back from obeying God’s call?

3. What does God’s name “I AM” mean to you personally in your current season of life?

#LordsbookDailys #ThroughTheBible #Exodus3 #BibleStudy #GetInTheWord #FaithOnline #ChristianCommunity #GrowInFaith
๐Ÿ“… BIBLE STUDY — December 25 | Exodus 3 โžก๏ธ “God Calls from the Burning Bush” Introduction Exodus 3 is one of the most powerful and defining moments in the Old Testament. Moses, now an eighty-year-old shepherd in the desert of Midian, encounters God in a way that changes his life — and the course of history. God appears to Moses through a burning bush that is on fire but not consumed. This miracle reveals God’s holiness and His compassion. After forty years of silence, God calls Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of slavery. This chapter teaches that God often calls ordinary people from ordinary places to do extraordinary things, and when He does, He provides everything needed to fulfill His purpose. Context โ— Author: Moses, inspired by the Holy Spirit โ— Setting: The wilderness near Mount Horeb (also called Mount Sinai) โ— Audience: The Israelites, to remind them that God personally called Moses to deliver them โ— Purpose: To reveal God’s character — holy, faithful, and compassionate — and His plan to rescue His people from bondage Verse-by-Verse Overview Verses 1–2 – The Angel of the Lord Appears Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. And the Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire from the midst of a bush. So he looked, and behold, the bush was burning with fire, but the bush was not consumed. In a quiet desert, God appears to Moses through an ordinary bush set ablaze with extraordinary fire. The flame that does not consume symbolizes God’s holy presence — powerful yet sustaining. God meets Moses not in Egypt’s palace but in the wilderness of obscurity. Lesson: God often reveals Himself in unexpected places. What feels like isolation can become the place of divine encounter and calling. Verses 3–4 – God Calls His Servant by Name Then Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush does not burn.” So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” Moses’ curiosity becomes the doorway to his calling. When he turns aside to see, God speaks. God calls Moses by name — a sign of personal relationship and purpose. Lesson: When you pause long enough to notice God at work, He reveals His purpose. Attention to His presence leads to assignment. Verses 5–6 – Holy Ground Then He said, “Do not draw near this place. Take your sandals off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground.” Moreover He said, “I am the God of your 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. Moses learns that God’s presence makes any place holy. Removing sandals symbolizes humility, reverence, and submission. The same God who made promises to the patriarchs is now personally calling Moses. Lesson: God’s presence transforms ordinary moments into sacred ones. Reverence is the right response to divine revelation. Verses 7–9 – God’s Compassion and Promise And the Lord said: “I have surely seen the oppression of My people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. So I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians, and to bring them up from that land to a good and large land, to a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.” God reveals His heart of compassion. He sees, hears, and knows His people’s pain — and He promises to act. His “coming down” points to divine intervention — the same pattern fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Lesson: God is not distant from suffering. He sees your pain and moves with purpose to redeem it. Verses 10–12 – God’s Commission Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” God calls Moses to lead Israel’s deliverance, but Moses immediately doubts his ability. God answers not with flattery, but with assurance: “I will be with you.” The mission’s success depends on God’s presence, not Moses’ skill. Lesson: God’s calling always comes with His presence. It’s not who you are, but who is with you, that makes all the difference. Verses 13–15 – The Name of God Revealed Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’” God reveals His covenant name — YHWH (I AM WHO I AM) — the self-existent, eternal One. This name declares that God is unchanging, all-sufficient, and eternally present. Lesson: God’s identity is the foundation of our faith. He is not “I was” or “I will be,” but “I AM” — forever constant and near. Verses 16–17 – God’s Promise of Deliverance Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt; and I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ God confirms His plan to rescue Israel and lead them into abundance. His visitation signifies not just awareness but active involvement — His covenant faithfulness in motion. Lesson: When God visits His people, change follows. His presence brings both deliverance and direction. Verses 18–20 – Pharaoh’s Resistance Foretold Then they will heed your voice; and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt; and you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us; and now, please, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ But I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not even by a mighty hand. So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders which I will do in its midst; and after that he will let you go.” God prepares Moses for resistance. Pharaoh’s hardness will not defeat God’s plan — it will display God’s power. Every act of defiance becomes an opportunity for divine demonstration. Lesson: Obstacles are not signs of failure but setups for God’s glory. What seems like opposition often becomes the stage for His wonders. Verses 21–22 – God Promises Favor and Restoration (NKJV) “And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and it shall be, when you go, that you shall not go empty-handed. But every woman shall ask of her neighbor, namely, of her who dwells near her house, articles of silver, articles of gold, and clothing; and you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.” God not only promises deliverance but restoration. The people who were slaves will leave with wealth — a visible sign of God’s justice and blessing. Lesson: God’s redemption always brings restoration. He doesn’t just bring you out; He blesses you beyond what was lost. Application for Today 1. Be Open to God’s Call: God often speaks in ordinary moments — be ready to listen. 2. Approach God with Reverence: His presence is holy; treat His voice with honor. 3. Trust God’s Compassion: He sees, hears, and acts — never doubt His care. 4. Depend on His Presence: When you feel unqualified, remember “I will be with you.” 5. Walk in Faith, Not Fear: If God sends you, He equips you. Obedience brings His power. Summary Exodus 3 reveals the heart and holiness of God. From a burning bush in the desert, the eternal “I AM” calls an ordinary shepherd to lead His people to freedom. Moses feels unworthy, but God assures him that His presence is enough. This chapter shows that God still calls us today — not because we are strong, but because He is. His holiness reminds us to bow in reverence, and His compassion assures us that He never forgets His people. When we say yes to His call, even the wilderness becomes holy ground. Reflection Questions 1. How has God used an ordinary situation to get your attention or speak to you? 2. What fears or insecurities hold you back from obeying God’s call? 3. What does God’s name “I AM” mean to you personally in your current season of life? #LordsbookDailys #ThroughTheBible #Exodus3 #BibleStudy #GetInTheWord #FaithOnline #ChristianCommunity #GrowInFaith
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