CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Exodus 3:1 Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/exodus/3-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/02_Exo_03_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Exodus 3:1 - Moses at the Burning Bush" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/exodus/3-1.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/exodus/3-1.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/exodus/">Exodus</a> > <a href="/exodus/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 1</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/exodus/2-25.htm" title="Exodus 2:25">◄</a> Exodus 3:1 <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm" title="Exodus 3:2">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/exodus/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/exodus/3.htm">New International Version</a> Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/nlt/exodus/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock far into the wilderness and came to Sinai, the mountain of God. <a href="/esv/exodus/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/bsb/exodus/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/kjv/exodus/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. <a href="/nkjv/exodus/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/nasb_/exodus/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now Moses was pasturing the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/nasb/exodus/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/nasb77/exodus/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/lsb/exodus/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/amp/exodus/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro (Reuel) his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb (Sinai), the mountain of God. <a href="/csb/exodus/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/hcsb/exodus/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/asv/exodus/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb. <a href="/cev/exodus/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> One day, Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, and Moses decided to lead them across the desert to Sinai, the holy mountain. <a href="/erv/exodus/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb. <a href="/gwt/exodus/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Moses was taking care of the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. As he led the sheep to the far side of the desert, he came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/gnt/exodus/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> One day while Moses was taking care of the sheep and goats of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, he led the flock across the desert and came to Sinai, the holy mountain. <a href="/isv/exodus/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Meanwhile, Moses continued tending the sheep that belonged to his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the sheep to the western desert and came to Horeb, God's mountain, where <a href="/msb/exodus/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. <a href="/net/exodus/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Now Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the far side of the desert and came to the mountain of God, to Horeb. <a href="/nheb/exodus/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God's mountain, to Horeb. <a href="/wbt/exodus/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. <a href="/web/exodus/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the back of the wilderness, and came to God’s mountain, to Horeb. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/exodus/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Moses has been feeding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, priest of Midian, and he leads the flock behind the wilderness, and comes to the mountain of God, to Horeb; <a href="/ylt/exodus/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Moses hath been feeding the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, priest of Midian, and he leadeth the flock behind the wilderness, and cometh in unto the mount of God, to Horeb; <a href="/slt/exodus/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Moses was feeding the sheep of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian: and he will lead the sheep behind the desert, and he will come to the mountain of God, to Horeb.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/exodus/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now Moses fed the sheep of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Madian: and he drove the flock to the inner parts of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, Horeb. <a href="/cpdv/exodus/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now Moses was pasturing the sheep of his father-in-law Jethro, a priest of Midian. And when he had driven the flock into the interior of the desert, he came to the mountain of God, Horeb. <a href="/nabre/exodus/3.htm">New American Bible</a> Meanwhile Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Leading the flock beyond the wilderness, he came to the mountain of God, Horeb. <a href="/nrsvce/exodus/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian; he led his flock beyond the wilderness, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/exodus/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> NOW Moses was feeding the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the desert and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. <a href="/hpbt/exodus/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Moshe was feeding the flock of Yatherwan his father in Law, Priest of Midian, and he led the flock to the wilderness and came to the mountain of God at Khurib.