Topical Encyclopedia The account of Moses and the burning bush is a pivotal moment in biblical history, marking the beginning 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.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). The Vision of the Burning Bush While at Horeb, Moses encounters a miraculous sight: a bush that is on fire but is not consumed by the flames. Intrigued by this phenomenon, Moses approaches to investigate. It is at this moment that God calls out to him from within the bush, saying, "Moses, Moses!" to which Moses responds, "Here I am" (Exodus 3:4). Divine Revelation and Commission 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 Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing continuity with the patriarchal promises and covenant. The Lord declares that He has seen the affliction of His people in Egypt and has heard their cries. He expresses His intention to deliver them from slavery and bring them to 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 return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage. Moses, however, expresses doubt about his ability to fulfill such a monumental task. In response, God assures him of His divine presence, saying, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). The Divine Name Revealed 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 vision of the burning bush is significant for several reasons. It marks the divine calling of Moses as the leader and deliverer of Israel. The revelation of God's name, "I AM," underscores His unchanging nature and His commitment to His people. This encounter also sets the stage for the subsequent plagues, the Exodus, and the establishment of the Mosaic covenant at Sinai. Moses' experience at the burning bush is a profound moment of divine revelation and commissioning, illustrating God's sovereignty, holiness, and redemptive plan for His chosen people. Nave's Topical Index Exodus 3:2-6And 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. Nave's Topical Index Library The Call of Moses The Faith of Moses. The Bush that Burned, and did not Burn Out The Presence of God. Exodus Whether it is Fitting for the Holy Ghost to be Sent visibly? Treats of How God Suspends the Soul in Prayer by a Trance, Ecstasy ... Introductory. On the Feast of St Andrew the Apostle From Egypt to Sinai. Resources Who was Moses' wife? Did Moses have more than one wife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the relationship of Moses and Aaron? | GotQuestions.org Why does Moses have horns in some ancient statues / sculptures? | GotQuestions.org Moses: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Iconoclasm: Destroyed by Moses Moses is a Herdsman for Jethro in the Desert of Horeb Moses with Aaron Assembles the Leaders of Israel Moses with his Wife and Sons, he Leaves Jethro to Perform his Mission in Egypt Moses: A Levite and Son of Amram Moses: Appoints Joshua As his Successor Moses: Benedictions of Last Benediction Upon the Twelve Tribes Moses: Benedictions of Upon the People Moses: Character of Called the Man of God Moses: Character of Complainings of Moses: Character of God Spoke To, As a Man to his Friend Moses: Character of Impatience of Moses: Character of Magnanimity of, Toward Eldad and Medad Moses: Character of Magnified of God Moses: Character of Meekness of Moses: Character of Obedience of Moses: Character of Respected and Feared Moses: Character of Unaspiring Moses: Commissioned As Leader of the Israelites Moses: Composes a Song for the People of Israel on Their Deliverance from Pharaoh Moses: Crosses the Red Sea; Pharaoh and his Army are Destroyed Moses: Discovered and Adopted by the Daughter of Pharaoh Moses: Has the Vision of the Burning Bush Moses: Hidden in a Small Basket Moses: His Controversy With his Wife on Account of Circumcision Moses: His Loyalty to his Race Moses: His Rod Miraculously Turned Into a Serpent, and his Hand Was Made Leprous, and Then Restored Moses: Institutes a System of Government Moses: Jealousy of Aaron and Miriam Toward Moses: Joined by his Family in the Wilderness Moses: Joins Himself to Jethro, Priest of Midian Moses: Learned in all the Wisdom of Egypt Moses: Meets Aaron in the Wilderness Moses: Mourning For, Thirty Days in the Plains of Moab Moses: Not Permitted to Enter Canaan, But Views the Land from Atop Mount Pisgah Moses: People Complain Against Moses and Aaron Moses: Present With Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration Moses: Rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram Against Moses: Receives Comfort and Assurance from the Lord Moses: Rejected by Pharaoh; Hardships of the Israelites Increased Moses: Renews his Appeal to Pharaoh Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Irregularity in the offerings Moses: Reproves Aaron For: Making the Golden Calf Moses: Secures the Deliverance of the People and Leads Them out of Egypt Moses: Takes the Life of an Egyptian Taskmaster Moses: Under Divine Direction Brings Plagues Upon the Land of Egypt Mutiny: Israelites Against Moses Related Terms Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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