Bible Commentaries

At last the actual call of God came to Moses. It found him fulfilling a daily duty, keeping the sheep of his father-in-law. There can be no doubt that in the silent solitudes of the wilderness he had meditated on the condition of his people. Forty years, however, changes any man. The fiery impetuosity which characterized him at forty had matured into self-restraint and meekness at eighty.

In the mysterious fire manifestation God said to His servant certain things which lie at the foundation of all that is to follow. "I have seen . . . I have heard . . . I know . . . I am come . . . I will send thee." Small wonder that Moses answered, "Who am IT" Does it seem strange that when God had spoken of Himself Moses should be conscious of himself? It is not strange. The light of the divine glory ever reveals man to himself. Hence the cry, 'Who am I?" The answer was immediate and full of grace, "Certainly I will be with thee."

The second difficulty immediately presented itself to Moses. He thought of the people to whom he was being sent and inquired, 'Whom shall I say has sent me?'' In order to act with authority, he was conscious that he himself must know God better. The answer was threefold: first, for himself, "I AM THAT I AM"; second, for Israel, "the God of your fathers"; finally, for Pharaoh, "Jehovah, the God of the Hebrews." To Moses' commission for leadership there was a direct communication of His secret. To the people a Name was given that reminded them of a covenant which could not be broken. Pharaoh could know God only through the chosen people. Thus the difficulties of Moses were recognized but set in the light of a great divine revelation.