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/exodus/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now Moses was keeping the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the farthest end of the wilderness, and came to the mountain of God, unto Horeb. <a href="/sep/exodus/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Moses was feeding the flock of Jothor his father-in-law, the priest of Madiam; and he brought the sheep nigh to the wilderness, and came to the mount of Choreb. <a href="/parallel/exodus/3-1.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/kVae3PiKqhs?start=384" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/exodus/3.htm">Moses at the Burning Bush</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/4872.htm" title="4872: ū·mō·šeh (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A great Isr. leader, prophet and lawgiver. From mashah; drawing out, i.e. Rescued; Mosheh, the Israelite lawgiver.">Meanwhile, Moses</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/7462.htm" title="7462: rō·‘eh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to tend a flock; i.e. Pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with.">shepherding</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: ṣōn (N-csc) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">the flock</a> <a href="/hebrew/2859.htm" title="2859: ḥō·ṯə·nōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Make oneself a daughter's husband. A primitive root; to give away in marriage; hence to contract affinity by marriage.">of his father-in-law</a> <a href="/hebrew/3503.htm" title="3503: yiṯ·rōw (N-proper-ms) -- Moses' father-in-law. From yether with pron. Suffix; his excellence; Jethro, Moses' father-in-law.">Jethro,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: kō·hên (N-msc) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">the priest</a> <a href="/hebrew/4080.htm" title="4080: miḏ·yān (N-proper-ms) -- The same as midyan; Midjan, a son of Abraham; also his country and his descendants.">of Midian.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5090.htm" title="5090: way·yin·haḡ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to drive forth, i.e. Lead, carry away; reflexively, to proceed; also, to sigh.">He led</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">the flock</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥar (Adv) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">to the far side</a> <a href="/hebrew/4057.htm" title="4057: ham·miḏ·bār (Art:: N-ms) -- A pasture, a desert, speech. From dabar in the sense of driving; a pasture; by implication, a desert; also speech.">of the wilderness</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: way·yā·ḇō (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2722.htm" title="2722: ḥō·rê·ḇāh (N-proper-fs:: 3fs) -- Waste, a mountain in Sinai. From charab; desolate; Choreb, a name for the Sinaitic mountains.">Horeb,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2022.htm" title="2022: har (N-msc) -- Mountain, hill, hill country. A shortened form of harar; a mountain or range of hills.">the mountain</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">of God.</a> 2There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/acts/7-30.htm">Acts 7:30-34</a> After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. / When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: / ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.’ Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look. ... <a href="/acts/7-22.htm">Acts 7:22-29</a> So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. / When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. / And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. ... <a href="/hebrews/11-24.htm">Hebrews 11:24-27</a> By faith Moses, when he was grown, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. / He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward. ... <a href="/acts/7-35.htm">Acts 7:35-36</a> This Moses, whom they had rejected with the words, ‘Who made you ruler and judge?’ is the one whom God sent to be their ruler and redeemer through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. / He led them out and performed wonders and signs in the land of Egypt, at the Red Sea, and for forty years in the wilderness. <a href="/acts/7-20.htm">Acts 7:20-21</a> At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house. / When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/john/10-11.htm">John 10:11-14</a> I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. / The hired hand is not the shepherd, and the sheep are not his own. When he sees the wolf coming, he abandons the sheep and runs away. Then the wolf pounces on them and scatters the flock. / The man runs away because he is a hired servant and is unconcerned for the sheep. ... <a href="/john/10-27.htm">John 10:27-30</a> My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. / I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. / My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand. ... <a href="/matthew/17-1.htm">Matthew 17:1-3</a> After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. / There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. / Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. <a href="/luke/20-37.htm">Luke 20:37-38</a> Even Moses demonstrates that the dead are raised, in the passage about the burning bush. For he calls the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ / He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to Him all are alive.” <a href="/mark/12-26.htm">Mark 12:26-27</a> But concerning the dead rising, have you not read about the burning bush in the Book of Moses, how God told him, ‘I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? / He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!” <a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a> “Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!” <a href="/deuteronomy/33-16.htm">Deuteronomy 33:16</a> with the choice gifts of the land and everything in it, and with the favor of Him who dwelt in the burning bush. May these rest on the head of Joseph and crown the brow of the prince of his brothers. <a href="/psalms/77-20.htm">Psalm 77:20</a> You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. <a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a> He chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds; / from tending the ewes He brought him to be shepherd of His people Jacob, of Israel His inheritance. / So David shepherded them with integrity of heart and guided them with skillful hands.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb.A.<a href="/psalms/78-70.htm">Psalm 78:70-72</a> He chose David also his servant, and took him from the sheepfolds: … <a href="/amos/1-1.htm">Amos 1:1</a> The words of Amos, who was among the herdmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash king of Israel, two years before the earthquake.<a href="/amos/7-14.htm">Amos 7:14,15</a> Then answered Amos, and said to Amaziah, I was no prophet, neither was I a prophet's son; but I was an herdman, and a gatherer of sycomore fruit: … his father.<a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Exodus 2:16,21</a> Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew water, and filled the troughs to water their father's flock… <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Exodus 18:1-6</a> When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses' father in law, heard of all that God had done for Moses, and for Israel his people, and that the LORD had brought Israel out of Egypt; … <a href="/numbers/10-29.htm">Numbers 10:29</a> And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.the mountain.<a href="/exodus/3-5.htm">Exodus 3:5</a> And he said, Draw not nigh hither: put off thy shoes from off thy feet, for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground.<a href="/exodus/18-5.htm">Exodus 18:5</a> And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife unto Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:<a href="/exodus/19-3.htm">Exodus 19:3,11</a> And Moses went up unto God, and the LORD called unto him out of the mountain, saying, Thus shalt thou say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel; … Horeb.<a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Exodus 17:6</a> Behold, I will stand before thee there upon the rock in Horeb; and thou shalt smite the rock, and there shall come water out of it, that the people may drink. And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel.<a href="/deuteronomy/1-6.htm">Deuteronomy 1:6</a> The LORD our God spake unto us in Horeb, saying, Ye have dwelt long enough in this mount:<a href="/deuteronomy/4-10.htm">Deuteronomy 4:10</a> Specially the day that thou stoodest before the LORD thy God in Horeb, when the LORD said unto me, Gather me the people together, and I will make them hear my words, that they may learn to fear me all the days that they shall live upon the earth, and that they may teach their children.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/revelation/5-1.htm">Backside</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/exodus/2-23.htm">End</a> <a href="/exodus/2-4.htm">Far</a> <a href="/mark/13-27.htm">Farthest</a> <a href="/genesis/38-25.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Feeding</a> <a href="/exodus/2-19.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/2-25.htm">God's</a> <a href="/malachi/4-4.htm">Horeb</a> <a href="/exodus/18-27.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/genesis/41-49.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/exodus/2-2.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/revelation/13-10.htm">Leadeth</a> <a href="/genesis/24-48.htm">Led</a> <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/exodus/2-22.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/genesis/36-9.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/genesis/48-22.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/genesis/37-16.htm">Pasturing</a> <a href="/exodus/2-16.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/genesis/29-9.htm">Tended</a> <a href="/genesis/41-30.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/genesis/28-14.htm">West</a> <a href="/genesis/37-22.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/26-12.htm">Backside</a> <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Desert</a> <a href="/exodus/8-13.htm">End</a> <a href="/exodus/8-28.htm">Far</a> <a href="/numbers/22-36.htm">Farthest</a> <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Father-In-Law</a> <a href="/1_samuel/25-16.htm">Feeding</a> <a href="/exodus/9-3.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/exodus/4-16.htm">God's</a> <a href="/exodus/17-6.htm">Horeb</a> <a href="/exodus/4-18.htm">Jethro</a> <a href="/exodus/5-5.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/exodus/3-6.htm">Kept</a> <a href="/1_samuel/22-4.htm">Leadeth</a> <a href="/exodus/13-18.htm">Led</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Midian</a> <a href="/exodus/4-19.htm">Mid'ian</a> <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">Moses</a> <a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Mount</a> <a href="/exodus/3-12.htm">Mountain</a> <a href="/isaiah/7-25.htm">Pasturing</a> <a href="/exodus/18-1.htm">Priest</a> <a href="/leviticus/24-4.htm">Tended</a> <a href="/exodus/4-27.