Burning Bush

The flaming bush on Mount Horeb, where Moses encountered God and was sent to lead Israel out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1–15; Mark 12:26; Luke 20:37; Acts 7:30–34). The mystery of a plant burning without being destroyed allowed God to reveal his name, “I Am Who I Am.” The burning bush was a theophany, a visible sign of God’s presence. In the Bible, God's glory is associated with clouds, fire, and smoke (see Exodus 13:21; 19:18; 1 Kings 8:10–11; 2 Kings 1:12; 2:11; Isaiah 6:1–6; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Revelation 1:14; 19:12).

The burning bush symbolizes God’s holiness. Moses was told to remove his shoes because he was standing on holy ground (Exodus 3:5). The gods of Egypt were often thought to live in gloomy darkness, But, Israel’s God lives in unapproachable light (1 Timothy 6:16). The burning bush symbolized his intention not to destroy his people, but to save them, and lead them out of slavery in Egypt and into the Promised Land.

See also Exodus, Book of; Moses; Theophany; God, Names of.