Topical Bible: Vision of Moses of the Burning Bush

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The Vision of Moses of the Burning Bush is a pivotal event in the Old Testament, marking the divine commissioning of Moses as the leader who would deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. This theophany is recorded in the Book of Exodus, specifically in Exodus 3:1-6.

Context and Setting

The event occurs while Moses is tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, the priest of Midian. Moses leads the flock to the far side of the wilderness and comes to Horeb, the mountain of God. This location, also known as Mount Sinai, holds significant importance as the future site where Moses would receive the Ten Commandments.

Theophany and Divine Encounter

In Exodus 3:2, the narrative describes the appearance of the Angel of the LORD in a flame of fire from within a bush. The text states, "Moses saw that though the bush was on fire, it did not burn up." This miraculous sight captures Moses' attention, prompting him to investigate further. The burning bush symbolizes God's presence and holiness, a fire that purifies and does not consume.

As Moses approaches, God calls to him from within the bush, "Moses, Moses!" (Exodus 3:4). Moses responds, "Here I am." This direct address signifies the personal nature of God's call and His intimate knowledge of Moses.

Divine Revelation and Commission

God instructs Moses to remove his sandals, for the place where he stands is holy ground (Exodus 3:5). This act of reverence underscores the sanctity of the encounter and the presence of the divine. God then reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, establishing continuity with the patriarchal promises and affirming His covenantal faithfulness.

In Exodus 3:7-10, God declares His awareness of the suffering of the Israelites in Egypt and His intention to deliver them. He commissions Moses to go to Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This divine mandate marks the beginning of Moses' role as a prophet and leader, chosen to fulfill God's redemptive plan for His people.

Moses' Hesitation and God's Assurance

Moses expresses reluctance and self-doubt, questioning his own ability to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites (Exodus 3:11). God reassures Moses with the promise of His presence, stating, "I will surely be with you" (Exodus 3:12). This assurance highlights the central theme of divine accompaniment and empowerment in the fulfillment of God's purposes.

God further reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14), a profound declaration of His eternal, self-existent nature. This revelation of the divine name, Yahweh, signifies God's unchanging and faithful character, providing Moses with the authority and confidence to carry out his mission.

Significance in Biblical Theology

The Vision of Moses of the Burning Bush is a foundational event in biblical theology, illustrating key themes such as divine revelation, covenant, and redemption. It emphasizes God's active involvement in history and His commitment to His people. The encounter foreshadows the greater deliverance to come through Jesus Christ, who, like Moses, is a mediator and redeemer.

This theophany also serves as a reminder of the holiness of God and the appropriate human response of reverence and obedience. The burning bush, a symbol of God's presence, continues to inspire awe and reflection on the nature of divine encounters and the call to serve in God's redemptive work.

Nave's Topical Index

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.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Call of Moses
... Yes, but it was in the desert that the vision of the bush burning, and not burning
out, came; and it would not have come if Moses had been in a palace. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the call of moses.htm

Introductory.
... WHEN the angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in the burning bush, he was ... great
reality"God manifest in the flesh"of which the vision of Moses was but a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/schaff/the person of christ/introductory.htm

Treats of How God Suspends the Soul in Prayer by a Trance, Ecstasy ...
... 7. Moses and the burning bush.8. Simile of the museum.9. St. Teresa's visit to the
Duchess of Alva.10. Joy of the soul during raptures.11. No imaginary vision. ...
/.../teresa/the interior castle or the mansions/chapter iv treats of how.htm

The Faith of Moses.
... revelation was given between Jacob's vision at Beersheba[288] and the vision of
the burning bush. ... But Moses henceforth lives in a veritable world of miracles ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xii the faith of.htm

The Bush that Burned, and did not Burn Out
... in it, and preserved it by its burning, there is ... found in the words that accompanied
this vision: 'I am ... what they were sarcastic about, 'Did not Moses teach you ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the bush that burned and.htm

Exodus
... step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage ... encouraged by the
sight of a bush, burning yet unconsumed ... and sent forth with a new vision of God[1 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mcfadyen/introduction to the old testament/exodus.htm

The Presence of God.
... When Moses saw the vision of the burning bush, and suddenly felt himself on holy
ground; when Elijah heard the still, small voice calling, "What doest thou here ...
//christianbookshelf.org/percival/sermons at rugby/x the presence of god.htm

From Egypt to Sinai.
... (1) He had a vision of God the ... God heard the cry of his people and remembered his
covenant with Abraham and appeared to Moses in a burning bush and sent him ...
/.../tidwell/the bible period by period/chapter v from egypt to.htm

The Fourth Part.
... apparitions did hee set on fire the heart of Moses in the burning bush; and enflamed ...
waters nought; and their zeale hath perished, because vision hath failed ...
/.../ward/a coal from the altar to kindle the holy fire of zeale/the fourth part.htm

Whether it is Fitting for the Holy Ghost to be Sent visibly?
... however, to be like to the flame of the burning bush seen by Moses and to ... Thus the
visible mission is neither displayed by prophetic vision, which belongs ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is fitting for 2.htm