MPV Commentary

1. Moses continued to care for his father-in-law Jethro's flock in furtherance of his marriage plans (see Exodus 2:21). However, it is likely that he was now working on different terms than before, similar to Jacob during his later years with Laban (Genesis 30:28).

He led the flock to the west side of the desert, which would have taken him through a wide valley called Wady-es-Zugherah (Robinson). This route likely led into the interior of the wilderness.

The Mountain of God was named either due to its great height or because it was the old abode of "the glory." Alternatively, some think it was named from its being the theater of significant events in the history of true religion. In any case, Moses' journey took him Horeb-ward.

Horeb refers to a mountainous district where Sinai is situated and was used to designate the region including that immense range of desolate hills. Although the area appears barren, there are patches of vegetation and valleys with thin coatings of greenery, especially towards the south.

Moses must have traveled at least two days' journey from his camp, although he seemed to be following a normal pastoral route. This region was a major resort for tribes during summer heats due to its numerous springs in rock clefts. The Providence of God led him there for an important purpose.

2-3. The angel of the Lord appeared to Moses in a flame of fire. In Scripture, elements and operations of nature are often represented as angels or messengers of God. However, here the preternatural fire may be primarily meant by this expression, with the Divine Being present under the symbol.

This took place out of the midst of a wild acacia bush, which was dry and brittle. A fire in such a location would have been a remarkable sight. The symbol may represent the Israelites' condition in Egypt – oppressed but still thriving due to God's presence among them. It could also represent the present state of the Jews or the Church.

4. When the Lord saw that Moses turned aside to see, He gave him clear signs that the communication was from heaven. Moses saw a fire with no human agent to kindle it; he heard a voice without human lips; and he saw no living being, yet One was in the bush who knew him and addressed him by name.

5. The Lord instructed Moses to remove his shoes, which was a common practice among Eastern people to confess personal defilement and unworthiness to stand before unspotted holiness.

6-8. The divine Speaker announced Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who had come down to deliver His people from Egypt. This revelation must have relieved Moses' reverential awe and provided welcome news about God's faithfulness to His promises.

10-22. Considering Moses' patriotic views, it might be expected that he would welcome a mission to lead Israel out of slavery. However, he showed great reluctance and stated several objections (Exodus 3:11, 13; 4:1, 10), all of which were successfully met and removed. The happy outcome of his labors was described in detail.