God is presented in Scripture as One who has a history of acting and responding. Recall Exodus 3–4. When Moses was tending the flocks of his father-in-law in the wilderness, his curiosity was piqued one day by a bush engulfed in flames but not consumed. He walked over; and as he approached, God addressed him out of the bush: “Moses, Moses!” It's the narrator who tells us that it was God addressing him; Moses didn't yet know what to make of what was happening. Moses responded, “Here I am,” whereupon God said, “Come no closer! Remove the sandals from your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Then the speaker in the bush identified himself. “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Moses was gripped by fear and, no longer daring to look, covered his face.

God then told Moses that he, God, had seen the affliction of his people, had heard their cry of suffering, and had “come down” to bring them out of servitude into a land where they could flourish. “So come,” said God, “I will send you to Pharaoh to bring my people, the Israelites, out of Egypt.”

What then follows is a series of protests by Moses. Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and lead my people out? I'll be with you, says God.