Bible Verse Lookup
Ex 3:11-12
Chapter 3
11
Moses said to God:
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the people of Israel out of Egypt?”
12
God replied:
“I will be with you, and this will be the sign I have sent you. When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain.”
Commentaries
Moses’ Vocation.
This extended encounter and dialogue between God and Moses is full of meaningful content. The God who reveals Himself to Moses is the same God of the patriarchs (3:6.14-15). He cares about the situations of the weak and marginalized. Moses—and humanity—approach Him with respect: he must remove his sandals and cover his face in a gesture of reverence. Verses 7-15 describe Moses’ call and the mission he is given. They also reveal the intimate nature of God (3:7f).
This revelation gained new significance during the Israelite exile in Babylon (587-536 B.C.). Here’s the Good News: the god or gods who justified the pharaoh’s oppression and policies are unrelated to the God of justice and freedom; “I am” is the God who rescues, the God who risks everything for the life and freedom of his oppressed people.