Topical Encyclopedia Introduction:The account of Moses and the Burning Bush is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the beginning of Moses' mission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This event is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 3:1-15. It is a profound encounter between God and Moses, where God reveals His name and commissions Moses for a divine purpose. Biblical Account: Moses, having fled from Egypt, was tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. He led the flock to the far side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God. It is here that the angel of the LORD appeared to him in flames of fire from within a bush. Moses noticed that although the bush was on fire, it was not consumed by the flames. Intrigued by this miraculous sight, Moses approached to investigate. As Moses drew near, God called to him from within the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And Moses replied, "Here I am." God instructed him to remove his sandals, for the place where he was standing was holy ground. God then introduced Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Moses hid his face, afraid to look at God. Divine Commission: God revealed to Moses that He had seen the affliction of His people in Egypt and had heard their cries. He expressed His intention to deliver them from the Egyptians and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey. God then commissioned Moses to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, however, expressed doubt about his ability to fulfill such a task, questioning, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" God assured him, "I will surely be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain." The Name of God: Moses further inquired about what he should say to the Israelites when they ask for the name of the God who sent him. God responded with the profound declaration, "I AM WHO I AM." He instructed Moses to tell the Israelites, "I AM has sent me to you." God also affirmed His eternal covenant with the patriarchs, stating, "The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob—has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered in every generation." Theological Significance: The encounter at the burning bush is rich with theological significance. It marks the first time God reveals His personal name, Yahweh, to His people, signifying His eternal, self-existent nature. The burning bush itself is a symbol of God's holy presence, a fire that purifies and does not consume, illustrating His power and holiness. This event also underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises. By identifying Himself as the God of the patriarchs, God reassures Moses and the Israelites of His commitment to fulfill the promises made to their ancestors. Furthermore, the divine commission of Moses sets the stage for the Exodus, a foundational event in Israel's history that demonstrates God's redemptive power and His desire to dwell among His people. Conclusion: The narrative of Moses and the Burning Bush is a cornerstone of biblical revelation, highlighting God's holiness, His covenant faithfulness, and His sovereign plan for redemption. It serves as a reminder of God's presence and His call to His people to participate in His divine purposes. Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms |