Exodus 3

Summary

Moses tended his father-in-law’s (Jethro’s) sheep near the mountain Horeb when he saw a bush of fire that didn’t burn. When he investigated he heard God’s voice telling him to free the Israelites from Egypt because he saw their suffering. They are to lie to Pharaoh about performing sacrificed to their God. After some discussion about the name of God so that the elders would listen to Moses, God explains that he will strike at the Egyptians and this will convince the Pharaoh to let them go.

God is promising them a land of milk and honey, currently occupied by a bunch of other peoples.

In addition, the Israelites are to ask for valuables so that they can “plunder” the Egyptians.

Commentary

First, who the heck is Jethro? In the last chapter his father in law, the priest was named Reuel.

I imagine the Pharaoh would give them some trouble, so having God to perform some feats will come in handy. It sounds like God has something nasty in mind, but of course the Pharaoh is a slaver, so not a nice guy to begin with. Moses will have to lie, I suppose to get his people free.

Then the plan is to go this land of milk and honey.  Canaan, we can assume, since this is what was promised to Abraham in Gen 17:8 and appears to still be inhabited by many other peoples. I’m sure they will all get along just fine together.