While tending sheep in Midian, Moses came across a bush that was burning yet was not consumed. As he approached to investigate, God called out to Moses from the bush. He warned him to keep his distance out of fear and reverence for the holy ground. God then revealed to Moses his plans for the deliverance of Israel out of Egypt and for Moses to be his instrument. Moses put up strong resistance, which God responded to with promises of his presence and ability. God also provided two miraculous signs-Moses' staff changing into a serpent and his hand becoming leprous and later healed-as proof of God's authority (cf. Ex. 3:1-4:18).
