The commissioning of Moses by God is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, marking the beginning of the deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This event is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 3 and 4, where God reveals Himself to Moses and appoints him as the leader who will bring His people out of Egypt.

The Burning Bush Encounter

Moses' encounter with God occurs while he is tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He leads the flock to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he witnesses a miraculous sight: a bush that is burning yet not consumed by the flames. This phenomenon captures Moses' attention, and as he approaches, God calls to him from the midst of the bush, saying, "Moses, Moses!" Moses responds, "Here I am" (Exodus 3:4).

God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy ground. He then introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenantal relationship with the patriarchs and their descendants. Moses hides his face, afraid to look at God (Exodus 3:6).

God's Mission for Moses

God reveals to Moses His awareness of the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and His intention to deliver them from oppression. He declares, "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings" (Exodus 3:7). God promises to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanites and other nations.

God commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, however, expresses doubt about his ability to fulfill such a monumental task, asking, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). God reassures him, saying, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

The Divine Name Revealed

Moses anticipates the Israelites' skepticism and inquires about God's name, which he should convey to them. God responds with the profound declaration, "I AM WHO I AM." He instructs Moses to tell the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you" (Exodus 3:14). This name, often rendered as Yahweh, signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His promises.

Signs and Wonders

To bolster Moses' confidence and authenticate his mission, God provides him with miraculous signs. He transforms Moses' staff into a serpent and back into a staff, makes Moses' hand leprous and then restores it, and promises that if the Israelites do not believe these signs, Moses can turn the Nile's water into blood (Exodus 4:2-9).

Despite these assurances, Moses remains hesitant, citing his lack of eloquence. God reassures him, "Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, sighted or blind? Is it not I, the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11). God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman, promising to guide both of them in their speech and actions.

Moses' Reluctance and Obedience

Moses' reluctance is met with God's patience and provision. God instructs Moses to take the staff in his hand, with which he will perform the signs (Exodus 4:17). Moses returns to Jethro, receives his blessing to go to Egypt, and sets out with his family, carrying the staff of God.

The commissioning of Moses is a testament to God's sovereignty, His faithfulness to His covenant, and His power to equip and use individuals for His divine purposes. Through Moses, God would demonstrate His might and deliver His people, setting the stage for the unfolding of His redemptive plan.