When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight. As he approached to look more closely, the voice of the Lord came to him: When Moses saw it, he marveled at the sight.Moses, having fled Egypt, was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, in the wilderness of Sinai. The "it" refers to the burning bush, a miraculous phenomenon where the bush was on fire but not consumed. This sight was extraordinary and supernatural, capturing Moses' attention and evoking wonder. The burning bush is symbolic of God's presence, purity, and holiness, as fire often represents in Scripture (Exodus 3:2). Moses' marveling indicates his recognition of the divine nature of the event, setting the stage for his calling as a prophet and leader of Israel. This moment is pivotal, marking the beginning of God's direct communication with Moses, who would become the deliverer of Israel. Exo 3:2 There the angel of the LORD appeared to him…… As he approached to look more closely, Moses' decision to approach the bush demonstrates his curiosity and willingness to engage with the divine. This act of drawing near is significant, as it reflects a desire to understand and experience God's presence more fully. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, approaching a divine manifestation was a bold move, indicating reverence and a readiness to receive a message or mission. This mirrors the call to believers to draw near to God, as seen in James 4:8, where approaching God is met with His nearness to us. Exo 3:3 So Moses thought, “I must go over and see… the voice of the Lord came to him: The voice of the Lord signifies direct divine communication, a rare and profound experience in the biblical narrative. This encounter is a theophany, where God reveals Himself audibly to Moses. The voice of the Lord is authoritative and commanding, initiating Moses' role as a prophet. This moment is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God speaks directly to individuals, such as to Abraham (Genesis 12:1) and Samuel (1 Samuel 3:4). The voice of the Lord here not only calls Moses but also establishes the covenant relationship between God and His chosen leader, foreshadowing the greater revelation of God through Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh (John 1:14). Exo 3:6 Then He said, “I am the God of your father,”… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesA central figure in the Old Testament, Moses is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In this verse, he encounters the burning bush, a pivotal moment in his life and mission. 2. The Burning Bush A miraculous event where God appears to Moses in a bush that is on fire but not consumed. This is a theophany, a visible manifestation of God to humankind. 3. The Voice of the Lord Represents God's direct communication with Moses, signifying divine authority and guidance. 4. Mount Horeb (Sinai) The location where Moses encounters the burning bush, later known as the mountain of God. 5. Stephen's Speech Acts 7 is part of Stephen's defense before the Sanhedrin, where he recounts Israel's history to illustrate their resistance to God's messengers. Teaching Points God's RevelationGod reveals Himself in unexpected ways. We should remain open to His presence in our daily lives, even in ordinary or surprising circumstances. Divine Calling Like Moses, we may be called to step into roles or tasks that seem daunting. Trust in God's guidance and provision is essential. Awe and Reverence Moses' marveling at the sight reminds us to approach God with awe and reverence, recognizing His holiness and power. Listening to God's Voice We must be attentive to God's voice, which can come through Scripture, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's prompting. Historical Continuity Stephen's recounting of Moses' account highlights the continuity of God's plan throughout history, encouraging us to see our place within His larger account. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Moses' reaction to the burning bush challenge us to respond to God's presence in our lives today?2. In what ways can we cultivate a sense of awe and reverence for God in our daily routines? 3. How does understanding the historical context of Moses' calling enhance our appreciation of God's faithfulness throughout Scripture? 4. What are some modern "burning bush" moments where God might be trying to get our attention, and how can we be more receptive to them? 5. How can we apply the lessons from Moses' encounter with God to our own experiences of divine calling and mission? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:1-6This passage provides the original account of Moses' encounter with the burning bush, offering more detail about the event and God's call to Moses. Hebrews 11:23-29 Highlights Moses' faith and his role as a leader of Israel, emphasizing his trust in God's promises despite challenges. Deuteronomy 33:16 Refers to the "favor of him who dwelt in the burning bush," connecting God's presence with His blessing and guidance. People Aaron, David, Egyptians, Emmor, Hamor, Haran, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Joseph, Joshua, Molech, Pharaoh, Saul, Solomon, Stephen, SychemPlaces Babylon, Canaan, Egypt, Haran, Jerusalem, Mesopotamia, Midian, Mount Sinai, Red Sea, ShechemTopics Approached, Behold, Close, Closely, Consider, Drawing, Drew, Full, Further, Lord's, Marveled, Nearer, Saying, Seeing, Sight, View, Vision, Voice, Wonder, WonderedDictionary of Bible Themes Acts 7:30-34Library Stephen's vision'Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of man standing on the right hand of God'--ACTS vii. 56. I. The vision of the Son of Man, or the abiding manhood of Jesus. Stephen's Greek name, and his belonging to the Hellenistic part of the Church, make it probable that he had never seen Jesus during His earthly life. If so, how beautiful that he should thus see and recognise Him! How significant, in any case, is it he should instinctively have taken on his lips that name, 'the Son of Man,' to designate … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts The Young Saul and the Aged Paul [Footnote: to the Young. ] The Death of the Master and the Death of the Servant The Prayer of Stephen. Our Lord Appears after his Ascension. Letter iv. You Reply to the Conclusion of My Letter: "What have we to do with Routiniers?... St. Stephen's Day and Stephen, Full of Faith and Power, did Great Wonders and Miracles among the People. . . . Then they Stirred up the People. . . . And Caught Him, and Set up False Witnesses against Him. The Death of Stephen. Acts 7:54-60 Whether in Christ There was the Gift of Prophecy? Whether those who are not Practiced in Keeping the Commandments Should Enter Religion? Whether the Old Law was Given through the Angels? Whether Christ's Birth Should have Been Manifested by Means of the Angels and the Star? Whether it is Fitting that Christ Should Sit at the Right Hand of God the Father? Whether Judgment is Rendered Perverse by Being Usurped? In Process of Tithe, that is to Say, in the Tenth Generation after the Flood... And Jacob, when He Went into Mesopotamia, Saw Him in a Dream... The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep Alive the Hope of Salvation in Christ Until his Advent. Wisdom and Revelation. As God in his Word Enjoins Common Prayer, So Public Temples are the Places Destined... A Glorious vision. It Follows in the Creed, "And in the Holy Ghost. ... The Secret of Its Greatness From Egypt to Sinai. The Son of Man Links Acts 7:31 NIVActs 7:31 NLT Acts 7:31 ESV Acts 7:31 NASB Acts 7:31 KJV Acts 7:31 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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