Exodus 3:2

KJV

And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the angel {H4397} of the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} unto him in a flame {H3827} of fire {H784} out of the midst {H8432} of a bush {H5572}: and he looked {H7200}, and, behold, the bush {H5572} burned {H1197} with fire {H784}, and the bush {H5572} was not consumed {H398}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The angel of ADONAI appeared to him in a fire blazing from the middle of a bush. He looked and saw that although the bush was flaming with fire, yet the bush was not being burned up.

Berean Standard Bible

There the angel of the LORD appeared to him in a blazing fire from within a bush. Moses saw the bush ablaze with fire, but it was not consumed.

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Burning Bush") presents the dramatic and pivotal moment of God's self-revelation to Moses in the wilderness, where "the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush [was] not consumed." This supernatural event, defying the laws of nature, served as the divine summons for Moses to embark on his prophetic mission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, initiating a transformative chapter in the history of salvation and the unfolding of God's covenantal promises.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the narrative climax of the preceding chapters, transitioning from Moses' early life and flight from Egypt in [Exodus 2](/exodus/2 "Exodus Chapter 2 - Moses' Early Life") to his divine commission. Having spent forty years as a shepherd in Midian, far removed from the grandeur of Pharaoh's court, Moses is tending his father-in-law Jethro's flock. The narrative carefully sets the scene, placing Moses in a seemingly mundane pastoral setting near Mount Horeb (also known as Mount Sinai), which will later become the sacred site for the giving of the Law. The sudden, miraculous appearance of the burning bush interrupts this ordinary routine, signaling an extraordinary divine intervention that will fundamentally reorient Moses' life and the destiny of the Israelite people. The verses immediately following [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Burning Bush") detail God's direct address to Moses, His identification as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and His declaration of intent to deliver Israel from oppression, setting the stage for the entire Exodus narrative.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Moses' flight from Egypt ([Exodus 2:15](/exodus/2-15 "Moses Flees Pharaoh")) placed him in Midian, a region east of the Gulf of Aqaba, inhabited by nomadic tribes. His occupation as a shepherd was humble, a stark contrast to his upbringing in Pharaoh's palace. The location, "the backside of the desert" near "the mountain of God, even to Horeb" ([Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Moses at Mount Horeb")), is significant. Mount Horeb (Sinai) was already considered sacred, a place where God had previously manifested or would do so. The cultural understanding of divine encounters often involved fire, storms, or other natural phenomena, but the unconsumed bush would have been uniquely perplexing and attention-grabbing, demanding a response from Moses. For the enslaved Israelites in Egypt, this encounter marks God's remembrance of His covenant with their forefathers ([Exodus 2:24-25](/exodus/2-24-25 "God Remembers His Covenant")), signaling the imminent fulfillment of ancient promises.
* **Key Themes:** [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Burning Bush") introduces several foundational themes that resonate throughout the book of Exodus and the entire biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Initiative and Revelation**, as God sovereignly chooses the time and manner of His self-disclosure, initiating contact with humanity. This is a profound theophany, a visible manifestation of God's presence, underscoring His active involvement in human history. The **Holiness of God** is immediately apparent through the miraculous fire and the subsequent command for Moses to remove his sandals ([Exodus 3:5](/exodus/3-5 "Holy Ground at the Burning Bush")). The paradox of the unconsumed bush highlights **God's Sustaining Power** and His ability to dwell among His creation without destroying it, a theme that will be crucial as Israel journeys through the wilderness. Furthermore, this verse marks the beginning of **God's Call to Leadership**, demonstrating that God often chooses unlikely individuals in humble circumstances to accomplish His grand purposes, as seen in Moses' transformation from a shepherd to a deliverer.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **angel (Hebrew, _mălʼâk'_):** This term (H4397) derives from an unused root meaning "to despatch as a deputy." It refers to a messenger, specifically, of God. While it can denote a created angelic being, in numerous Old Testament contexts, particularly when associated with "of the LORD" (YHWH), it signifies a direct, visible manifestation of God Himself, a pre-incarnate appearance of the Son of God. The subsequent dialogue in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Call of Moses") confirms this divine identity as the speaker reveals Himself as YHWH.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the sacred personal name of God (H3068), often transliterated as Yahweh, meaning "the self-Existent or Eternal." It is derived from the verb "to be" (H1961, _hayah_). Its use here signifies God's covenantal faithfulness and His active presence. The "angel of the LORD" is therefore not merely an emissary but the very presence of the covenant God.
* **burned (Hebrew, _bâʻar'_):** This primitive root (H1197) means "to kindle" or "to consume (by fire)." It describes the active process of combustion. The paradox in [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Burning Bush") is that while the bush was actively "burning" (H1197), it was not "consumed" (H398), highlighting the supernatural nature of the fire.
* **consumed (Hebrew, _ʼâkal'_):** This primitive root (H398) means "to eat (literally or figuratively)," and by extension, "to burn up" or "devour." The fact that the bush was "not consumed" despite burning is the central miracle of the verse, indicating that this fire was not a destructive force but a manifestation of divine presence and power that sustained rather than destroyed.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him":** This phrase immediately establishes the divine initiative. It is God, through His manifest presence ("the angel of the LORD"), who takes the first step to reveal Himself to Moses. The verb "appeared" (H7200, _râʼâh_) suggests a visible, direct encounter, not merely a dream or vision.
* **"in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush":** This describes the specific form of the theophany. Fire (H784, _ʼêsh_) is a recurring biblical symbol for God's presence, holiness, and power. The location—"out of the midst of a bush" (H5572, _çᵉneh_, a common bramble)—underscores God's ability to manifest Himself in the ordinary and humble, transforming it into sacred space.
* **"and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire":** Moses' natural human response to such an unusual sight is to "look" (H7200, _râʼâh_), indicating his initial curiosity and observation. The repetition of "bush burned with fire" emphasizes the active state of combustion. The interjection "behold" (H2009, _hinnēh_) draws attention to the marvel Moses witnessed.
* **"and the bush [was] not consumed":** This is the miraculous core of the verse. The conjunction "and" (H2009, _hinnēh_) introduces the astonishing paradox. Despite the active burning, the bush was not being "consumed" (H398, _ʼâkal_), meaning it was not being eaten up or destroyed by the flames. This defies natural law and points directly to a supernatural, divine agency at work.

