God’s Call and the Beginning of Israel’s Liberation (Exodus 3-6)

Hi everyone! Welcome back to our journey through the book of Exodus. Today, we’re covering chapters 3 to 6—powerful and pivotal chapters where God reveals His plan to rescue the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This story is packed with divine encounters, incredible promises, and lessons about faith and obedience. Let’s dive in!

Exodus 3: The Burning Bush

Moses Encounters God in the Burning Bush

While tending the flock of his father-in-law Jethro, Moses arrives at Mount Horeb, also known as the mountain of God. There, he notices something extraordinary: a bush engulfed in flames but not consumed by the fire. As Moses approaches, God calls out to him from within the bush, saying, “Moses, Moses!”

God instructs Moses to take off his sandals because the ground is holy. This moment marks the beginning of Moses’ divine calling.

God’s Call and Mission for Moses

God tells Moses that He has seen the suffering of His people in Egypt. He promises to deliver them from slavery and lead them to a land flowing with milk and honey. Then, God gives Moses a monumental mission: to go to Pharaoh and demand the release of the Israelites.

Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Assurance

Understandably, Moses feels inadequate for such a task. He questions his abilities and wonders if the Israelites will even believe him. God responds with reassurance, saying, “I will be with you.” To strengthen Moses’ faith, God provides miraculous signs:

1. Turning Moses’ staff into a serpent.
2. Making Moses’ hand leprous and then restoring it.
3. Turning water from the Nile into blood.

God demonstrates His power and assures Moses that He will equip him for the task.

Exodus 4: Moses Returns to Egypt

Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Provision

Despite the signs, Moses still hesitates, citing his lack of eloquence. God, in His patience, appoints Aaron, Moses’ brother, to speak on his behalf. Finally, Moses agrees to go. He gathers his family and sets out for Egypt, carrying the staff of God in his hand.

The Incident with Circumcision

On the way, a strange and critical event occurs. God confronts Moses, seemingly ready to kill him, because Moses had failed to circumcise his son—a sign of God’s covenant with Abraham. Zipporah, Moses’ wife, quickly performs the circumcision, and God’s anger is averted. This moment underscores the importance of covenant obedience.

Moses and Aaron Gather the Elders

Once in Egypt, Moses and Aaron meet with the elders of Israel. Aaron speaks the words God gave Moses, and the signs are performed. The people believe and bow down in worship, filled with hope that God has heard their cries.

Exodus 5: Pharaoh’s Harsh Response

Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh

Moses and Aaron go to Pharaoh and deliver God’s command: “Let my people go so that they may hold a festival to me in the wilderness.” Pharaoh, however, responds arrogantly, saying, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey Him? I do not know the Lord, and I will not let Israel go.”

Increased Oppression

Pharaoh accuses the Israelites of being lazy and increases their workload. He orders that no straw be provided for making bricks, yet the Israelites must still meet the same production quotas. This harsh punishment plunges the Israelites into deeper despair.

The Israelites Complain to Moses

When the Israelite foremen are beaten and blamed for failing to meet quotas, they turn on Moses and Aaron, accusing them of making their situation worse. Disheartened, Moses cries out to God, asking why this trouble has come upon the people.

Exodus 6: God Reassures Moses

God’s Promise of Deliverance

In response to Moses’ doubts, God reaffirms His covenant. He declares, “I am the Lord,” and promises to deliver the Israelites with a mighty hand. God reminds Moses of His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, assuring him that the Israelites will be freed from slavery and brought to the promised land.

The Israelites’ Initial Rejection

Despite God’s assurances, the Israelites are too discouraged by their harsh labor to listen to Moses. Nevertheless, God commands Moses and Aaron to return to Pharaoh and continue demanding Israel’s release.

Moses’ Genealogy

The chapter concludes with a genealogy of Moses and Aaron, emphasizing their God-given roles as leaders of Israel.

These chapters remind us that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Moses’ initial doubts and fears show us that it’s okay to feel unqualified—because God doesn’t call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

If you’re facing challenges that feel overwhelming, remember Moses’ story. God is with you, just as He was with Moses, equipping and empowering you for the mission He has for your life.