Acts 7:33

"‘I am the God of your fathers: the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ Moses trembled and dared not look."

Key Reflection

Moses, upon hearing the voice of the divine announcer identifying himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, experienced a profound moment of recognition and awe. This phrase would have resonated deeply with Moses and his audience, reminding them of their patriarchal lineage and the covenant made between these ancestors and Yahweh. The trembling and reluctance to look directly at the speaker underscored the overwhelming presence and authority of God, emphasizing the sacred nature of this encounter and its implications for Moses's role as a leader and lawgiver.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

Verse 33. Then said the Lord, etc. In Ex 3 this is introduced in a different order, as being spoken before God said, "I am the God," etc. Put off thy shoes, etc. Ex 3:5. To put off the shoes, or sandals, was an act of reverence. Especially the ancients were not permitted to enter a temple or holy place with their shoes on. Indeed, it was customary for the Jews to remove their shoes whenever they entered any house, as a mere matter of civility. Comp. See Barnes "Joh 13:6". See Jos 5:15. Is holy ground. Is rendered sacred by the symbol of the Divine Presence.

Related Verses

More from Acts 7

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61

Go deeper with Bible.talk - your AI Bible study companion