‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
English Standard Version (ESV)
It’s easy to focus on Moses trembling, but notice how God introduces Himself: "I am the God of your fathers." This isn't just a statement of lineage; it’s a powerful reminder of God's enduring covenant promises, signifying He's about to act on behalf of His chosen people, just as He always has.
‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Stephen is recounting the story of Moses at the burning bush, a pivotal moment where God reveals Himself and commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This narrative immediately follows Stephen’s accusation that his listeners are resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did, setting the stage for him to show how God has consistently worked through chosen leaders despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The appearance of God and his ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob emphasize God's faithfulness and plan, even as Moses himself is overwhelmed by the divine encounter.
When God speaks, He doesn't just introduce Himself; He reminds us of His faithfulness across generations. What does it mean that God is 'the God of...'?
In this pivotal moment, God reveals Himself to Moses not just as a powerful being, but as the God who has a covenant with His people.
Moses trembled and didn't dare to look. Why such a visceral reaction to God's presence, even when God speaks words of promise?
The encounter with the divine is inherently overwhelming, inspiring both awe and a healthy fear.
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Stephen recounts the foundational event of Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This connects the past covenant with God's present actions through Jesus, highlighting God's consistent character of redemption throughout history.
c. 1446 BC— this verse
Moses' Encounter at the Burning Bush
God appears to Moses in a burning bush at Mount Sinai, revealing Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and commissioning Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses initially trembles in awe and fear.
c. 1446 BC
The Exodus from Egypt
Moses, following God's command, leads the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This event fulfills God's promises to the patriarchs and marks a pivotal moment in Israel's history.
c. 1446 BC
Giving of the Law at Mount Sinai
God delivers the Ten Commandments and other laws to Moses on Mount Sinai, establishing the covenant relationship with Israel. The giving of the law is characterized by awe-inspiring displays of God's power.
c. 13th Century BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's leadership, the Israelites enter and conquer the Promised Land, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham and his descendants.
c. 10th Century BC
United Monarchy
The establishment of the united monarchy under Kings Saul, David, and Solomon, leading to a period of relative peace and prosperity, and the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
70 BC
Babylonian Exile
The destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple by the Babylonians, leading to the exile of many Judeans. This marked a severe test of faith for the people of God.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' Ministry and Resurrection
Jesus Christ teaches and performs miracles, ultimately being crucified and resurrected. His resurrection validates His claims and God's covenant promises, including the resurrection of believers.
This is the foundational account of God appearing to Moses in the burning bush, where God first identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, just as Stephen recounts.
Matthew 22:32Jesus uses this exact phrase, 'I am the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob,' in His argument for the resurrection, highlighting that God's relationship with these patriarchs continues beyond death.
Hebrews 12:21The author of Hebrews describes Moses' reaction to God's presence at Mount Sinai as being 'filled with awe and trembling,' echoing Stephen's description of Moses' fear and reverence in Acts 7:32.
Joshua 5:15When Joshua encounters the 'captain of the host of the Lord,' he is instructed to remove his sandals because the place is holy ground, paralleling Moses' experience and the awe-inspiring nature of encountering God's presence.
ellicottActs 7:32: "Saying, I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold."
(32) The God of Abraham. —It is probable, on the assumption that Stephen had been one of the Seventy disciples of Luke 10:1 , that he knew that these words had been cited by the Lord Jesus ( Matthew 22:32 ) as witnessing against the unbelief of the Sadducees. In any case, the fact could hardly have been forgotten by the priestly and therefo…
calvinActs 7:30-34: "And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush."
- And when forty years were expired, there appeared unto him in the desert of Mount Sinai the angel of the Lord, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31. And so soon as Moses saw it, he wondered at the vision. Furthermore, when he drew near to consider, the voice of the Lord came unto him, 32. I am the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, the…
It’s easy to focus on Moses trembling, but notice how God introduces Himself: "I am the God of your fathers." This isn't just a statement of lineage; it’s a powerful reminder of God's enduring covenant promises, signifying He's about to act on behalf of His chosen people, just as He always has.
Stephen is recounting the story of Moses at the burning bush, a pivotal moment where God reveals Himself and commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This narrative immediately follows Stephen’s accusation that his listeners are resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did, setting the stage for him to show how God has consistently worked through chosen leaders despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The appearance of God and his ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob emphasize God's faithfulness and plan, even as Moses himself is overwhelmed by the divine encounter.
Stephen is recounting the story of Moses at the burning bush, a pivotal moment where God reveals Himself and commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This narrative immediately follows Stephen’s accusation that his listeners are resisting the Holy Spirit, just as their ancestors did, setting the stage for him to show how God has consistently worked through chosen leaders despite Israel's unfaithfulness. The appearance of God and his ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob emphasize God's faithfulness and plan, even as Moses himself is overwhelmed by the divine encounter.
"‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob.’ And Moses trembled and did not dare to look." — It’s easy to focus on Moses trembling, but notice how God introduces Himself: "I am the God of your fathers." This isn't just a statement of lineage; it’s a powerful reminder of God's enduring covena…
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Last reviewed October 2026