The Burning Bush

This is a simplified version of the Bible story found in Exodus 3:1-4:17, written for children to understand. For the original version, please refer to the Bible passage.

One day, Moses was taking care of his father-in-law Jethro’s sheep. He brought them to a special mountain called Horeb. There, he saw something amazing! A bush was on fire, but it wasn’t burning up. Moses went closer to see what was happening.

God spoke to Moses from the bush. He said, “Moses, Moses!” Moses answered, “Here I am.” God told him to take off his sandals because the ground was holy. Then, God told Moses that He was the God of his ancestors, like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Moses was scared and hid his face.

God told Moses that He saw how His people were suffering in Egypt. He wanted to help them and bring them to a beautiful land full of good things. God chose Moses to lead the people out of Egypt. But Moses wasn’t sure he could do it. God promised to be with him and said they would worship God on that mountain after they were free.

Moses asked God what to say if the people asked who sent him. God said, “Tell them ‘I am’ sent you.” God also told Moses to say that the God of their ancestors was with them. Moses should gather the leaders of the people and ask the king of Egypt to let them go. God knew the king wouldn’t agree, so He would do amazing things to show His power. When they finally left, the people would take gifts from their neighbors.

Moses still didn’t think the people would believe him. So, God showed him some miracles: Moses’ staff turned into a snake and then back into a staff, his hand became white with a disease and then got better, and water from the river turned to blood on the ground.

Moses told God he wasn’t good at talking. God said He would help him speak. But Moses still wanted someone else to do it. God was upset but chose Moses’ brother Aaron to help. God would teach them both what to say and do, and Aaron would speak for Moses.

Biblical Lessons

  • God sees and cares about the suffering of His people.
  • God can choose ordinary people, like Moses, to do extraordinary things.
  • God will always be with us when He calls us to do something.
  • We should trust God and His plan, even if we feel afraid or unsure.

Related Stories

The Birth of Moses

Crossing the Red Sea

The Ten Commandments

The Golden Calf

The Death of Moses