Old Testament · Pentateuch
Exodus Chapter 3: The Burning Bush and God's Name
The Burning Bush and God's Name
Source: Catholic Bible (NABRE) · Commentary references the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) and Church Fathers
What Is Exodus Chapter 3 About?
According to the Catholic Bible, Moses, a fugitive shepherd in Midian, encounters God in a burning bush on Mount Horeb — a bush that burns but is not consumed. God reveals himself: 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' God has heard the cry of his people enslaved in Egypt and sends Moses to liberate them. When Moses asks God's name, God responds with the mysterious 'I AM WHO I AM' (YHWH) — the most sacred name in Judaism, so holy that Jews do not pronounce it. God commissions Moses despite his protests of inadequacy.
Key Verses from Exodus 3
“Remove your sandals from your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. (3:5)”
— Exodus 3 (NABRE)
“I have witnessed the affliction of my people in Egypt and have heard their cry. (3:7)”
— Exodus 3 (NABRE)
“I AM WHO I AM. (3:14)”
— Exodus 3 (NABRE)
Key Themes in Exodus Chapter 3
God's Name: I AM
According to Catholic theology, God's name reveals his nature: he is pure being, self-existent, eternal, unchanging. When Jesus says 'I AM' in John's Gospel, he is claiming this divine name.
Holy Ground
According to Catholic theology, God's presence makes ordinary ground sacred. This principle underlies Catholic sacramentality — God works through material things.
God Hears the Cry of the Poor
According to Catholic theology, God is not distant or indifferent. He sees suffering, hears cries, and acts. This is the foundation of Catholic social teaching.
Catholic Reflection on Exodus 3
Moses' excuses before God sound remarkably like our own: 'Who am I? They won't believe me. I'm not a good speaker.' God's response is always the same: 'I will be with you.' God does not call the qualified — he qualifies the called. Every saint began as an inadequate, reluctant vessel.
What the Catholic Church Teaches About Exodus 3
The burning bush is a major Marian symbol in Catholic theology: just as the bush burned without being consumed, Mary bore the divine fire of God within her womb without being destroyed. This image appears throughout Eastern Catholic and Orthodox iconography. The CCC discusses God's name extensively (CCC 203-213).
References: Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC), Church Fathers, Papal Documents
Frequently Asked Questions About Exodus 3
What is Exodus Chapter 3 about?▼
Moses, a fugitive shepherd in Midian, encounters God in a burning bush on Mount Horeb — a bush that burns but is not consumed. God reveals himself: 'I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.' God has heard the cry of his people enslaved in Egypt and sends Moses to liberate them. When Moses asks God's name, God responds with the mysterious 'I AM WHO I AM' (YHWH) — the most sacred name in Judaism, so holy that Jews do not pronounce it. God commissions Moses despite his protests of inadequacy.
What does the Catholic Church teach about "God's Name: I AM" in Exodus 3?▼
According to Catholic teaching, God's name reveals his nature: he is pure being, self-existent, eternal, unchanging. When Jesus says 'I AM' in John's Gospel, he is claiming this divine name.
What does the Catholic Church teach about "Holy Ground" in Exodus 3?▼
According to Catholic teaching, God's presence makes ordinary ground sacred. This principle underlies Catholic sacramentality — God works through material things.
What does the Catholic Church teach about "God Hears the Cry of the Poor" in Exodus 3?▼
According to Catholic teaching, God is not distant or indifferent. He sees suffering, hears cries, and acts. This is the foundation of Catholic social teaching.
How does Exodus Chapter 3 connect to Catholic faith and practice?▼
The burning bush is a major Marian symbol in Catholic theology: just as the bush burned without being consumed, Mary bore the divine fire of God within her womb without being destroyed. This image appears throughout Eastern Catholic and Orthodox iconography. The CCC discusses God's name extensively (CCC 203-213).
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