Intro: Moses is Called by God at the Burning Bush
Exodus 3 presents one of the most profound turning points in Scripture: Moses is called by God at the burning bush. While tending sheep near Mount Horeb, Moses sees a bush engulfed in flames yet not consumed. This miraculous sign marks the beginning of God’s direct commissioning of Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt. Read the full passage in Exodus 3 (KJV).
For the wider context of Israel’s bondage and Moses’ early life, visit the hub article – Israel’s Bondage in Egypt and Moses is Called By God: Profound Exodus 1–6 Summary.
The Burning Bush – Holy Ground
As Moses approaches the unusual sight of a bush that burns without being consumed, God calls his name: “Moses, Moses.” He is told to remove his sandals, for he stands on holy ground. This emphasizes the holiness of God’s presence and the reverence required when encountering Him.
The burning bush is more than just a miracle; it is a visible representation of God’s holiness and purity. Fire often symbolizes God’s presence in Scripture — from the pillar of fire guiding Israel in the wilderness (Exodus 13:21) to the tongues of fire at Pentecost (Acts 2). Yet this fire is unique, for it does not consume the bush, reflecting the eternal and sustaining power of God.
God identifies Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob — the covenant-keeping God who has not forgotten His promises. He assures Moses that He has seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and intends to deliver them.
God’s Call and Moses’ Hesitation
God commissions Moses to confront Pharaoh and bring Israel out of bondage. Moses, however, hesitates, questioning his own worthiness and ability. This mirrors the call of Isaiah in Isaiah 6, where the prophet also feels unworthy yet is chosen by God to be His messenger. Moses’ hesitation is deeply human: he worries about his lack of eloquence, his background, and the likelihood of Pharaoh listening to him.
Despite Moses’ objections, God assures him: “Certainly I will be with thee.” This promise of divine presence is the foundation of Moses’ mission. Just as Joshua would later be commanded to be strong and courageous because the Lord was with him (Joshua 1:9), so Moses is reminded that God’s presence is greater than his weaknesses.
This theme is repeated throughout Scripture: God does not call the qualified, but He qualifies the called. Moses’ journey from shepherd to prophet exemplifies how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary missions.
The Name of God Revealed – I AM THAT I AM
Perhaps the most significant moment of Exodus 3 is God’s revelation of His eternal name: I AM THAT I AM. This divine name reveals God as self-existent, unchanging, and eternal. Unlike the false gods of Egypt, the LORD is not dependent on anyone or anything. He simply is.
When Moses asked what name he should give to Israel, God provided this profound revelation. The name I AM (Hebrew: Ehyeh-Asher-Ehyeh) conveys timeless existence. Jesus later echoes this identity in John 8:58: “Before Abraham was, I am.” This shows that the eternal nature of God, revealed in Exodus, is fulfilled in Christ.
This revelation of God’s name not only assures Moses but also provides Israel with the authority behind the message: the eternal, covenant-keeping God has sent him. The phrase I AM THAT I AM has since become central to Jewish and Christian theology, underscoring God’s unchanging essence and His sufficiency for all who trust Him.
The Mission to Deliver Israel
Beyond revealing His name, God outlines His mission for Moses: to bring Israel out of Egypt into a good and spacious land flowing with milk and honey. This foreshadows not only physical deliverance but also spiritual redemption. Israel’s liberation from slavery becomes a picture of humanity’s deliverance from sin through Christ.
God explains that the elders of Israel will listen to Moses, but Pharaoh will resist until mighty signs compel him. This sets the stage for the ten plagues, where God’s power will be displayed over Egypt’s gods. Thus, the burning bush encounter is only the beginning of a series of miraculous demonstrations of God’s authority.
Conclusion
Exodus 3 demonstrates that when Moses is called by God at the burning bush, it is not about Moses’ strength but God’s presence and authority. The eternal I AM equips His servants for the mission He gives. Just as Moses’ encounter with the burning bush transformed him into a leader, so too does God call each of us to trust in His presence when facing overwhelming tasks.
Visit our main Exodus hub article for a summary on the first six chapters of Exodus: Israel’s Bondage in Egypt and Moses is Called By God: Profound Exodus 1–6 Summary.