Moses is tending the flock of his father-in-law when he comes to Horeb, the mountain of God. There he sees a bush burning with fire without being consumed. Moses turns aside to investigate the strange sight.

God calls to him from the bush by name. Moses answers, and he is told not to come closer and to remove his sandals because he is standing on holy ground. The speaker identifies himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

God says that he has seen the suffering of his people in Egypt, heard their cry, and knows their pain. Moses is commissioned to go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt.

Moses responds with a series of objections. Who is he to confront Pharaoh? What should he say if Israel asks for the name of the God who sent him? God promises to be with him and gives the declaration commonly rendered “I AM WHO I AM,” followed by the covenant name represented in English Bibles as LORD.

Moses continues to resist. What if the people do not believe him? He is given signs involving his staff and his hand. Moses then objects that he is not eloquent. God answers that the one who made the human mouth can teach him what to say.

When Moses finally asks for someone else to be sent, God appoints his brother Aaron to assist him as spokesman. Moses will still receive the message and commission, but Aaron will speak with him.

The shepherd in Midian is thus sent back toward the place he fled. The encounter at the bush turns the suffering of Israel, the covenant promises, the divine name, and Moses’ reluctant calling into the opening movement of the Exodus deliverance.