What happened at the burning bush?

Quick answer

At a desert bush that burned without being consumed, God called Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt and revealed his name — "I AM WHO I AM" — the eternal, self-existing God who would go with him.

Tending his father-in-law’s flock in Midian, Moses saw a bush ablaze yet not consumed. The LORD called from the fire, "Moses, Moses!" and told him to take off his sandals — it was holy ground.

God commissioned Moses to confront Pharaoh and free Israel. When Moses asked God’s name, the answer came: "I AM WHO I AM" (Exodus 3:14) — the eternal, self-sufficient God.

The burning bush still preaches: the God who calls is the God who goes with us, present in fire that does not destroy. Centuries later Jesus would claim that name for himself: "Before Abraham was, I AM."

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Original BibleDawn answer · reviewed 2026-06. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy.