The calling of Moses is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of God's direct intervention to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 3 and 4, and serves as a foundational moment in the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

Background

Moses was born during a time of great oppression for the Israelites in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all Hebrew male infants be killed, but through divine providence, Moses was saved and raised in Pharaoh's household (Exodus 2:1-10). Despite his Egyptian upbringing, Moses retained a connection to his Hebrew heritage, which eventually led him to flee Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15).

The Burning Bush

Moses' calling occurs while he is tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, in the wilderness near Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. Here, Moses encounters the Angel of the LORD in a burning bush that is not consumed by the fire. This miraculous sight captures Moses' attention, and as he approaches, God calls to him from the bush, saying, "Moses, Moses!" (Exodus 3:4).

God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This act signifies reverence and the recognition of God's sacred presence. God then reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenantal relationship with the patriarchs and their descendants (Exodus 3:6).

The Divine Commission

God declares that He has seen the affliction of His people in Egypt and has heard their cries. He expresses His intention to deliver them from slavery and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, the land of Canaan (Exodus 3:7-8). God commissions Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage, saying, "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt" (Exodus 3:10).

Moses' Hesitation and God's Assurance

Moses expresses reluctance and doubt about his ability to fulfill such a monumental task. He questions his own worthiness and fears the Israelites will not believe that God has sent him (Exodus 3:11-13). In response, God assures Moses of His presence, saying, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). God also reveals His name, "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal and self-existent nature (Exodus 3:14).

To further reassure Moses, God provides miraculous signs: the transformation of Moses' staff into a serpent, the appearance of leprosy on his hand, and the turning of water from the Nile into blood (Exodus 4:1-9). Despite these signs, Moses continues to express his inadequacy, citing his lack of eloquence (Exodus 4:10). God responds by reminding Moses that He is the Creator of the mouth and promises to help him speak (Exodus 4:11-12).

Aaron as Spokesman

Recognizing Moses' persistent hesitation, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman. God tells Moses, "He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him" (Exodus 4:16). This arrangement allows Moses to fulfill his role as leader while relying on Aaron to communicate God's messages.

Return to Egypt

With God's assurances and Aaron's support, Moses returns to Egypt to confront Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites. This marks the beginning of a series of confrontations between Moses and Pharaoh, culminating in the Exodus, a defining moment in Israel's history and a testament to God's faithfulness and power.

The calling of Moses is a profound example of God's sovereignty and His ability to use imperfect individuals to accomplish His divine purposes. Through Moses, God demonstrates His commitment to His covenant people and His power to deliver them from oppression.