Divine Encounter
Moses encounters God in a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire (Exodus 3:2). This miraculous sight captures Moses' attention and signifies God's holy presence.

God's Holiness
God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This act signifies reverence and respect for God's holiness.

God's Compassion
God expresses His awareness of the Israelites' suffering and His intention to deliver them (Exodus 3:7-8). This demonstrates God's compassion and His active role in the lives of His people.

Moses' Commission
God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). Despite Moses' initial reluctance, God assures him of His presence and support.

The Divine Name
God reveals His name to Moses as I AM WHO I AM (Exodus 3:14). This name signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises.Reverence for God
Approach God with reverence and awe, recognizing His holiness and majesty in our daily lives.

Trust in God's Plan
Even when we feel inadequate, trust that God equips and empowers us for the tasks He calls us to.

Awareness of God's Presence
Be attentive to God's presence in unexpected places and moments, just as Moses encountered God in the wilderness.

Compassion for Others
Reflect God's compassion by being sensitive to the suffering of others and seeking ways to help and support them.1. Moses
Moses is the central human figure in Exodus 3. He is tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro when he encounters the burning bush. Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His name in Hebrew, מֹשֶׁה (Moshe), is traditionally understood to mean "drawn out," reflecting his rescue from the Nile as a baby.

2. The Angel of the LORD
The Angel of the LORD appears to Moses in the flames of the burning bush. In conservative Christian theology, this figure is often understood as a theophany, a manifestation of God Himself, rather than a separate angelic being. The Hebrew term used is מַלְאַךְ יְהוָה (mal'akh YHWH), which can be translated as "messenger of Yahweh."

3. God
God speaks to Moses from the burning bush, identifying Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He reveals His name as "I AM WHO I AM" (אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה, Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh), emphasizing His eternal and self-existent nature. This encounter marks the commissioning of Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage.

4. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob
These patriarchs are mentioned by God when He identifies Himself to Moses. They are the forefathers of the Israelite nation, with whom God made His covenant. Their mention underscores the continuity of God's promises and His faithfulness to His people.

5. The Israelites
While not individually named, the Israelites are the people whom Moses is called to lead out of Egypt. They are described as suffering under Egyptian oppression, and God expresses His concern for their plight and His intention to deliver them.1. Mount Horeb
Referred to as "the mountain of God" in Exodus 3:1, Mount Horeb is where Moses encounters the burning bush. The Hebrew term for Horeb (חֹרֵב, Horev) is often associated with desolation or dryness, which is fitting for its desert location. This mountain is traditionally identified with Mount Sinai, where Moses later receives the Ten Commandments.

2. Egypt
Mentioned throughout Exodus 3, Egypt is the land where the Israelites are enslaved. In Exodus 3:10, God instructs Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. The Hebrew name for Egypt is מִצְרַיִם (Mitzrayim), which is often associated with the idea of a narrow or constrained place, reflecting the Israelites' bondage.1. Moses Tends Jethro's Flock
Moses is tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian, and leads the flock to the far side of the wilderness, coming to Horeb, the mountain of God. This sets the stage for his encounter with God. The Hebrew term for "tending" (רָעָה, ra'ah) implies a careful and responsible oversight of the flock.

2. The Angel of the LORD Appears
The Angel of the LORD appears to Moses in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses notices that the bush is burning but is not consumed. The Hebrew word for "angel" (מַלְאָךְ, mal'akh) can also mean "messenger," indicating a divine presence.

3. Moses Turns Aside to See
Moses decides to investigate the strange sight of the burning bush that is not consumed. His curiosity and willingness to turn aside from his path are pivotal in his encounter with God.

4. God Calls to Moses from the Bush
When the LORD sees that Moses has turned aside, God calls to him from within the bush, saying, "Moses, Moses!" Moses responds, "Here I am." The repetition of Moses' name signifies urgency and importance.

5. God Instructs Moses to Remove His Sandals
God instructs Moses to remove his sandals because the place where he is standing is holy ground. This act of removing sandals is a sign of reverence and respect in the presence of the divine.

6. God Identifies Himself
God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses hides his face because he is afraid to look at God, acknowledging the holiness and majesty of the divine presence.

