1. God's School - verse 1
Forty long years Moses had herded flocks in the wilderness. This of all things was the opposite of what he had been trained in Egypt to view as greatness (Genesis 46:34). During this time he had grown in meekness and humility. He had learned to distrust his own strength. Let us learn here not to despise God's method of training. Trials are lightened when we remember that they are God's school of preparation. (James 1:2-4).

2. The Burning Bush - verses 1-6
Moses leads the flock under his care far and wide in search of good pasture. Approaching the mount where he would later receive the law of God he sees a bush burning but not consumed. Turning aside to view this sight he meets the Almighty (Deuteronomy 33:16). Several matters here deserve special notice:
A. The Need Of Reverence
God was not to be approached in curiosity. Moses must remove his shoes and keep his distance. True reverence is the first lesson of godliness (Proverbs 1:7, Psalm 89:7). Not spirituality but ignorance breeds undue familiarity and irreverence. Outside of Christ the Lord can neither be viewed (John 1:18, Hebrews 12:29) nor approached. Even as those who are brought nigh as God's children let us observe due reverence in prayer and worship. Note how great saints spoke of the Almighty (Habakkak 2:20, Psalm 93:1-5, I Timothy 6:14-16, Romans 11:33). The very inhabitants of Heaven know the importance of reverence. The angels cover their faces before God (Isaiah 6:1-2). False preachers are recognized by their lightness and crass familiarity with God.
B. God's Covenant
God introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (verse 6). This was to remind Moses that God had come to keep His covenant with these men. Israel's redemption as with ours was and is based on the Lord's covenant promise (Titus 1:1-2). The gospel of Christ comes according to prior promise (Romans 1:1-2).
C.The Resurrection - Verse 6
God did not say "I was" but "I am" the God of the patriarchs. This not only proved that they yet existed in God's presence (II Corinthians 5:8) but also that their bodies would one day be resurrected (Mark 12:26-27). God never ceases to be our God and not even the body of God’s people is lost to the grave (Romans 8:11).
D. The Symbolism of the Burning Bush
We know that the fire was a symbol of God's presence (verse 2, Deuteronomy 33:16). The "angel of the LORD" was a revelation of God Himself. Men have also seen in the burning bush a picture of Israel in bondage. They were in the fire yet were not consumed. This type could apply to all of God's people (II Corinthians 4:8-9).

3. Moses Commissioned - Verses 7-10
A. God had heard the cry of Israel but they knew it not. He saw their suffering and remembered His promises. May we learn from this never to doubt God's concern or knowledge of our state. It would be more accurate to say that God's people forget Him than vise-versa. Israel had forgotten God's time frame (Genesis 15:13-14) and His promises, but He had not.
B. Moses had doubtless given up on being Israel's deliverer. After forty years he must have wondered to hear God send him to Pharaoh. Truly human weakness is the only human trait through which God will exercise His power. "Man's extremity is God's opportunity."

4. True Diffidence - verses 11-12
Forty years had made great changes in Moses' thinking. Spiritual maturity sees the weakness of the flesh and the difficulties involved in service to God (Jeremiah 1:6). It is inexperience that causes a man to feel falsely ready for service to God (II Corinthians 3:5). Only the divine "I will be with thee" upholds God's true servants. This is the answer to every quibble.
(God kept His word to Moses. The law was given and worship later offered at Mt. Sinai).

5. God's Name - verses 13-15
A. As God progressively revealed Himself and His plan to man He constantly gave more knowledge concerning Himself. Moses knew that upon receiving this great revelation of mercy that the children of Israel would wish to know what new revelation of God's nature and name was to accompany it. He is told to inform Israel that the "I Am" or "Jehovah" had sent him. While this name of God was already known, the depths of its meaning was only here explained. Let us note several matters of importance here:
B. Jehovah is the great covenant name of God.
C.The Jews in awe refused to pronounce this name and substituted "Adoni" which means "Lord" in their public prayers and readings. This has been somewhat carried over into our Authorized Version. The word "LORD" written in capitals is often used in the Old Testament to signify "Jehovah" (Psalm 23:1).
D. This name means the "I Am." It refers to God's eternal, independent, self-existent and self-sufficient nature. There are many gods but one "Jehovah." All depends upon Him but He exists independent of all things or persons. As the "I Am" He never changes and can never be a "was" or "will be."
E.This name is the basis of the "Jehovah titles" of God. These titles reveal the self existent God as the one who is everything we need. Here are two of them:
(1) The LORD our righteousness- Jeremiah 23:6
(2) The LORD that healeth thee - Exodus 15:26
F. All three persons of the Trinity are referred to as "Jehovah." Isaiah 40:3 teaches us that the one who John the Baptist announces was "Jehovah" (Matthew 3:1-3). Notice how Christ refers to Himself in John 8:58. By comparing Hebrews 10:15-16 with Jeremiah 31:31-34 we learn that the Holy Spirit is Jehovah. Beware of "Jehovah's Witnesses" who deny the full deity of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. Even the scriptures from which they take their name prove the deity of Christ (Isaiah 43:10-11). Jesus means "Jehovah saves." Christ Jesus is our Saviour. In Psalm 23:1 David says, "Jehovah is my shepherd." Even a Sunday school student should know that Jesus is the good, the great, and the chief shepherd (John 10:14, Hebrews 13:20, I Peter 5:4).
G. The reason that this name is not explained until here is worth considering. The patriarchs knew of the name of God but it was not expounded until God had proven His veracity and fullness. "Jehovah" reminds us that God's promises never change and that He is all we need. The years do not weaken God's resolve or power for His people (Malachi 3:6). Think of how many times Christ referred to Himself as the "I Am." He is all we need. (Ask the class how many of the "I AM's" of Christ they can recall).

6. Further Instruction - Verses 16-20
What a difficult commission Moses was given. Thankfully God always gives strength and encouragement for the task. Note how specific God is with Moses:
A. He is told exactly what to say to the elders of Israel. Moses is to make it clear that his coming is a fulfillment of the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
B. Moses is assured that Israel will listen to him. Years of suffering had prepared them to desire redemption.
C. Moses is told what to say to Pharaoh.
D. Moses is forewarned that Pharaoh will not listen. God never hides the difficulties of a task from His children.
E. The Lord makes it plain that redemption will come as a result of the divine power. Pharaoh's obstinacy will provide a background for the display of God's power. The ten plagues were to be remembered by Israel as an encouragement to trust the Lord (Psalm 105:26-45).
F. Moses is assured that Israel will be finally and certainly redeemed from Egypt (verse 20).

7. A Promise Recalled - verses 21-22
God's word is kept down to the smallest detail. Who could imagine that Egyptians would give their wealth to a nation of slaves. This was of course what happened. Again even this detail was given in promise to Abraham (Genesis 15:14).