#### Literary Devices
The passage in [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Burning Bush") is rich with literary devices that amplify its theological significance. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the visible manifestation of God, which is central to the narrative, presenting God's direct interaction with humanity in a tangible form. This theophany is characterized by **Symbolism**, where fire represents God's holiness, presence, and power, yet in this instance, it is a non-consuming fire, symbolizing His sustaining and life-giving nature rather than destructive judgment. The core of the verse presents a powerful **Paradox**: a bush that is actively "burning with fire" yet "was not consumed." This inherent contradiction defies natural expectation, immediately signaling a supernatural event and drawing Moses' attention to the divine. This paradox is not merely a spectacle but carries profound theological meaning, illustrating God's ability to indwell creation without destroying it, and to empower His chosen instruments without diminishing them. The narrative also employs **Emphasis** through repetition, particularly of "the bush" and "fire," to underscore the miraculous nature of the event and fix the reader's attention on the central image.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The encounter at the burning bush in [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Burning Bush") is a foundational moment of divine revelation, underscoring God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to His covenant people. It highlights God's transcendence and immanence: He is utterly holy and distinct, yet He chooses to manifest Himself in the mundane, drawing near to humanity. The unconsumed bush powerfully symbolizes God's sustaining power, His ability to dwell among His creation and empower His servants without destroying them. This divine encounter initiates Moses' call, demonstrating that God's choice is sovereign and His empowerment sufficient for the task, even when it seems overwhelming. It sets the stage for the entire Exodus narrative, revealing a God who sees the affliction of His people and comes down to deliver them ([Exodus 3:7-8](/exodus/3-7-8 "God Hears Israel's Cry")).

