Episode 24: A burning bush and some magic tricks

(Exodus 3-4a)

3 ¹ One day when Moses was watching his father-in-law's sheep, he came to God's mountain, Horeb.

² And the angel of God appeared to him in a burning bush.

⁴ God called out from the bush, saying,

Moses, Moses. ⁵ Take your shoes off because you're standing on holy ground.

I'm your father's God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

⁷ I have seen the affliction of my people in Egypt, and I have heard their cry.

⁸ I have come down to deliver them from the Egyptians and bring them to a land flowing with milk and honey, which is now occupied by other people.

¹⁰ So I'm going to send you to Pharaoh, so that you can lead my people out of Egypt.

¹³ Moses said to God, "When the Israelites ask me what your name is, what should I tell them?"

¹⁴ God said,

I AM THAT I AM.

¹⁶ Say to the Israelites,

I AM has sent me. He appeared to me and said,

I have seen what was done to you in Egypt.

¹⁷I will bring you out of Egypt and into a land flowing with milk and honey.

²⁰ I'll smite Egypt with all my wonders. Then the Pharaoh will let you go.

²¹ And when you leave Egypt, you won't go away empty.

²² You will steal from your Egyptian neighbors -- jewels, silver, gold, and clothing.

God teaches Moses some magic tricks

4 ¹ Moses said to God, "They won't believe that you appeared to me."

^2-3 God said, "Throw your rod on the ground."

Moses threw his rod on the ground, and his rod became a snake. Moses ran away from it.

⁴ God said, "Grab the snake by the tail."

Moses grabbed the snake, and it became a rod.

⁵ God said, "This will make them believe that I appeared to you."

⁶ Then God said, "Put your hand on your chest."

Moses put his hand on his chest, and his hand became leprous.

⁷ God said, "Put your hand on your chest again."

Moses put his hand on his chest again, and his hand was cured.

^8-9 God said,

If they won't believe after these two things, take water from the river and pour it on the ground.

It'll turn to blood.

¹⁰ Moses said, "But I'm not a good speaker." ¹¹ God said,

Who made men's mouths?

Who made blind and deaf people? Wasn't it me?

¹²Go. I'll be with your mouth; I'll teach you what to say.

¹³ Moses said, "Please God, send someone else."

¹⁴ God became angry at Moses, and said,

Isn't Aaron your brother? I know that he can speak well.

^15-16 He'll be your spokesman. He'll be your mouth, and you'll be like God to him.

¹⁷ Be sure to take your rod with you.