Exodus 3:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Even at that time, God showed compassion to those who were harshly mistreated by the Egyptians and subjected to unjust enslavement. He promptly appointed Moses, a remarkable servant, to convey His mercy to them. What does this signify for us? We observe that God acts similarly toward us. When we stumble into sin, He generously extends His grace and swiftly places His law within our hearts, serving as a mediator to guide us toward a life of freedom.

What is the purpose behind this? Moses does not question but states, ready for action, “And now come, that I will send you to Pharaoh, king of Egypt.” Similarly, Isaiah inquires, “Whom shall I send, and who shall go?” The rationale for this distinction lies in the nature of their missions. Moses was appointed to carry out a noble task - to benefit the people. In contrast, his role here involves a heavy burden. Hence, while the charge was given to Moses, the calling for service was entrusted to Isaiah. This reflects the tendency of humanity to embrace our own free will, even when the path is fraught with challenge.

Concurrently, I believe it is not essential to overly focus on the straightforward narrative of this individual, as if the implications already presented have not been accomplished. Empowered by the divine revelation he encountered, Moses is instructed to free his people from the slavery of Egypt.

Moses is appointed to guide the Israelites out of Egypt because the plea of the children of Israel has come before the Lord, as noted in Psalm 33. He is tasked with leading them into the Promised Land, after having served God on that holy mountain. This mission is beyond human capability and can only be accomplished through faith. As Moses confronts this monumental responsibility, he hesitates, but in the subsequent verses, the Lord empowers him for the journey ahead.