* [Deuteronomy 4:24](/deuteronomy/4-24 "God as a Consuming Fire")
* [Acts 7:30-35](/acts/7-30-35 "Stephen's Account of the Burning Bush")
* [Hebrews 12:29](/hebrews/12-29 "Our God is a Consuming Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Call of Moses") offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is not confined to sacred spaces or grand spectacles; He can reveal Himself and call us in the most ordinary and unexpected circumstances of our daily lives, even amidst our mundane routines. The unconsumed bush serves as a powerful metaphor for God's enduring presence and His ability to empower and sustain His servants without diminishing or consuming them. This means that when God calls us to a task, His presence is not meant to overwhelm or exhaust us, but to equip and preserve us, enabling us to bear the "fire" of His presence and purpose without being burned out. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness, recognizing that every moment holds the potential for a divine encounter, and to approach God's presence with reverence and humility, understanding that we stand on holy ground whenever He manifests Himself. Just as God sustained the bush, He promises to sustain us through trials and service, proving His faithfulness and power.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in your daily life, in seemingly ordinary circumstances, might God be revealing Himself or calling you to a deeper awareness of His presence?**
* **How does the image of the unconsumed bush speak to your understanding of God's sustaining power in your own life, particularly when you feel overwhelmed or "burned out"?**
* **What "holy ground" moments have you experienced, and how did they prompt you to respond with reverence or a renewed sense of purpose?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to a new or deeper service, and how does the example of Moses' call encourage you to trust in God's empowerment rather than your own abilities?**

### FAQ

**Who was the "angel of the LORD" in Exodus 3:2?**

Answer: The "angel of the LORD" (Hebrew: *Mal'akh Yahweh*, H4397, H3068) in [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Angel of the LORD") is consistently understood in the Old Testament as more than a mere created angel. The subsequent dialogue in [Exodus 3](/exodus/3 "The Third Chapter of Exodus") reveals the speaker identifies as God Himself, using the divine name YHWH ("I AM THAT I AM" in [Exodus 3:14](/exodus/3-14 "God's Revelation of His Name")). Many theologians interpret this as a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, acting as the visible manifestation of the invisible God, foreshadowing His full incarnation.

**Why was the bush burning but not consumed?**

Answer: The bush burning without being consumed ([Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "The Unconsumed Bush")) is a profound miracle, a supernatural event designed to capture Moses' attention and signify the unique divine nature of the encounter. Theologically, it symbolizes God's holiness and power, which can indwell creation without destroying it. It also represents God's sustaining presence, indicating that He empowers His servants without diminishing or consuming them, and that His presence is life-giving and transformative, not destructive. It serves as a visual parable of God's enduring nature and His ability to preserve His people.

**What is a "theophany" and how does Exodus 3:2 relate to it?**

Answer: A "theophany" is a visible manifestation or appearance of God to humanity. [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "A Theophany in Exodus") is a classic and highly significant example of a theophany, where God reveals Himself to Moses in the form of a flame within a bush. This direct, sensory encounter underscores God's active involvement in human history and His desire to communicate with His creation, setting the stage for His divine commission to Moses and the subsequent deliverance of Israel. Other examples include God's appearance to Abraham in [Genesis 18](/genesis/18 "Abraham's Visitors") or to Isaiah in [Isaiah 6](/isaiah/6 "Isaiah's Vision of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The appearance of "the angel of the LORD" in [Exodus 3:2](/exodus/3-2 "Christ in the Burning Bush") is widely understood by Christian theologians as a pre-incarnate manifestation of Jesus Christ, the second person of the Trinity. As the one through whom God reveals Himself (as stated in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son... has made him known")), Christ is the ultimate mediator between the holy God and sinful humanity. This burning bush encounter, where God's fiery presence dwells without consuming, powerfully foreshadows Christ's future incarnation, where the fullness of God would "dwell among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us")) in human flesh without destroying it. Just as the bush was not consumed by the divine fire, Christ's divine power sustains and empowers believers without destroying them, enabling them to bear the "fire" of the Holy Spirit's presence and carry out God's purposes. Ultimately, this event points to Christ as the one who brings God's presence near, not to condemn, but to redeem and empower His people, fulfilling the promise of God's abiding and sustaining presence (e.g., [Matthew 28:20](/matthew/28-20 "I am with you always")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 7:30

¶ And when forty years were expired, there appeared to him in the wilderness of mount Sina an angel of the Lord in a flame of fire in a bush.

Acts 7:35

This Moses whom they refused, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge? the same did God send [to be] a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel which appeared to him in the bush.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Mark 12:26

And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob?

Deuteronomy 33:16

And for the precious things of the earth and fulness thereof, and [for] the good will of him that dwelt in the bush: let [the blessing] come upon the head of Joseph, and upon the top of the head of him [that was] separated from his brethren.

Luke 20:37

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.

Psalms 66:12

Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy [place].