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Epiphany · The Transfiguration of Our Lord

Exodus 3:1-14

Moses and the Burning Bush

January 25, 2026

Moses before the Burning Bush, Domenico Fetti
Moses before the Burning Bush, Domenico Fetti, c. 1613–1614National Museum, Warsaw
A small, intensely coloured painting of the moment of turning aside: Moses on the ground with one sandal off, the bush a knot of orange at the side.I must turn aside and look at this great sight: the reading turns on curiosity, and the painting is the instant of looking.Domenico FettiA Roman-trained painter who worked in Mantua and Venice, best known for small, warmly coloured paintings of the parables.National Museum, WarsawPoland's principal art museum, rebuilt and restocked after the systematic looting and destruction of the Second World War.National Museum, Warsaw
Historic One-Year Lectionary
GospelMatt. 17:1-9Mt 17:1-9
Epistle2 Pet. 1:16-212 Pt 1:16-21
Old TestamentExod. 34:29-35Ex 34:29-35Alt. OTExod. 3:1-14Ex 3:1-14
PsalterPs. 2Ps 2

Overview & Insights

“God said to Moses, I AM WHO I AM.” (Exodus 3:14)

The third chapter of Exodus is filled with revelation and interaction. It includes a theophany (the appearing of God) and the story of Moses’ call. Moses meets God for the first time in the burning bush, where God calls him to go back to Egypt. We are reminded of the oppression there and hear the first two of Moses’ five objections to God’s call. Exodus 3 gives the name of the Lord, repeats the promise of land to Abraham’s family, and predicts Pharaoh’s resistance. Finally, God promises to do “wonders” until the Egyptians let the people go and send them away with silver, gold, and clothing. The complete interaction continues through 4:17 and ideally should be read as one conversation.

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Take it further: Exodus 3:1-14

Commentary

Commentary on Exodus 3:1-15Commentary on Ex 3:1-15 Working Preacher

Commentary on the burning bush and the revelation of the divine name.

Exodus 3 CommentaryEx 3 Commentary Enduring Word

Full chapter commentary on Moses' call at the burning bush.

Commentary on Exodus 3 by Matthew HenryCommentary on Ex 3 by Mt Henry Blue Letter Bible

Classic exposition of the call of Moses and the divine name.

Background & Word Study

Exodus Commentaries & SermonsEx Commentaries & Sermons Precept Austin

Collected verse-by-verse resources including the burning bush chapter.

Exodus 3:14 CommentariesEx 3:14 Commentaries BibleHub

Aggregates classic commentators on the I AM WHO I AM declaration.

Exodus 3Ex 3 Sefaria

Hebrew text of the burning bush and divine name revelation.

The Church Fathers

Exodus 3Ex 3 Catena

Verse-by-verse comment from the Fathers on Exodus 3.

Podcast

Exodus (tag archive)Ex (tag archive) Issues, Etc.

Lutheran radio episodes covering the book of Exodus.

Art & Music

Art in the Christian Tradition Vanderbilt

A curated image index for this reading across the history of Christian art.

Questions preachers ask

What happens at the burning bush?

God appears to Moses in a bush that burns but is not consumed, reveals his name I AM, and commissions him to bring Israel out of Egypt, promising, I will be with you.

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