Burning Bush
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Introduction
Introduction
Biblical Timeline
Israelites were going to and in Egypt.
They were brought into Egypt through Joseph to be saved from the famine. They were later put into slavery by the Egyptians.
God would deliver them from slavery and bring them into the promise land through Moses. Within this time, God establishes his covenant relationship with the nation of Israel, establish the Law and Sacrifices, the tabernacle, and guides them to the promise land.
Moses
God’s covenant relationship with Abraham. (Gen 15)
Genesis 15:12–16 (ESV)
12 As the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram. And behold, dreadful and great darkness fell upon him. 13 Then the Lord said to Abram, “Know for certain that your offspring will be sojourners in a land that is not theirs and will be servants there, and they will be afflicted for four hundred years. 14 But I will bring judgment on the nation that they serve, and afterward they shall come out with great possessions. 15 As for you, you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 And they shall come back here in the fourth generation, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet complete.”
When God entered into a covenant relationship with Abraham, He expressed the situation that the Israelites will be in and how God will deliver them.
Call of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt
Exodus 2:23–24 (ESV)
23 During those many days the king of Egypt died, and the people of Israel groaned because of their slavery and cried out for help. Their cry for rescue from slavery came up to God. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered his covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob.
God hears and sees the oppression of and crying out of the Israelites in Egypt. God is going to deliver His people and will use Moses.
Circumstances around the Call of Moses (3:1-6)
Circumstances around the Call of Moses (3:1-6)
Moses the Shepherd (1)
Exodus 3:1 (ESV)
1 Now Moses was keeping the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he led his flock to the west side of the wilderness and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.
Moses is 80 years old.
The Bible Knowledge Commentary (3:1–3)
After 40 years of training in the courts of Pharaoh, Moses now neared the end of another 40 years of his life as a shepherd. Leading his father-in-law’s flock in search of grassland, Moses approached Mount Horeb (another name for Mount Sinai; cf. 19:10–11 with Deut. 4:10).
Mount Horeb, the mountain of God.
Sinai “A large peninsula lying between Egypt and Palestine. Triangular in shape, bordered by the two arms of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Elath on the east and the Gulf of Suez on the west, it was the scene of some of the most important events in the history of the Israelites.” (Negev, Avraham. The Archaeological encyclopedia of the Holy Land 1990: n. pag. Print.)
“In the Bible the name Sinai refers to a specific mountain (Ps. 68:8); to a range of mountains (Deut. 33:2; Judg. 5:5) and to a desert or wilderness (Exod. 19:2). The same mountain is sometimes called Horeb (1 Ki 19:8), and Mount Horeb is also referred to as the ‘mountain of God’ (Exod. 3:1) and sometimes just ‘the mountain’ (Exod. 19:2–3).” (Negev, Avraham. The Archaeological encyclopedia of the Holy Land 1990: n. pag. Print.)
Mt. Sinai (Mt. Horeb) is a very important location in the the history of the Israelite people. Here in Moses call to deliver the people. After the exodus, they will return to this area and receive the Law and Tabernacle.
Moses notices the Burning Bush (2-3)
Exodus 3:2–3 (ESV)
2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. He looked, and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will turn aside to see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.”
Angel of the Lord (67x) (2a)
“In this context, “the angel of the LORD” is probably a manifestation of God himself, rather than a messenger sent by God, although the evidence is open to debate. The fact that the ground around the bush becomes holy favors the idea that God himself is present; an angel-messenger is unlikely to have made the ground holy.” (Alexander, T. Desmond. Exodus. Ed. John H. Walton. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.)
Burning, but not consumed (2b-3)
This was the event that got Moses’ attention.
Exodus 3:3 (NET 2nd ed.)
3 So Moses thought, “I will turn aside to see this amazing sight. Why does the bush not burn up?”
Moses in God’s Presence (4-6)
Exodus 3:4–6 (ESV)
4 When the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” 6 And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
Presence of God.
“God’s presence makes the bush and the immediately surrounding area holy. Later, the entire mountain will be designated holy, when God appears before the Israelites (Exod. 19–24). By removing his footwear Moses possibly expresses an attitude of humility or respect in God’s presence. Alternatively, being barefoot may be required due to the holiness of the ground. It seems likely that the Aaronic priests served barefoot within the tabernacle. The importance of being holy in order to be in God’s presence is highlighted especially in the book of Leviticus.” (Alexander, T. Desmond. Exodus. Ed. John H. Walton. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.)
Purpose of the Call of Moses (3:7-10)
Purpose of the Call of Moses (3:7-10)
God’s concern for Israel (7-9)
Exodus 3:7–9 (ESV)
7 Then the Lord said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, 8 and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 9 And now, behold, the cry of the people of Israel has come to me, and I have also seen the oppression with which the Egyptians oppress them.
God knows (7)
God knows what they are going through and have heard their cry.
God acts (8-9)
Deliver them out - “to rescue v., to free from harm or evil, and in some cases from imprisonment.” (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)
Bring them to - “to bring up v., to cause to travel up, whether in elevation or from a certain direction.” (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)
“God has come not merely to rescue his people; he will bring them into the land of Canaan, transforming their suffering into joy.” (Alexander, T. Desmond. Exodus. Ed. John H. Walton. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.)
God sends Moses (10)
Exodus 3:10 (ESV)
10 Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.”
God is making it clear that He will be delivering the Israelites out from Egypt and bringing them into the promise land.
Here we see that God is going to use Moses to accomplish His plan.
God could do anything he wanted without our participation. However, we see examples in scripture where God is asking or using our participation to accomplish what he wants.
