Introduction

The narrative of God speaking to Moses is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the establishment of a covenant relationship between God and the Israelites. This encounter is primarily documented in the Book of Exodus and is foundational to understanding the nature of God's communication with His chosen leaders and people.

The Burning Bush (Exodus 3:1-6)

The first significant instance of God speaking to Moses occurs at Mount Horeb, where Moses encounters the burning bush. This miraculous event is described in Exodus 3:2-4 : "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed. So Moses thought, 'I must go over and see this marvelous sight. Why is the bush not burning up?' When the LORD saw that he had gone over to look, God called out to him from within the bush, 'Moses, Moses!' 'Here I am,' he answered."

In this encounter, God reveals His holiness and instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for he is standing on holy ground. God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing continuity with the patriarchal promises.

The Commissioning of Moses (Exodus 3:7-22)

God commissions Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. He expresses His awareness of their suffering and His intention to deliver them. Exodus 3:10 states, "Therefore, go! I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt."

Moses expresses reluctance and doubt about his ability to fulfill this mission. God reassures him with the promise of His presence, saying in Exodus 3:12 , "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, all of you will worship God on this mountain."

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

Moses inquires about God's name, seeking authority to present to the Israelites. God responds with the profound declaration in Exodus 3:14 , "God said to Moses, 'I AM WHO I AM.' And He said, 'This is what you are to say to the Israelites: I AM has sent me to you.'"

This revelation of God's name, "I AM," signifies His eternal, self-existent nature and becomes a central theological concept in understanding God's identity and His covenant relationship with Israel.

Signs and Wonders (Exodus 4:1-17)

To bolster Moses' confidence and authenticate his mission, God provides signs and wonders. These include the transformation of Moses' staff into a serpent and the miraculous healing of his leprous hand. God assures Moses in Exodus 4:12 , "Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say."

Despite Moses' continued hesitance, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, as his spokesperson, demonstrating God's patience and provision for His chosen servant.

The Encounter at Mount Sinai (Exodus 19-20)

After the Exodus from Egypt, God speaks to Moses again at Mount Sinai, where He delivers the Ten Commandments and establishes the Mosaic Covenant. Exodus 19:9 records, "The LORD said to Moses, 'Behold, I will come to you in a dense cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you, and they will always put their trust in you.'"

This encounter underscores the holiness of God and the importance of obedience to His laws. The giving of the Law at Sinai becomes a cornerstone of Israelite identity and religious practice.

The Tent of Meeting (Exodus 33:7-11)

Moses' relationship with God is characterized by direct communication, as seen in the Tent of Meeting. Exodus 33:11 describes, "Thus the LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend."

This intimate communication highlights Moses' unique role as a mediator between God and the Israelites, foreshadowing the ultimate mediation of Christ in the New Testament.

Conclusion

The instances of God speaking to Moses reveal the nature of divine communication, the establishment of covenant relationships, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for His people. These encounters emphasize God's holiness, faithfulness, and the importance of obedience to His commands.