Introduction
The story of Moses and the burning bush is one of the most iconic and well-known accounts in the Bible. This miraculous event marked a significant turning point in Moses’ life, as it was the moment when God called him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and into the Promised Land. But one question that often arises when discussing this account is: how old was Moses when he witnessed the burning bush? In this blog post, we will delve into the Scriptures to find the answer to this question and explore the significance of Moses’ age at this pivotal moment in his life and the history of the Israelite people.
As we explore this topic, it is essential to remember that the Bible is not merely a historical record but also a source of divine inspiration and guidance. By examining the age of Moses when he encountered the burning bush, we can gain a deeper understanding of God’s plan and how He prepares His chosen instruments to carry out His divine will. With this in mind, let us turn to the Scriptures and uncover the age of Moses during this extraordinary event.
The Life of Moses Divided into Three Stages
The life of Moses can be divided into three stages, each spanning forty years. The first stage began with his birth and upbringing in the Egyptian royal household, where he was raised as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter. The second stage of Moses’ life was his time in Midian, where he fled after killing an Egyptian and subsequently married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian. The third and final stage of Moses’ life was his role as the leader and prophet of the Israelites, guiding them through the wilderness towards the Promised Land.
“Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert, and came to Horeb, the mountain of God.” (Exodus 3:1, NKJV)
Moses’ Age When He Fled to Midian
In order to determine Moses’ age when he saw the burning bush, we must first establish his age when he fled to Midian. According to Acts 7:23, Moses was 40 years old when he killed the Egyptian and subsequently fled Egypt:
“But when he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brethren, the children of Israel.” (Acts 7:23, NKJV)
Moses was born a Hebrew, but he was raised by Pharaoh’s daughter in the Egyptian royal household after his mother, Jochebed, hid him in a basket among the reeds of the Nile River to save him from Pharaoh’s decree to kill all Hebrew male infants. It is during this time that he would learn the ways of the Egyptians and grow up in the lap of luxury, but his heart remained with his people.
Moses’ Time in Midian
After killing the Egyptian, Moses fled to Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. It was in Midian that Moses married Zipporah, had two sons, and lived as a shepherd for 40 years. This period in Moses’ life was crucial in preparing him for the task that God would later assign him. As a shepherd, Moses gained the necessary skills, patience, and humility to lead the Israelites through the wilderness.
“Now it came to pass in the process of time that the king of Egypt died. Then the children of Israel groaned because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry came up to God because of the bondage.” (Exodus 2:23, NKJV)
The Burning Bush Incident
When Moses was 80 years old, he encountered the burning bush on Mount Horeb while tending his father-in-law’s flock. This event marked the beginning of the third stage of Moses’ life – his calling to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and guide them to the Promised Land. The Bible states:
“And when forty years had passed, an Angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire in a bush, in the wilderness of Mount Sinai.” (Acts 7:30, NKJV)
The burning bush incident was a profound and transformative experience for Moses. It was during this encounter that God revealed Himself to Moses as the God of his ancestors – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob – and commissioned him to be the leader and deliverer of the Israelite people.
Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Assurance
Initially, Moses was reluctant to accept this divine calling, feeling inadequate for such a monumental task. However, God reassured Moses and equipped him with signs and wonders to demonstrate His power and authority.
“Then Moses said to God, ‘Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?’ So He said, ‘I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.'” (Exodus 3:11-12, NKJV)
The Significance of Moses’ Age
The fact that Moses was 80 years old when he encountered the burning bush holds great significance. It is a testament to God’s timing and the importance of preparation. The first 40 years of Moses’ life were spent in the Egyptian royal household, where he acquired the education, skills, and knowledge that would later enable him to effectively communicate with Pharaoh and navigate the complexities of Egyptian society. The second 40 years of his life were spent in Midian, where he learned the virtues of patience, humility, and perseverance as a shepherd – essential qualities for leading the Israelites through the wilderness.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Moses was 80 years old when he witnessed the burning bush, marking a turning point in his life and the beginning of his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His age at the time of this miraculous event is not only a testament to God’s perfect timing but also a powerful reminder of the importance of preparation in carrying out God’s will. As we reflect on the story of Moses and the burning bush, we can find inspiration and encouragement in the knowledge that God’s plans for our lives are always perfectly timed, and that He will equip and prepare us for the tasks He has assigned to us.
Moses’ journey serves as a powerful reminder that no matter our age or circumstances, God can call us to serve and fulfill His divine purposes. As we trust in His perfect timing and rely on His strength and guidance, we too can experience extraordinary moments and accomplish great things for His kingdom. So let us be encouraged by the story of Moses, trusting in God’s perfect plan and the assurance that He will prepare and equip us for the tasks He has called us to fulfill.
