The story of Moses at the burning bush is one of the most significant and well-known events in the Bible. It marks the moment when Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, a mission that would define his life and change the course of history. The burning bush episode is not only a pivotal moment in Moses’ life but also a key event in the narrative of the Exodus. One question that often arises when studying this passage is: How old was Moses when he encountered the burning bush? Understanding Moses’ age at this critical juncture provides deeper insight into his life journey, the timing of his mission, and the unfolding of God’s plan for the Israelites.
Moses’ Early Life: From Birth to Exodus
Moses was born at a time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt, and the Pharaoh had ordered the death of all Hebrew male infants. His mother, Jochebed, hid him for three months before placing him in a basket and setting it afloat on the Nile River. He was discovered by Pharaoh’s daughter, who adopted him and raised him as her own. Moses grew up in the Egyptian royal court, receiving an education and upbringing that was likely far removed from that of his fellow Israelites.
Despite his Egyptian upbringing, Moses was aware of his Hebrew heritage. This awareness became a catalyst for a pivotal event in his life when, at the age of 40, he witnessed an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave. In a moment of righteous anger, Moses killed the Egyptian and buried his body in the sand. Realizing that his deed was known and fearing for his life, Moses fled to the land of Midian, where he would spend the next phase of his life.
Life in Midian: Moses the Shepherd
Moses’ flight to Midian marked a significant turning point in his life. In Midian, he found refuge with Jethro, the priest of Midian, and married Jethro’s daughter, Zipporah. He settled into a life as a shepherd, tending to Jethro’s flocks. This phase of Moses’ life is often seen as a time of preparation, where he learned humility, patience, and leadership—qualities that would be crucial for his future role as the leader of the Israelites.
Moses spent 40 years in Midian, during which time he became a father to two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. By the time he encountered the burning bush, Moses was no longer the young man who had fled Egypt; he was now an 80-year-old shepherd, seasoned by years of living in the wilderness and caring for his family and flocks.
The Burning Bush Encounter
The encounter with the burning bush is described in Exodus 3. While Moses was tending to the flocks of Jethro near Mount Horeb, he noticed a bush that was on fire but not consumed by the flames. Intrigued by this strange sight, Moses approached the bush, and it was from within the flames that God called out to him, saying, “Moses, Moses!” (Exodus 3:4).
God’s call to Moses at the burning bush was not just a simple invitation but a divine commissioning. God revealed His plan to deliver the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt and instructed Moses to return to Egypt and lead His people to freedom. This was no small task, especially for an 80-year-old man who had spent the last four decades in relative obscurity.
Moses’ Age at the Burning Bush
Moses was 80 years old when he was called by God from the burning bush on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3:1-10). This event marked the beginning of his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses’ age at this time emphasizes the theme of God’s calling at any stage of life.
Moses’ age at this moment is significant for several reasons:
A Life of Preparation: Moses’ first 40 years in Egypt and the next 40 years in Midian were periods of preparation. The first phase of his life gave him an understanding of Egyptian culture, politics, and power structures—knowledge that would be crucial when confronting Pharaoh. The second phase taught him the skills of leadership, patience, and humility, qualities necessary to lead a nation through the wilderness.
God’s Timing: Moses’ age highlights the concept of divine timing. While 80 years might seem too old for such a monumental task, it underscores that God’s calling is not dependent on human expectations or limitations. Moses’ age serves as a reminder that God equips those He calls, regardless of their stage in life.
A New Beginning at 80: The burning bush represents not only a pivotal moment in Moses’ life but also a new beginning. At 80, an age when most would consider retirement or rest, Moses was called to embark on the most challenging and significant mission of his life. This emphasizes that God’s purposes can come to fruition at any age.
Moses’ Later Years: Leading the Israelites
Following the burning bush encounter, Moses returned to Egypt and confronted Pharaoh. This began a series of events that led to the Exodus, the parting of the Red Sea, and the journey to Mount Sinai, where Moses received the Ten Commandments. For the next 40 years, Moses would lead the Israelites through the wilderness, guiding them towards the Promised Land.
Despite his advanced age, Moses remained a central figure in the Israelite community, serving as a prophet, leader, and mediator between God and His people. His longevity and continued vitality underscore the unique role he played in the unfolding of God’s plan for Israel.
Conclusion
Moses was 80 years old when he encountered the burning bush, a moment that marked the beginning of his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. His age at this crucial juncture serves as a powerful reminder that God’s timing is perfect and that He can use anyone, at any stage of life, to fulfill His purposes. Moses’ life, divided into distinct phases of preparation, calling, and leadership, exemplifies a journey of faith and obedience. The burning bush encounter is not just a story of divine revelation; it is a testament to the fact that with God, it is never too late to be called to greatness.
FAQs About Moses
1. How old was Moses when he left Egypt?
Moses was 40 years old when he first left Egypt after killing an Egyptian who was beating a Hebrew slave (Exodus 2:11-15). He fled to Midian to escape Pharaoh’s wrath. Moses returned to Egypt at the age of 80 to lead the Israelites out of slavery.
2. How long was Moses in Midian?
Moses spent 40 years in Midian after fleeing Egypt (Exodus 2:15). During this time, he married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian, and became a shepherd. This period of his life was crucial for his personal development and preparation for his later role as the leader of the Israelites.
3. How old was Zipporah when she married Moses?
The Bible does not specify Zipporah’s exact age when she married Moses. However, she was the daughter of Jethro, the priest of Midian, and likely of marriageable age according to the customs of the time. She bore Moses two sons, Gershom and Eliezer, during their marriage.
4. How long was Moses in the desert?
Moses and the Israelites spent 40 years in the desert (Numbers 14:33-34). This period was a time of testing and preparation for the Israelites as they journeyed from Egypt to the Promised Land. The desert experience was both a physical journey and a period of spiritual growth and learning for the Israelites.