Scary Theophany: When God Tried to Kill Moses
- Ken Kalis
- Jul 21
- 5 min read
I love to see God's love unfold in my life.
But there is another side to His love: the fear of the Lord.
Moses calls it "the terror of God" which we see here.
Sometimes He reminds me of this to keep me from sin.
The terror of God is just another side of His love.
T
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The story of Moses* (1571-1451) and the Burning Bush is one of the most captivating accounts in the Bible. While many focus on the miraculous sight of a bush that burned without being consumed, this event offers much more than just a spectacle. It marks the beginning of a deep and transformative relationship between God and Moses. This journey is not only about divine calling and empowerment but also includes a shocking confrontation that nearly cost Moses his life.
An asterisk* after a name means the person is in SPIRITUAL LIVES.
The Burning Bush: A Formidable Encounter
The Burning Bush represents one of the most significant theophanies in scripture. God introduced Himself to Moses and outlined an extraordinary calling: to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. This was not a casual conversation; it changed Moses's life forever. He received assurances that God would be with him, granting him powerful abilities and the capacity to perform miracles.
This divine appointment initiated a relationship that would span forty years—a level of intimacy unique in biblical history. Moses would speak to God face-to-face, a privilege few have known. For instance, the Bible states that Moses spoke to God, “as one speaks to a friend” (Exodus 33:11), underscoring the importance and depth of their bond.
Moses's Reluctance: The Dialogue Begins
Despite this grand calling, Moses was not immediately compliant. During their first dialogue, he expressed doubts and voiced his perceived inadequacies. Scripture highlights his reluctance: he felt unworthy of such a monumental task and worried about how the Israelites would respond to him.
God's frustration peaked during this tense exchange, as noted in the passage, “the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses…” (Exodus 4:14). This intense moment illustrates the contrast between divine grace and Moses's human hesitancy. It reflects a universal truth: even the most chosen can struggle with fear and uncertainty.
The Journey Back to Egypt: A Dangerous Decision
When Moses finally resolved to return to Egypt following God's directives, a shocking incident occurred. As he set out, “the LORD met him, and sought to kill him” (Exodus 4:24). This unexpected event raises pressing questions. Why would God, who had just entrusted Moses with such an important mission, now seek to take his life?
Some scholars argue that this moment underscores an unsettling aspect of the theophany, challenging our conventional understandings of divine purpose. The suddenness of this encounter compels deeper exploration into the nature of God's covenant and obedience.
Understanding the Circumcision Controversy
To decode this puzzling twist, we can look to interpretations from theologians and scholars. For example, Gregory of Nyssa (335-394)proposed that God’s anger stemmed from Moses’s failure to circumcise his son, a vital sign of the covenant for the Israelites. This assertion aligns with Jewish traditions emphasizing circumcision as crucial for inclusion in the faith community.
Others have commented on Moses’s decision to bring his wife and child on a perilous mission, raising further questions about the role of family and personal responsibility in fulfilling divine mandates.
Additionally, scholars like Julius Wellhausen* (1844-1918) suggest that this episode could serve as a folk explanation for the practice of circumcision among the Israelites, reflecting the deep roots of rituals in their cultural identity. Regardless of the interpretation, the seriousness of this situation is evident.
The Role of Zipporah: A Woman’s Intervention
In this moment of divine confrontation, Zipporah, Moses’s wife, plays a pivotal role. Recognizing the danger threatening her husband, she responds immediately. Using a “sharp stone,” she circumcises their son and throws the bloody foreskin at Moses’s feet—declaring, "Surely a bloody husband art thou to me" (Exodus 4:25). This act not only resolves God’s threat but illustrates the strength of her protective instincts.
Zipporah’s intervention signifies a cultural shift, as she emerges as a crucial figure in a narrative primarily focused on men. Her quick action highlights the importance of women throughout biblical history and their vital roles within family and faith.
A Divine Relationship Reimagined
Moses’s encounter with the Burning Bush, along with the ensuing crisis, reveals a complex interplay of divine intentions, human weaknesses, and shared responsibilities. The relationship between God and Moses represents a unique evolution of intimacy throughout the biblical narrative. Moses was not just given extraordinary powers and a significant purpose; he also faced trials that tested his faith and obedience.
The story illustrates key themes of leadership, responsibility, and divine calling, which molded not only Moses into a leader but also shaped the identity of entire communities. From his struggles and doubts, Moses was transformed, demonstrating that the path of obedience is often marked by challenges.
Reflecting on Lessons from a Scary Theophany
The account of the Burning Bush and its aftermath prompts deep reflection on divine authority, human choices, and our relationship with God. Moses's reluctance and the shocking twist reveal that embarking on a spiritual journey is rarely straightforward. This narrative encourages us to examine our own lives. How often do we resist stepping into God's purpose due to our fears or uncertainties?
The story challenges us to trust in the divine even during unexpected trials or decisions. Ultimately, the Burning Bush teaches us that encountering God is both awe-inspiring and daunting. It transforms us, reshapes our relationships, and deepens our understanding of covenant and obedience.
The life of Moses reminds us that from our deepest fears can emerge a passionate commitment to living out our faith, guided by the very divine hand that ignited our journey.
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It is a sign of God's favor that we fear His wrath when we sin and fall short of His glory.
This fear of His terror is a call to repentance.
Speaking of the terror people felt when there was a bloody massacre, Jesus warned,
except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish. Luke 13:5
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COME UNTO ME
Hear the blessèd Savior calling the oppressed,
“O ye heavy laden, come to Me and rest.
Come, no longer tarry, I your load will bear,
Bring Me every burden, bring Me every care.”
Refrain
Come unto Me, I will give you rest;
Take My yoke upon you, hear Me and be blessed.
I am meek and lowly, come and trust My might.
Come, My yoke is easy, and My burden’s light.
Are you disappointed, wandering here and there,
Dragging chains of doubt and loaded down with care?
Do unholy feelings struggle in your breast?
Bring your case to Jesus—He will give you rest.
Refrain
Stumbling on the mountains dark with sin and shame,
Stumbling toward the pit of hell’s consuming flame.
By the powers of sin deluded and oppressed,
Hear the tender Shepherd, “Come to Me and rest.”
Refrain
Have you by temptation often conquered been,
Has a sense of weakness brought distress within?
Christ will sanctify you, if you’ll claim His best.
In the Holy Spirit, He will give you rest.
Refrain
Charles P. Jones (1865-1949)
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy
laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28
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