“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.”
Historical Context: The book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible and recounts the story of the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in Egypt. At this point in the narrative, Moses, who had been raised in Pharaoh’s household but fled after killing an Egyptian, is now in Midian. He has married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a priest of Midian. Moses is tending the flock in the desert when an encounter with God at Mount Horeb will dramatically change his life.
Moses as a Shepherd: In this verse, we find Moses functioning as a shepherd, a role he had taken on in Midian. This imagery of Moses as a shepherd is significant because it symbolizes his future role as the shepherd and leader of the Israelite nation. Just as he leads and cares for the flock, God will appoint him to lead and care for His people, the Israelites.
The Backside of the Desert: The verse mentions that Moses led the flock to the “backside of the desert.” This implies that he had gone deep into the wilderness, away from civilization and the busyness of human activity. This setting sets the stage for a profound encounter with God, emphasizing the solitude and stillness required for Moses to experience the divine presence.
The Mountain of God (Horeb): Moses reaches the mountain of God, which is also referred to as Horeb. This mountain is significant throughout the Bible, as it becomes the place where Moses will later receive the Ten Commandments and have various encounters with God. Horeb represents a sacred and holy place, where God chooses to reveal Himself and communicate with His chosen servant.
Spiritual Significance: This verse marks the beginning of a pivotal moment in Moses’ life. Little does he know that his encounter with God at the mountain of God, Horeb, will lead to his commissioning as the deliverer of the Israelites and his subsequent role in leading them out of Egypt. It is a reminder that God often calls His servants in unexpected ways and in ordinary moments of their lives.
Overall, Exodus 3:1 serves as a transitional verse, setting the stage for Moses’ encounter with God and his commissioning as the leader of the Israelites. It highlights the humble beginnings of Moses as a shepherd and foreshadows his future role as a shepherd of God’s people. It also reminds us that God can reveal Himself and call us to service in the most unexpected places and circumstances.