7. God Acknowledges the Suffering of His People
God tells Moses that He has seen the affliction of His people in Egypt and has heard their cries because of their taskmasters. The Hebrew word for "affliction" (עֳנִי, oni) conveys a deep sense of suffering and oppression.

8. God's Plan to Deliver Israel
God reveals His plan to deliver the Israelites from Egypt and bring them to a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey. This promise reflects God's covenant faithfulness.

9. God Commissions Moses
God commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. This task is significant, as Moses is chosen to be the leader and deliverer of God's people.

10. Moses' Hesitation and God's Assurance
Moses expresses doubt about his ability to confront Pharaoh, asking, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh?" God assures Moses of His presence, saying, "I will surely be with you," and provides a sign that Moses will worship God on this mountain after bringing the people out of Egypt.

11. God Reveals His Name
When Moses asks what he should say if the Israelites ask for God's name, God responds, "I AM WHO I AM." He instructs Moses to tell the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you." The Hebrew phrase אֶהְיֶה אֲשֶׁר אֶהְיֶה (Ehyeh Asher Ehyeh) conveys God's eternal and self-existent nature.

12. God's Instructions for Moses
God instructs Moses to gather the elders of Israel and tell them that the God of their fathers has appeared to him and is concerned about their suffering. God promises to bring them out of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites.

13. God Predicts Pharaoh's Resistance
God tells Moses that Pharaoh will not let the Israelites go unless compelled by a mighty hand. God promises to stretch out His hand and strike Egypt with wonders, after which Pharaoh will let them go.

14. God's Promise of Favor
God promises that He will grant the Israelites favor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that when they leave, they will not go empty-handed. The Israelites will plunder the Egyptians, taking articles of silver, gold, and clothing. This act of plundering is a form of divine justice and recompense for their years of slavery. God's Holiness
Isaiah 6:3 - Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; His glory fills the whole earth.

God's Compassion
Psalm 34:17-18 - The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears; He delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.

God's Presence
Matthew 28:20 - And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.

God's Name
John 8:58 - Truly, truly, I tell you, Jesus declared, before Abraham was born, I am! Reverence
Pray for a deeper understanding and reverence for God's holiness in our lives.

Courage
Ask God for courage and strength to step into the roles and tasks He has called us to, trusting in His presence and guidance.

Compassion
Pray for a heart that mirrors God's compassion, seeking to alleviate the suffering of those around us.

Awareness
Request an increased awareness of God's presence in our daily lives, recognizing His work in both ordinary and extraordinary circumstances.

1. Why do you think God chose to appear to Moses in a burning bush?

2. How does Moses’ reaction to his call reflect our own reactions when God calls us to tasks we find daunting?

3. How does the phrase "I AM WHO I AM" resonate with you personally in understanding God's nature?

4. How does God's awareness of the Israelites' suffering speak to His character?

5. How does God's promise of the land flowing with milk and honey encourage you in your present situation?

6. Why do you think Moses was hesitant about the task given to him despite the divine assurance?

7. What does it mean to you that the place where Moses stood was considered "holy ground"?

8. What can we learn about faith from Moses’ conversation with God?

9. How does God's response to Moses' doubt reassure you in your moments of doubt?

10. How can the phrase "I will surely be with you" help us when we face difficult situations?

11. Why did God allow the Israelites to plunder the Egyptians after their liberation?

12. How does the story of Moses' calling challenge your view of God's plans for your life?

13. In what ways does God's promise to be with Moses throughout the task impact your understanding of God's presence in your life?

14. How can you apply the concept of "plundering the Egyptians" to your present-day life?

15. How does this passage inspire you to react when you feel called to do something beyond your capabilities?

16. Why do you think God insisted Moses be the one to lead the Israelites despite his self-doubt?

17. What role does faith play in answering God's call, as evidenced by Moses' experience?

18. How can you identify with Moses' fear and uncertainty in your life today?

19. How can this passage encourage someone going through oppression or difficult times?

20. In the context of the story, what does "a land flowing with milk and honey" symbolize, and how can this symbolism apply to your life?