The story of Moses and the burning bush is a profound moment in the Bible, highlighting the beginning of Moses’ mission to free the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This encounter reveals much about God’s nature, His concern for His people, and His plan for their deliverance.
The Encounter
Moses, tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, came to Horeb, the mountain of God. There, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up. Intrigued, Moses approached the bush to investigate this strange phenomenon. As he did, God called to him from within the bush, “Moses! Moses!” And Moses said, “Here I am.”
God’s Revelation
God instructed Moses to remove his sandals, for the place where he was standing was holy ground. God introduced Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses hid his face because he was afraid to look at God. God then revealed His awareness of the suffering of His people in Egypt and His plan to rescue them and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey.
Moses’ Mission
God appointed Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, however, was hesitant and expressed his doubts, questioning his own ability and authority. God reassured Moses, promising to be with him and giving him signs to perform. Additionally, God revealed His name to Moses, saying, “I AM WHO I AM,” affirming His eternal existence and unchanging nature.
Verses on Moses and the Burning Bush
- Exodus 3:2 – “There the angel of the Lord appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that though the bush was on fire it did not burn up.”
- Exodus 3:5 – “Do not come any closer,” God said. “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.”
- Exodus 3:10 – “So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring my people the Israelites out of Egypt.”
- Exodus 3:14 – “God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”
- Exodus 3:17 – “And I have promised to bring you up out of your misery in Egypt into the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites—a land flowing with milk and honey.”
The story of Moses and the burning bush is a testament to God’s power, presence, and promise to deliver His people. It marks the beginning of a journey that would shape the history of Israel and demonstrate God’s faithfulness.