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/exodus/10-19.htm">West</a> <a href="/exodus/3-18.htm">Wilderness</a><div class="vheading2">Exodus 3</div>1. <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">Moses keeps Jethro's flock.</a> 2. <a href="/exodus/3-2.htm">God appears to him in a burning bush.</a> 9. <a href="/exodus/3-9.htm">He sends him to deliver Israel.</a> 13. <a href="/exodus/3-13.htm">The name of God.</a> 15. <a href="/exodus/3-15.htm">His message to Israel, and Pharaoh, whose opposition is foretold.</a> 20. <a href="/exodus/3-20.htm">He is assured of Israel's deliverance.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/exodus/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/exodus/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Meanwhile, Moses was shepherding the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Moses, once a prince of Egypt, is now a shepherd, a significant shift in status that reflects God's preparation for his future leadership role. Shepherding was a common occupation in the ancient Near East, often associated with leadership and care, foreshadowing Moses' role as the shepherd of Israel. Jethro, also known as Reuel, is a priest of Midian, indicating a connection to the broader Semitic world and suggesting a monotheistic belief system that aligns with the worship of Yahweh. The Midianites were descendants of Abraham through Keturah, linking Moses to the Abrahamic covenant.He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness The wilderness, or desert, is a place of testing and revelation in biblical narratives. Moses' journey to the far side of the wilderness symbolizes a transition from his past life in Egypt to his future mission. This setting is significant for divine encounters, as seen in the lives of other biblical figures like Elijah and Jesus. The wilderness represents a place of solitude and preparation, where God often reveals His plans.and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. Horeb, also known as Sinai, is a sacred location where God reveals Himself to Moses and later gives the Law to Israel. This mountain is central to the Exodus narrative and the covenant relationship between God and His people. The designation "the mountain of God" underscores its significance as a place of divine encounter and revelation. Horeb is a type of Christ, as it is the site where God's presence is manifested, paralleling how Christ is the ultimate revelation of God to humanity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/moses.htm">Moses</a> A Hebrew by birth, raised in Pharaoh's household, and now living in Midian. He is shepherding the flock, indicating a period of humility and preparation. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jethro.htm">Jethro</a> Moses' father-in-law, also known as Reuel, a priest of Midian. His role as a priest suggests a spiritual influence in Moses' life during his time in Midian. 3. <a href="/topical/m/midian.htm">Midian</a> A region where Moses fled after leaving Egypt. It represents a place of refuge and transformation for Moses. 4. <a href="/topical/h/horeb.htm">Horeb</a> Also known as Mount Sinai, it is referred to as the "mountain of God." This location is significant for future divine encounters and the giving of the Law. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wilderness.htm">The Wilderness</a> Symbolic of a place of testing, preparation, and encounter with God. It is where Moses is being prepared for his future leadership role.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_preparation_in_the_wilderness.htm">God's Preparation in the Wilderness</a> The wilderness is often a place where God prepares His people for future tasks. Like Moses, we may find ourselves in a "wilderness" season where God is shaping our character and faith. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_humility_in_leadership.htm">The Role of Humility in Leadership</a> Moses' role as a shepherd teaches us the importance of humility and servanthood in leadership. God often uses humble beginnings to prepare us for greater responsibilities. <a href="/topical/d/divine_encounters_in_ordinary_places.htm">Divine Encounters in Ordinary Places</a> Horeb, the mountain of God, was an ordinary place until God chose to reveal Himself there. We should be open to encountering God in our everyday lives. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_influence_of_family_and_community.htm">Spiritual Influence of Family and Community</a> Jethro's role as a priest suggests the importance of spiritual mentorship and community in our faith journey. Surrounding ourselves with godly influences can guide us in our walk with God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_exodus_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Exodus 3</a> <a href="/q/what's_mount_horeb's_biblical_role.htm">What is Mount Horeb's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what's_mount_sinai's_biblical_role.htm">What is Mount Sinai's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_critical_race_theory.htm">What is Mount Horeb's significance in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'god_is_truth'_mean.htm">Who was Moses' father-in-law?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/exodus/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>III.(1) Moses kept the flock.--The natural occupation of one who had thrown in his lot with the Midianites.Jethro, his father-in-law.--Rather, his relation by marriage. The word is one of very wide use, corresponding with the Latin affinis. It is even applied to a husband, as in <a href="/exodus/4-25.htm" title="Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband are you to me.">Exodus 4:25</a>. The supposition that it means "father-in-law" has led to the identification of Jethro with Reuel, which is very unlikely. He was more probably Reuel's son, and Moses's brother-in-law. His father having died, he had succeeded to his father's position, and was at once priest and sheikh of the tribe.To the backside of the desert.--Heb., behind the desert--i.e., to the fertile tract which lay behind the sandy plain stretching from the Sinaitic range to the shore of the Elanitic gulf.The mountain of God--i.e., Sinai. See <a href="/exodus/18-5.htm" title="And Jethro, Moses' father in law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses into the wilderness, where he encamped at the mount of God:">Exodus 18:5</a>; <a href="/context/exodus/19-2.htm" title="For they were departed from Rephidim, and were come to the desert of Sinai, and had pitched in the wilderness; and there Israel camped before the mount.">Exodus 19:2-23</a>, &c.Even Horeb.--Rather, towards Horeb, or Horeb way. Horeb seems to have been the name of the entire mountain region; Sinai of the group or mass known now as Jebel Musa. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/exodus/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Moses kept the flock. The Hebrew expresses that this was his regular occupation. Understand by "flock" either sheep or goats, or the two intermixed. Both anciently and at the present day the Sinaitic pastures support these animals, and not horned cattle. Of Jethro, his father-in-law. The word translated "father-in-law" is of much wider application, being used of almost any relation by marriage. Zipporah uses it of Moses in <a href="/exodus/4-25.htm">Exodus 4:25, 26</a>; in <a href="/genesis/19-12.htm">Genesis 19:12, 14</a>, it is applied to Lot's "sons-in-law;" in other places it is used of "brothers-in-law." Its application to Jethro does not prove him to be the same person as Reuel, which the difference of name renders improbable. He was no doubt the head of the tribe at this period, having succeeded to that dignity, and to the priesthood, when Reuel died. He may have been either Reuel's son or his nephew. The backside of the desert, i.e. "behind" or "beyond the desert," across the strip of sandy plain which separates the coast of the Elanitic Gulf from the mountains, to the grassy regions beyond. He came to the mountain of God, even Horeb. Rather, "the mountain of God, Horeb-way," or "towards Horeb." By "the mountain of God" Sinai seems to be meant. It may be so named either by anticipation (as "the land of Rameses" in <a href="/genesis/47-11.htm">Genesis 47:11</a>), or because there was already a sanctuary there to the true God, whom Reuel and Jethro worshipped (<a href="/exodus/18-12.htm">Exodus 18:12</a>). <a href="/commentaries/exodus/3-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>Meanwhile, Moses וּמֹשֶׁ֗ה (ū·mō·šeh) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4872.htm">Strong's 4872: </a> Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiver was הָיָ֥ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be shepherding רֹעֶ֛ה (rō·‘eh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7462.htm">Strong's 7462: </a> To tend a, flock, pasture it, in, to graze, to rule, to associate with the flock צֹ֛אן (ṣōn) Noun - common singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock of his father-in-law חֹתְנ֖וֹ (ḥō·ṯə·nōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2859.htm">Strong's 2859: </a> To give, away in marriage, to contract affinity by marriage Jethro, יִתְר֥וֹ (yiṯ·rōw) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3503.htm">Strong's 3503: </a> Jethro -- Moses' father-in-law the priest כֹּהֵ֣ן (kō·hên) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest of Midian. מִדְיָ֑ן (miḏ·yān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4080.htm">Strong's 4080: </a> Midian -- a son of Abraham and Keturah, also his descendants and the region where they settled He led וַיִּנְהַ֤ג (way·yin·haḡ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5090.htm">Strong's 5090: </a> To drive forth, lead, carry away, to proceed, to sigh the flock הַצֹּאן֙ (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock to the far side אַחַ֣ר (’a·ḥar) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part of the wilderness הַמִּדְבָּ֔ר (ham·miḏ·bār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4057.htm">Strong's 4057: </a> A pasture, a desert, speech and came וַיָּבֹ֛א (way·yā·ḇō) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to Horeb, חֹרֵֽבָה׃ (ḥō·rê·ḇāh) Noun - proper - feminine singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2722.htm">Strong's 2722: </a> Horeb -- 'waste', a mountain in Sinai the mountain הַ֥ר (har) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2022.htm">Strong's 2022: </a> Mountain, hill, hill country of God. הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/exodus/3-1.htm">Exodus 3:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/exodus/3-1.htm">OT Law: Exodus 3:1 Now Moses was keeping the flock (Exo. Ex) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/exodus/2-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Exodus 2:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Exodus 2:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/exodus/3-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Exodus 3:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Exodus 3:2" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>