Moses' commission 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 calls Moses to lead His people out of Egypt.

The Burning Bush Encounter

Moses' commission begins with a theophany, an appearance of God, at Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. While tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, Moses encounters a bush that is burning yet not consumed by the flames. 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).

God's Revelation and Mission

God reveals Himself to Moses as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenantal relationship with the patriarchs and their descendants. He declares that He has seen the affliction of His people in Egypt and has heard their cries. God expresses His intention to deliver the Israelites from their oppression and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey (Exodus 3:7-8).

God commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, however, is hesitant and questions his own adequacy for such a monumental task. In response, God assures Moses of His presence, saying, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). God provides Moses with a sign: when the people are brought out of Egypt, they will worship God on this very mountain.

The Divine Name

Moses anticipates the Israelites' skepticism and inquires about God's name, seeking authority for his mission. God responds with the profound declaration, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14), instructing Moses to tell the Israelites that "I AM" has sent him. This name, often rendered as Yahweh, signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Signs and Wonders

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

Moses' Reluctance and God's Assurance

Despite these assurances, Moses remains reluctant, citing his lack of eloquence. God reassures him, saying, "Who gave man his mouth? ... Is it not I, the LORD?" (Exodus 4:11). God promises to help Moses speak and teach him what to say. When Moses continues to express his hesitance, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman, saying, "He will speak to the people for you" (Exodus 4:16).

Return to Egypt

With his commission confirmed, Moses returns to Egypt, taking his wife and sons. God instructs Moses to perform the signs before Pharaoh and warns that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, setting the stage for the dramatic series of plagues that will eventually lead to the Israelites' liberation (Exodus 4:21).

Moses' commission is a foundational moment in the history of Israel, demonstrating God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and power to deliver His people. Through Moses, God initiates the fulfillment of His promises to the patriarchs, setting the stage for the Exodus and the establishment of Israel as a nation under God's covenant.