Topical Bible: God: Appearances of To Moses, in the Flaming Bush

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The appearance of God to Moses in the flaming bush is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, marking the commencement of Moses' mission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This theophany is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 3:1-6.

Context and Setting

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 divine encounter occurs, setting the stage for the liberation of the Israelites.

The Theophany

In Exodus 3:2 , it is written: "There the Angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire from within a bush. Moses saw that the bush was on fire but was not consumed." This miraculous sight captures Moses' attention, prompting him to investigate further. The phenomenon of the burning bush, which is not consumed by the flames, symbolizes the presence of God—eternal, self-sustaining, and unchanging.

Divine Revelation

As Moses approaches, God calls to him from within 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 is standing is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This act signifies reverence and the recognition of God's sacred presence.

God then reveals Himself as the God of Moses' ancestors: "I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob" (Exodus 3:6). At this, Moses hides his face, afraid to look at God, acknowledging the divine holiness and his own unworthiness.

The Commissioning of Moses

In this encounter, God commissions Moses to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian oppression. God expresses His awareness of the suffering of His people and His intention to rescue them: "I have surely seen the affliction of My people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry... So I have come down to rescue them" (Exodus 3:7-8).

God appoints Moses as the leader who will confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites to freedom. Despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt, God assures him of His presence and support, promising, "I will be with you" (Exodus 3:12).

The Divine Name

A significant aspect of this encounter is the revelation of God's name. When Moses asks what he should say to the Israelites when they inquire about the name of the God who sent him, God responds, "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14). This name, often rendered as Yahweh, signifies God's eternal existence and unchanging nature. It is a profound declaration of His self-existence and sovereignty.

Significance

The appearance of God to Moses in the flaming bush is a foundational moment in the history of Israel and in the broader biblical narrative. It marks the beginning of God's direct intervention in the liberation of His people and the establishment of His covenant relationship with them. This theophany underscores God's holiness, His concern for His people, and His power to deliver and redeem.

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Exodus 3:2
And the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the middle of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.
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Library

The Bush that Burned, and did not Burn Out
... the brilliant future that once seemed likely for Moses. ... of the symbolical accompaniments
of divine appearances, all of ... a divine symbol, a symbol of God not of ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the bush that burned and.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... seat was set above it, for so was Moses commanded to ... Christ is that for the sake
of which God forgiveth us ... colour of itself, whether that thing be bush, or man ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Desire of the Righteous Granted;
... make a man bring forth good fruit to God, before he is of God made good, as it is
for a thorn or bramble bush to bring ... When Moses, the man of God, was with ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the desire of the righteous.htm

Memoir of John Bunyan
... his knees, and, with uplifted hands towards heaven, cried, O Lord God, have mercy ...
attended with the thousands of heaven"they were all in flaming fire; also ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/memoir of john bunyan.htm