And 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 at God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When God introduces Himself as "the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," He's not just stating His identity, but reminding Moses of His covenant. This isn't a new relationship, but an ongoing one, proving God's faithfulness to those who came before and, by extension, to Moses himself.
And 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 at God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
God has just appeared to Moses in a burning bush, an encounter so astonishing that Moses hides his face in fear and awe. Before revealing His plan to rescue Israel, God first identifies Himself not just as any divine power, but as the God of Moses' ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—affirming His ancient covenant promises that are now about to be fulfilled.
God introduces Himself not just as a divine power, but as a God deeply connected to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. What does this mean for His relationship with Moses and us?
The God of Your Father
God's opening words to Moses are profound: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob." This isn't just a list of names; it's a powerful declaration of God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.
This establishes God as a God who remembers and acts upon His word, connecting past faithfulness to present reality.
Moses' immediate reaction is to hide his face. What does this intense fear reveal about the nature of encountering the divine?
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Reverence and Terror
The immediate aftermath of God's self-declaration is Moses hiding his face in fear. This reaction is not just about Moses' personal timidity; it speaks to the awesome holiness of God.
This awe is a necessary precursor to true worship and obedience, reminding us that approaching God requires humility.
By declaring, 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,' God grounds His command to Moses in His ancient covenant promises. This wasn't a new beginning but God's faithful continuation of a millennia-old relationship, reassuring Moses of His power and commitment to His people.
c. 1800 BC
God's Covenant with Abraham
God establishes a foundational covenant with Abraham, promising him descendants and land. This promise is later renewed with Isaac and Jacob, forming the basis of God's relationship with Israel.
c. 1500s BC
Israel's Sojourn and Enslavement in Egypt
Jacob's descendants, the Israelites, settle in Egypt. Over generations, their numbers grow, leading to their enslavement by the Egyptians.
c. 1440s BC
Moses' Flight to Midian
After killing an Egyptian taskmaster, Moses flees Egypt and lives as a shepherd in Midian for 40 years. This period prepares him for his future leadership.
c. 1440s BC— this verse
The Burning Bush Appears to Moses
While tending sheep at Mount Horeb, Moses encounters a bush miraculously burning without being consumed, and God speaks to him.
Jesus uses this very declaration ('I am the God of Abraham...') to prove the resurrection, showing how God's relationship with His people transcends death and emphasizes His eternal covenant faithfulness.
Hebrews 11:16This passage echoes the idea that God is not ashamed to be called our God because He has prepared a heavenly dwelling for believers, reinforcing the notion that the patriarchs' connection to God was based on a future hope.
Isaiah 6:5Isaiah's reaction to seeing the Lord in the temple ('Woe is me! For I am a man of unclean lips...') mirrors Moses' fear and awe, highlighting the overwhelming holiness and majesty of God that humans find difficult to face directly.
Acts 7:32Stephen directly quotes this declaration in his speech, framing it as God revealing Himself to Moses and emphasizing the continuity of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants through generations.
bensonExodus 3:6: "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy 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."
Exodus 3:6 . I am, &c. — He lets him know it is God that speaks to him, to engage his reverence, faith, and obedience. The God of thy father — Thy pious father Amram, and the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, thy ancestors: engaged to them by solemn covenant, which I am now come to perform. And Moses hid his face, for…
calvinExodus 3:6-9: "Moreover he said, I am the God of thy 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."
Ego Deus patris tui, Deus Abraham, Deus Isaac, et Deus Jacob. Et operuit Moses faciem suam, quia timuit aspicere ad Deum.
And the Lord said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which are in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;
Et dixit Jehova…
When God introduces Himself as "the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," He's not just stating His identity, but reminding Moses of His covenant. This isn't a new relationship, but an ongoing one, proving God's faithfulness to those who came before and, by extension, to Moses himself.
God has just appeared to Moses in a burning bush, an encounter so astonishing that Moses hides his face in fear and awe. Before revealing His plan to rescue Israel, God first identifies Himself not just as any divine power, but as the God of Moses' ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—affirming His ancient covenant promises that are now about to be fulfilled.
God has just appeared to Moses in a burning bush, an encounter so astonishing that Moses hides his face in fear and awe. Before revealing His plan to rescue Israel, God first identifies Himself not just as any divine power, but as the God of Moses' ancestors—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—affirming His ancient covenant promises that are now about to be fulfilled.
"And 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 at God." — When God introduces Himself as "the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob," He's not just stating His identity, but reminding Moses of His covenant. This isn'…
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Last reviewed October 2026