The day starts with Moses is taking care of his father-in-law Jethro’s sheep in the wilderness to Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. An angel of the Lord appears in flames within a bush. It was on fire, but not consumed. Curious, Moses approaches, and the Lord calls out his name and tells him to remove his sandals because the ground is holy. God identifies himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Moses hides his face. It’s been 400 years since anyone has heard from God directly, so it’s a big deal. 

God tells Moses he has seen the oppression of his people, and that he will bring them out to the land of Canaan using Moses. Moses questions his role and asks, “Whom will I say sent me?” God says, “I am who I am”; tell them the “I am” sent you.  To the Israelite elders, he tells Moses to say, The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is going to fulfill his promise to bring you back to the promised land.  

God also warns Moses that Pharaoh won’t let them leave, so he will perform his wonders. Finally, he tells him they won’t leave empty-handed, because the Egyptians will hand over gold, silver, and clothing. If only it were so simple. 

The Egyptians had lots of gods and probably wouldn’t be impressed by the God who identifies with historical Israelite fathers, since they despise shepherds and slaves. God says to call him the “I am,” which is not anything specific, yet kind of everything at once. The wonders will answer any lingering questions they may have.