The Call of Moses: Understanding God’s Message and the Israelites’ Exodus

The Call of Moses: A Deeper Understanding

a) Describe the Call of Moses

1. Moses was tending to his father-in-law’s sheep at Mt. Horeb/Sinai.
2. An angel of the Lord appeared to him in a burning bush that was not consumed.
3. Moses turned aside to see the bush, and God called his name from the bush.
4. Moses responded to God, saying, “Here I am.”
5. God commanded Moses not to approach or remove his shoes because the place was holy.
6. God revealed Himself to Moses as the God of his ancestors: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
7. Moses hid his face, being afraid to look at God.
8. God informed Moses that He had seen the suffering of His people in Egypt and wanted to send Moses to Pharaoh to release them.
9. Moses was hesitant to go to Pharaoh; God promised to be with him and provided a sign.
10. Moses asked for the name of the God who was sending him, and God revealed His name as “I am who I am.”
11. God instructed Moses to gather the elders of Israel and convey the message of their deliverance.
12. Moses was to go with the elders to Pharaoh and request their release from Egypt.
13. God promised to perform miracles to compel Pharaoh.
14. The Israelites would find favor with the Egyptians and receive jewelry.
    (8 x 1 = 8 marks)

b) What Do We Learn About God from the Call of Moses?

• God is faithful; He keeps His promises.
• God is holy; He instructed Moses to remove his shoes.
• God is a living God who actively engages with His people.
• God is beyond human understanding; His nature is mysterious.
• God is powerful; He can intervene in human affairs.
• God is omnipresent; He is always present.
  (1 x 6 = 6 marks)

c) Give Three Reasons Why the Israelites Left Egypt

1. They wanted to go and worship God in the wilderness.
2. They aimed to reach the promised land.
3. They had been liberated by God through Moses and were instructed to leave.
4. It was part of God’s promise to Abraham.
   (2 x 3 = 6 marks)