Matthew 28:18–20 (ESV)
18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Great commission - God is asking us to be a part of the discipleship of others.
Clarification of the Call of Moses (3:11-15)
Clarification of the Call of Moses (3:11-15)
Moses’ 1st Question (11-12)
Exodus 3:11–12 (ESV)
11 But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 He said, “But I will be with you, and this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
Question (11)
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”
Doubting his ability or why he is called to do it.
There are many in scripture that question the call of God or there ability to do it.
When we think about doing things for the Lord we question our ability to do it. Think about God asking us to be a part of disciplining others and we fear our ability to do it.
Answer (12)
“But I will be with you”
God encourages Moses by reassuring him that he was going to be with Him.
This is the same encouragement Jesus gives us with the Great Commission (20)
Matthew 28:20 (ESV)
20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
God will be with us as we walk out obedience to his command.
God offers a sign
“this shall be the sign for you, that I have sent you: when you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”
The Sign God is giving Moses will be shown to him when he walks out obedience. When you return here with the Israelites.
Moses’ 2nd question (13-15)
Exodus 3:13 (ESV)
13 Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
Question (13)
“‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?”
How do I prove to the elders that you have sent me.
Answer (14-15)
God’s Name (14)
Exodus 3:14 (ESV)
14 God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”
“I AM WHO I AM.… “I AM has sent me to you.” God’s response is enigmatic. He says in Hebrew ’ehyeh ’asher ’ehyeh, “I AM WHO I AM.” The interpretation of this remark has generated considerable discussion. Most likely it conveys the idea that God will be who he is—that is, his nature does not change. This unusual expression underlines that knowledge of God comes not simply from the name attached to him but from what he does.
In verse 14 God instructs Moses to say, “I AM has sent me to you.” In verse 15 God expands on this by saying, “The LORD … has sent me to you.” “LORD” translates the Hebrew word yhwh, which is often pronounced “Yahweh.” Out of reverence for the divine name, Jews later avoided saying yhwh by substituting the Hebrew word ’adonay, which means “lord.” The words ’ehyeh and yhwh are related. If ’ehyeh means “I am,” yhwh is the equivalent “he is.” Consequently, while God himself will say ’ehyeh, “I AM,” other people will say, yhwh, “HE IS.” Already in Genesis, God has made himself known as yhwh, “LORD” (Gen. 15:7; 28:13; cf. 4:26).” (Alexander, T. Desmond. Exodus. Ed. John H. Walton. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books: A Division of Baker Publishing Group, 2016. Print. Teach the Text Commentary Series.)
God’s name forever (15)
Exodus 3:15 (ESV)
15 God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.
“This is my name forever The name God revealed to Moses is the name by which He wishes to be known in Israel. It marks Him as the divine Creator of the nation.” (Barry, John D. et al. Faithlife Study Bible. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2012, 2016. Print.)
Instructions for the Call of Moses (3:16-22)
Instructions for the Call of Moses (3:16-22)
Moses goes to the elders (16-17)
Exodus 3:16–17 (ESV)
16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together and say to them, ‘The Lord, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, has appeared to me, saying, “I have observed you and what has been done to you in Egypt, 17 and I promise that I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites, a land flowing with milk and honey.”’
Moses is to gather the elders of Israel together and tell them the plan of God.
elder leader n., an older person in the community involved in important religious and social decisions: (The Lexham Analytical Lexicon of the Hebrew Bible 2017: n. pag. Print.)
God sees their distress, he will rescue them, and bring them into a good and prosperous land.
Moses goes to King of Egypt (18-19)
Exodus 3:18–19 (ESV)
18 And they will listen to your voice, and you and the elders of Israel shall go to the king of Egypt and say to him, ‘The Lord, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us; and now, please let us go a three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ 19 But I know that the king of Egypt will not let you go unless compelled by a mighty hand.
Go to the King of Egypt and tell him that the God of the Hebrews wants the people to go and sacrifice to Him in the wilderness.
God knows that the king will not let the Israelite go unless he is compelled.
Why would a king let an entire nation of people who are enslaved go free?
King of Egypt saw himself and divine and is not aware of the Hebrew God. So, why would he obey this God?
God will strike Egypt with Wonders (20-22)
Exodus 3:20–22 (ESV)
20 So I will stretch out my hand and strike Egypt with all the wonders that I will do in it; after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians; and when you go, you shall not go empty, 22 but each woman shall ask of her neighbor, and any woman who lives in her house, for silver and gold jewelry, and for clothing. You shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. So you shall plunder the Egyptians.”
God will compel the Egyptians to let the Israelites go.
The Israelites will leave Egypt with many goods.
Lessons from the Moses
Lessons from the Moses
Obedience - Moses obeyed with questions
God commanded Moses to be a part of what he was going to do for the Israelite people. God is calling us to be a part of the Great Commission in which we are a part of the discipleship of others.
Moses questioned his ability to accomplish what God has called him to do. We are often struggling with our ability to accomplish this task in an effective way.
God promises to go with him and accomplish his will with him and at time through him. Jesus promises to go with us also and accomplish his will in and through us.
Deliverance - God’s promise to deliver us from enslavement to a prosperous land
The events of the Exodus and entering the Promise Land are an incredible picture of what God has done to the Israelite people and the Gospel.
The idea of God delivering Israel from their enemies (nations) and sin are throughout the OT scriptures. God leading them to a new land with Him and forgiven.
This is the Gospel that God is delivering us from the enslavement to our enemies (spiritual and physical) and our sin. God is leading us to be forgiven in His Kingdom.
Colossians 1:13–14 (ESV)
13 He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.