Exodus 3:10-12

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 3:7-10

Now that Moses had put off his shoes (for, no doubt, he observed the orders given him, Exod. 3:5), and covered his face, God enters upon the particular business that was now to be concerted, which was the bringing of Israel out of Egypt. Now, after forty years of Israel's bondage and Moses's banishment, when we may suppose both he and they began to despair, they of being delivered and he of delivering them, at length, the time has come, even the year of the redeemed. Note, God often comes for... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 3:11-15

God, having spoken to Moses, allows him also a liberty of speech, which he here improves; and, I. He objects his own insufficiency for the service he was called to (Exod. 3:11): Who am I? He thinks himself unworthy of the honour, and not par negotio?equal to the task. He thinks he wants courage, and therefore cannot go to Pharaoh, to make a demand which might cost the demandant his head: he thinks he wants skill, and therefore cannot bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt; they are... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 3:10

Come now therefore ,..... Leave thy flock, thy family, and the land of Midian: and I will send thee unto Pharaoh : this Pharaoh, according to Eusebius, was Cenchres, the successor of Achoris; but according to Bishop Usher F21 Annal. Vet. Test. p. 19. , his name was Amenophis, who immediately succeeded Ramesses Miamun, under whom Moses was born. Clemens of Alexandria F23 Stromat. l. 1. p. 320. relates from Apion, and he, from Ptolemy Mendesius, that it was in the times of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 3:11

And Moses said unto God, who am I, that I should go unto Pharaoh ,.... A private person, an exile in a foreign country, a poor shepherd, unknown to Pharaoh, and had no interest in him; and he a great king, and possessed of numerous forces to defend his country, and prevent the Israelites' departure out of it: time was when he was known to a Pharaoh, dwelt in his court, and made a figure there, and had great interest and authority there, being the adopted son of the king's daughter; but now... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 3:12

And he said, certainly I will be with thee ,.... To encourage and strengthen him; to protect, defend, and preserve him, and to succeed and prosper him; to give him credit and respect with the people of Israel, and influence over Pharaoh to prevail upon him at length to let Israel go: and this shall be a token unto thee that I have sent thee ; not the promise now made, nor the vision he had seen, but what follows: when thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 3:11

Who am I - that I should bring - He was so satisfied that this was beyond his power, and all the means that he possessed, that he is astonished that even God himself should appoint him to this work! Such indeed was the bondage of the children of Israel, and the power of the people by whom they were enslaved, that had not their deliverance come through supernatural means, their escape had been utterly impossible. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 3:12

Certainly I will be with thee - This great event shall not be left to thy wisdom and to thy power; my counsel shall direct thee, and my power shall bring all these mighty things to pass. And this shall be a token - Literally, And This to thee for a sign, i.e., this miraculous manifestation of the burning bush shall be a proof that I have sent thee; or, My being with thee, to encourage thy heart, strengthen thy hands, and enable thee to work miracles, shall be to thyself and to others the... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 3:10

Verse 10 10.Come now therefore. After God had furnished his servant with promises to engage him more cheerfully in his work, he now adds commands, and calls him to undertake the office to which he is designed. And this is the best encouragement to duty, when God renders those, who would be otherwise slow through doubt, sure of good success; for although we must obey God’s plain commands without delay or hesitation, still he is willing to provide against our sluggishness by promising that our... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 3:11

Verse 11 11.Who am I? He cannot yet be accused of disobedience, because, conscious of his own weakness, he answers that he is not sufficient for it, and therefore refuses the commission. His comparison of himself with Pharaoh was an additional pretext for declining it. This, then, seems to be the excuse of modesty and humility; and as such, I conceive it not only to be free from blame, but worthy of praise. It is no contradiction to this that he knew God to be the proposer of this very arduous... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 3:12

Verse 12 12.And he said, Certainly I will be with thee. It is remarkable that God sets his ready help alone against all to overcome every fear, and to take away every scruple; as much as to say, It matters not who Moses is, or what may be his strength, so that God be his leader. In these words we are taught, that he is never regarded by us with due honor, unless when, contented with his assistance alone, we seek for no ground of confidence apart from him; and, although our own weakness may... read more

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