Exodus 3:2 - Divine fire unconsumed

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Hebrew Text

וַיֵּרָא מַלְאַךְ יְהֹוָה אֵלָיו בְּלַבַּת־אֵשׁ מִתּוֹךְ הַסְּנֶה וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה הַסְּנֶה בֹּעֵר בָּאֵשׁ וְהַסְּנֶה אֵינֶנּוּ אֻכָּל׃

English Translation

And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire, but the bush was not consumed.

Transliteration

Vayeira mal'ach Adonai elav belavat-esh mitoch hasneh vayar vehineh hasneh bo'er ba'esh vehasneh einenu ukal.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַ֠יֵּרָ֠א מַלְאַ֨ךְ יְהֹוָ֥ה אֵלָ֛יו בְּלַבַּת־אֵ֖שׁ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַסְּנֶ֑ה וַיַּ֗רְא וְהִנֵּ֤ה הַסְּנֶה֙ בֹּעֵ֣ר בָּאֵ֔שׁ וְהַסְּנֶ֖ה אֵינֶ֥נּוּ אֻכָּֽל׃

Parasha Commentary

The Appearance of the Angel in the Burning Bush

The verse describes the angel of Hashem appearing to Moshe in a flame of fire from within a sneh (thornbush). Rashi (Shemot 3:2) explains that the thornbush symbolizes Klal Yisrael—just as the bush is lowly and prickly, so too were Bnei Yisrael suffering in Egypt. Yet, despite the fire of oppression, they were not consumed, demonstrating that their suffering would not destroy them.

The Symbolism of the Unconsumed Bush

The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 2:5) elaborates that the fire represents the nations of the world who seek to destroy Israel, but Hashem ensures their survival. The Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:64) notes that the burning bush was a prophetic vision, not a physical phenomenon, emphasizing that Moshe's encounter was a divine revelation preparing him for his mission.

Divine Humility: The Seforno (Shemot 3:2) teaches that Hashem chose a lowly bush to reveal Himself, showing that the Divine Presence dwells even among the humble.
Eternal Covenant: The Zohar (Shemot 2:22a) connects the fire to the eternal bond between Hashem and Israel—though they endure trials, they remain intact.

The Role of the Malach (Angel)

Ramban (Shemot 3:2) explains that the angel served as an intermediary to prepare Moshe for direct prophecy. The Malbim adds that the angel’s appearance in fire signifies that Moshe’s mission would involve both judgment (fire) and redemption (the bush’s endurance).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Berakhot 7a

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the nature of divine appearances and the significance of the burning bush as a symbol of God's presence that does not consume.

📖 Shabbat 67a

Mentioned in the context of discussing miracles and natural phenomena, highlighting the bush that burned but was not consumed as an example of a supernatural event.

📖 Exodus Rabbah 2:5

Although not part of the Talmud proper, this Midrashic work extensively discusses the burning bush episode, elaborating on its theological implications and the dialogue between God and Moses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did G-d appear to Moses in a burning bush?
A: According to Rashi, the burning bush that was not consumed symbolized that the Jewish people would suffer under Egyptian oppression but would not be destroyed. The bush represents Israel, and the fire represents Egypt—just as the bush survived the flames, Israel would survive exile.

Q: What is the significance of the bush not being consumed?
A: The Midrash teaches that the miracle of the bush burning but not being consumed demonstrated G-d's presence in lowly places (since the thorn bush is a humble plant). It also showed Moses that G-d shares in the suffering of His people and would redeem them from Egypt without being 'consumed' by the might of Pharaoh.

Q: Why was an angel present in the burning bush?
A: The Rambam explains that prophets often experienced divine communication through angels as intermediaries. Here, the angel prepared Moses for his prophetic mission before G-d spoke to him directly, showing the careful process of divine revelation.

Q: What lesson can we learn from the burning bush today?
A: The Talmud (Berachot 57a) derives that just as the humble thorn bush was chosen for a divine revelation, greatness can come from modest beginnings. This teaches us that every person, regardless of status, can achieve spiritual heights and that G-d is present even in difficult situations.

Q: Why was fire used in this revelation?
A: Fire represents both suffering and purification in Jewish thought. The Zohar explains that the fire in the bush symbolized the refining process the Jewish people would undergo in Egypt before their redemption, as well as the divine presence that would guide them.