Introduction

The Call 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 recorded in the Book of Exodus, primarily in chapters 3 and 4. Moses, a Hebrew by birth who was raised in the Egyptian royal household, encounters God in a profound and transformative experience that sets the stage for the Exodus.

Background

Moses was born during a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Pharaoh had decreed that all newborn Hebrew boys be killed, but Moses was saved by his mother, who placed him in a basket on the Nile River. He was discovered and adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, growing up with the privileges of Egyptian royalty. Despite his upbringing, Moses retained a connection to his Hebrew heritage. After killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave, Moses fled to Midian, where he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and became a shepherd.

The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6)

Moses' call begins with a theophany, a visible manifestation of God, at Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai. While tending his father-in-law's flock, Moses encounters a bush that is on fire but not consumed. This miraculous sight captures his attention, and as he approaches, God calls to him from the bush: "Moses, Moses!" (Exodus 3:4). God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for he is standing on holy ground. God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenantal relationship with the patriarchs and their descendants.

God's Commission (Exodus 3:7-10)

God reveals to Moses His awareness of the Israelites' suffering and His intention to deliver them from Egyptian oppression. He declares His plan to bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, the land of Canaan. God commissions Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people out of bondage. This divine mandate is both a call to leadership and a promise of divine intervention.

Moses' Hesitation and God's Assurance (Exodus 3:11-22; 4:1-17)

Moses expresses reluctance and doubt about his ability to fulfill God's command. He questions his own qualifications, saying, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). God reassures Moses with the promise of His presence: "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). God also provides Moses with signs to authenticate his mission, including the transformation of his staff into a serpent and the ability to turn his hand leprous and then restore it.

Moses continues to express concern, particularly about his speaking abilities. God responds by appointing Aaron, Moses' brother, as his spokesperson. God emphasizes that He will guide both Moses and Aaron in what to say and do, ensuring that His purposes will be accomplished.

The Name of God (Exodus 3:13-15)

In response to Moses' inquiry about what name he should use to describe God to the Israelites, God reveals His name as "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). This name, often rendered as Yahweh, signifies God's eternal, self-existent nature and His faithfulness to His covenant promises. God instructs Moses to tell the Israelites that "I AM" has sent him, reinforcing the divine authority behind his mission.

Return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-31)

After receiving God's commission and assurances, Moses returns to Midian, seeks Jethro's blessing, and sets out for Egypt with his family. Along the way, God reaffirms His intentions and warns Moses of the challenges he will face with Pharaoh. Upon arrival in Egypt, Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel, perform the signs God provided, and convey God's message of deliverance. The people believe and worship, recognizing that God has seen their affliction and is acting on their behalf.

Significance

The Call of Moses is a foundational event in the history of Israel and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. It highlights themes of divine sovereignty, human agency, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush serves as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, His concern for His people, and His ability to equip and empower those He calls to serve His purposes.