In what era of time did God tell Moses “I am that I am”?
The era in which this encounter occurred is believed to be around the 13th century BCE, during the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt.
In the biblical story of Moses and the burning bush, one of the most famous passages is when God reveals His name to Moses saying, "I am who I am" or "I am that I am." This momentous event occurs in the book of Exodus in the Old Testament of the Bible.
But in what era of time did this revelation take place? It is believed by scholars and theologians that this encounter took place during the era when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt.
The story of Moses begins with his birth during a time when the Israelites were oppressed and enslaved by the Egyptians. Pharaoh had ordered all male Hebrew babies to be killed, fearing that they would grow up to be a threat to his reign. Moses was saved by his mother who placed him in a basket and sent him down the Nile River, where he was found and adopted by the Pharaoh's daughter. Moses grew up in the royal court but was later forced to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave.
After years in exile, Moses encounters a burning bush on Mount Sinai, which is said to be the presence of God. As Moses approaches the bush, he hears a voice calling out to him saying, "Moses, Moses." It is at this moment that God reveals His name to Moses, saying, "I am who I am" or "I am that I am." This revelation signifies God's eternal and unchanging nature, emphasizing His omnipotence and sovereignty.
The era in which this encounter occurred is believed to be around the 13th century BCE, during the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. The Exodus story, which documents Moses leading the Israelites out of slavery and towards the Promised Land, is traditionally dated to around this time period.
Historically, the Egyptian oppression of the Israelites and their subsequent liberation aligns with this timeframe, providing a context for Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush.
The revelation of God's name to Moses is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of Moses' mission to free the Israelites from bondage and lead them to the land that God had promised to their ancestors.
The name "I am that I am" signifies God's presence and power, as well as His eternal existence outside of time and space. It establishes a direct and personal relationship between God and His chosen people, setting the stage for the events that follow in the story of the Exodus.