From 12 Sons to 70 Souls: How God’s Plan Unfolded Through Moses and the Burning Bush

Moses at the Burning Bush; Picture Bible for Children, Illustrator: Richard Andre, London, 1884, Public Domain

The story of Jacob's family is vivid and full of surprises, revealing a journey steeped in growth, struggle, and divine providence. Jacob* 1846-1689 BC), also known as Israel, could never have imagined what lay ahead when he had his twelve sons. From this small family of twelve sons and one daughter, a clan of seventy souls descended into Egypt during a time of great change.

An asterisk (*) after a name indicates that the person is featured in my book, SPIRITUAL LIVES.

Their experiences would transform them from a simple family into a formidable nation, despite facing intense challenges. The hardships they faced were not in vain; they were integral to God's grand plan. Out of this turmoil emerged a deliverer named Moses* (1571-1451 BC), designated by God to liberate His people from Pharaoh's oppressive grasp.

As we explore this narrative, we will examine God’s timing, which may seem slow from a human perspective but aligns perfectly with His purpose. We will delve into Moses' early days, the miraculous encounter with the burning bush, and the powerful lessons we can glean from these events for our own journeys of faith.

Death Sentence and Divine Intervention

Moses was born at a precarious time when Pharaoh mandated the death of all Hebrew boys. However, God had bigger plans for him. Selected even before his birth, Moses’ parents acted decisively. They placed him in a basket and set him afloat on the Nile River. Pharaoh's daughter discovered him and ultimately raised him in the royal household. Unbeknownst to her, Moses' biological mother was also brought in to nurse him—this twist of fate demonstrated God's divine providence at work.

This remarkable turn of events illustrates how meticulously God orchestrates occurrences in our lives. When faced with difficult situations, we often wonder about the reasons behind our trials. Just as with Moses’s early experiences, there may be deeper intentions and plans unfolding behind what we can immediately see.

The Early Years of Preparation

Moses grew up and "learned all the wisdom of the Egyptians." He was powerful and educated, yet he struggled with his identity, feeling deeply connected to the plight of his people. Witnessing an Egyptian abuse a Hebrew laborer ignited his anger, leading him to kill the Egyptian in a moment of rage. This impulsive act forced him to flee Egypt, marking the start of a new chapter in Midian.

For the next 40 years, Moses tended sheep in the “backside of the desert.” These quiet years, when he seemed distant from his destiny, were actually crucial for his preparation. Like Moses, we often find ourselves in "wilderness" seasons, but it's essential to recognize that meaningful growth usually happens away from the public eye.

The Mountain of God

While tending to Jethro’s flock near Horeb one day, Moses experienced something extraordinary: a burning bush that caught his attention without being consumed.

Exodus 3:1-4

"Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 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."

Moses’ curiosity drove him to investigate this unusual phenomenon. When God saw Moses approach, He spoke to him, calling his name, which highlighted the personal relationship God sought. Then he said,

“Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” Exodus 3:5

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This moment is our initial glimpse of the dynamic interaction between God and man—a theme woven throughout the Bible.

Who is the Angel of the Lord?

As we follow the story, we see a shift from the Angel of the Lord to God speaking directly to Moses. This moment underscores God's active involvement in the world, demonstrating His desire to draw near to His people, even in the midst of suffering. The burning bush symbolizes God's constant presence and engagement in our lives.

The powerful idea that God chooses to appear in such a remarkable way encourages us to recognize that He is always reaching out to us, even in the ordinary aspects of life. He calls us out of complacency, inviting us into a vibrant relationship.

Lessons from Moses’ Journey

Reflecting on Moses’ life and God's perfect timing reveals several important lessons that resonate with our own experiences.

1. Preparation Takes Time: Just as the Israelites endured generations of slavery and Moses spent over 80 years preparing for his mission, we often face lengthy waiting periods. Our struggles can lead to growth, making us ready for future challenges.

   
   

2. God Sees Us: In moments when we feel overlooked, God is still attentive to our needs. Many reports indicate that during tough times, such as the Israelites' 400 years in Egypt, God was carefully directing events to prepare for their liberation.

   
   

3. Curiosity is Important: Moses’ choice to explore the burning bush serves as a metaphor for our need to actively seek God. Demonstrating curiosity about the divine helps us discover profound plans for our lives.

   
   

4. Recognizing Our Calling: Moses' encounter initiated a monumental mission that would see the liberation of the Israelite people. Each of us has a unique calling that sometimes takes time to uncover.

   
   

5. Community and Heritage: The journey from Jacob to Moses signifies not only a geographic migration but also a collective identity. The experiences shared in hardship shaped the Israelites into a nation with a common purpose—finding strength in community and resilience through trials.

   
   

Seeing the Bigger Picture

From Jacob’s twelve sons to Moses' leadership, we glimpse a story rich in divine care. The road to liberation was complex, filled with struggle and moments of waiting, yet God’s hand remained steady, guiding His people toward their future.

The narrative of Moses and the burning bush reminds us that God's plans often reveal themselves in times of challenge. Even when His timing feels slow, He is always at work. We should be assured that each hurdle we face is part of a larger story designed to shape us for our purpose. Every trial we endure, every feeling of neglect, contributes to a grand narrative that brings us closer to the divine and unveils His will for us.

So, if you find yourself in a season of waiting, questioning, or wandering, take heart in Moses’ journey. God sees you, hears you, and is carefully unfolding a purpose in your life, even in seemingly dark times. Embrace the journey, stay attentive to His voice, and watch as your burdens transform into blessings.

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O, some­times gleams up­on our sight,

Through pre­sent wrong, the Eter­nal Right!

And step by step, since time be­gan,

We see the stea­dy gain of man.

That all of good the past hath had

Remains to make our own time glad,

Our com­mon dai­ly life di­vine,

And ev­ery land a Pal­es­tine.

We lack but op­en eye and ear

To find the Ori­ent’s mar­vels here,

The still small voice in au­tumn’s hush,

Yon ma­ple wood the burn­ing bush.

For still the new trans­cends the old,

In signs and to­kens ma­ni­fold;

Slaves rise up men; the ol­ive waves

With roots deep set in bat­tle graves.

Through the harsh nois­es of our day

A low, sweet pre­lude finds its way;

Through clouds of doubt and creeds of fear

A light is break­ing, calm and clear.

Henceforth, my heart shall sigh no more

For old­en time and ho­li­er shore;

God’s love and bless­ing, then and there,

Are now, and here, and ev­ery­where.

John G. Whittier, (1807–1892)