Introduction

The encounter of Moses with the burning bush is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the commencement 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 theophany where God reveals Himself to Moses and commissions him as the deliverer of His people.

Context and Setting

Moses, having fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian, settled in the land of Midian. He married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian, and became a shepherd, tending to his father-in-law's flock. The narrative begins with Moses leading the flock to the far side of the wilderness and coming to Horeb, the mountain of God (Exodus 3:1).

Theophany and Divine Encounter

At Horeb, Moses encounters a miraculous sight: a bush that is on fire but not consumed by the flames. Intrigued, Moses approaches to investigate this phenomenon. It is at this moment that God calls out to him from the midst of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And Moses responds, "Here I am" (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 introduces Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, affirming His covenantal relationship with the patriarchs and their descendants (Exodus 3:6).

Divine Commission

God reveals to Moses His awareness of the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and His intention to deliver them from oppression. He declares His plan to bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey, the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites (Exodus 3:7-8).

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, questioning, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" (Exodus 3:11). God reassures Moses of His presence, promising, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

The Divine Name

Moses anticipates the Israelites' skepticism and inquires about God's name, seeking assurance of His authority. 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 covenant promises.

Significance

The encounter at the burning bush is significant for several reasons. It marks the beginning of Moses' transformation from a fugitive shepherd to the leader of God's chosen people. It also introduces the divine name Yahweh, emphasizing God's unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. Furthermore, this event underscores the holiness of God and the necessity of reverence in His presence.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the burning bush represents God's ability to manifest His presence in the natural world without being consumed by it. It symbolizes the mystery of God's immanence and transcendence. The call of Moses illustrates God's sovereign choice and empowerment of individuals to fulfill His divine purposes, despite their perceived inadequacies.

Conclusion

The narrative of Moses at the burning bush is a foundational account in the biblical canon, setting the stage for the Exodus and the subsequent formation of Israel as a nation under God's covenant. It highlights themes of divine revelation, mission, and the transformative power of encountering the living God.