While tending his father-in-law Jethro's flock in the wilderness of Horeb, Moses encounters a bush that burns without being consumed. As he approaches, God calls him by name: “Moses, Moses.” Standing in the presence of God, Moses is told to remove his sandals as an act of reverence, for the ground beneath him is holy. God reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying He has seen His people’s suffering and has come down to save them. Then, to Moses’ astonishment, God commissions him to lead Israel out of Egypt. Moses hesitates, feeling not good enough, but God assures him, “I will be with you,” and gives him a sign—their eventual worship at this very mountain.

This passage marks Moses’ transition from a shepherd in exile to becoming a shepherd of God’s people.