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17. Moses (Musa) - Burning Bush & The Plagues

 

As Moses grew older God spoke to him in a burning bush and gave him a message. He had a calling and a purpose to go back to Egypt to deliver warnings to Pharaoh to let God’s people go. Pharaoh would not listen to God. Moses was faithful to deliver the message and his brother Aaron came alongside him to help.  It wasn't a positive, encouraging message to Pharaoh but was a warning of God's coming judgment and wrath. In the same way, God warns us. He has been patient with us. He doesn't want anyone to perish but wants everyone to have eternal life. We must listen to him. We must obey Him. If we don't listen to and obey God we are under his wrath his punishment and are destined towards an eternity in Hell.

·      Read in The Qur’an – 4:64, 3:11, 7:133, 7:136, 7:143, 10:75-81, 17:101-128, 27:7-13 , 28:27-29, 7:103, 28:38

 

 

Readings from The Qur’an:

·      The Qur'an 4:164 “And Messengers We have mentioned to you before, and Messengers We have not mentioned to you, - and to Musa (Moses) Allah spoke directly.”

·      Could this be a reference to the story of the burning bush in the Tanakh and Bible?

·      The Qur'an 3:11 “Like the behaviour of the people of Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and those before them; they belied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). So Allah seized (destroyed) them for their sins. And Allah is Severe in punishment. “

·      The Qur'an 7: 133” So We sent on them: the flood, the locusts, the lice, the frogs, and the blood (as a succession of) manifest signs, yet they remained arrogant, and they were of those people who were Mujrimun (criminals, polytheists, sinners).”

·      What details are missing here? What plagues? What “manifest signs”? Does the Qur’an just offer short summaries of stories with the assumption that the reader will be familiar with or read the Tanakh and Bible?

·      The Qur’an 7:136 “So We took retribution from them. We drowned them in the sea, because they belied Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) and were heedless about them.”

·      The Qur’an 7:143 “And when Musa (Moses) came at the time and place appointed by Us, and his Lord (Allah) spoke to him; he said: "O my Lord! Show me (Yourself), that I may look upon You." Allah said: "You cannot see Me, but look upon the mountain; if it stands still in its place then you shall see Me." So when his Lord appeared to the mountain, He made it collapse to dust, and Musa (Moses) fell down unconscious. Then when he recovered his senses he said: "Glory be to You, I turn to You in repentance and I am the first of the believers."”

·      Why is this story not in the Tanakh or Bible which predated the Qur’an by over 2,000+ years?

·      The Qur'an 10:75-81 “Then after them We sent Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs with Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.). But they behaved arrogantly and were Mujrimun (disbelievers, sinners, polytheists, criminals) folk. 76. So when came to them the truth from Us, they said: "This is indeed clear magic." 77. Musa (Moses) said: "Say you (this) about the truth when it has come to you? ls this magic? But the magicians will never be successful."  78. They said: "Have you come to us to turn us away from that (Faith) we found our fathers following, and that you two may have greatness in the land? We are not going to believe you two!"  79. And Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "Bring me every well-versed sorcerer."  80. And when the sorcerers came, Musa (Moses) said to them: "Cast down what you want to cast!" 81. Then when they had cast down, Musa (Moses) said: "What you have brought is sorcery; Allah will surely make it of no effect. Verily, Allah does not set right the work of AI-Mufsidun (the evil-doers, corrupters).

·      How does this compare with what is shared in the Tanakh and Bible?

·      The Qur'an 17:101. “And indeed We gave Musa (Moses) nine clear signs. Ask then the Children of Israel, when he came to them, then Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said to him: "O Musa (Moses)! I think you are indeed bewitched.”

·      Does this sound like a reference to the plagues described in the Tanakh and Bible? Why do you think more details are not shared in the Qur’an?

·      Why does this say nine signs? Does the Qur’an describe the tenth plague of the firstborn (the Passover)?

  • The Qur’an 27:7-13 “(Remember) when Musa (Moses) said to his household: "Verily I have seen a fire; I will bring you from there some information, or I will bring you a burning brand, that you may warm yourselves."  8. But when he came to it, he was called: "Blessed is whosoever is in the fire, and whosoever is round about it! And glorified be Allah, the Lord o f the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). 9. "O Musa (Moses)! Verily it is I, Allah, the All-Mighty, the All-Wise. 10. "And throw down your stick!" But when he saw it moving as if it were a snake, he turned in flight, and did not look back. (It was said:) "O Musa (Moses)! Fear not: verily the Messengers fear not in front of Me. 11. "Except him who has done wrong and afterwards has changed evil for good; then surely, I am Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. 12. "And put your hand into your bosom, it will come forth white without hurt. (These are) among the nine signs (you will take) to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his people. Verily they are a people who are Fasiqun (rebellious, disobedient to Allah). 13. But when Our Ayat (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.) came to them, clear to see, they said: ‘This is a manifest magic.’”

·      How does this compare with the Biblical account of the burning bush? (Exodus 3 & 4)

·      The Qur’an 28:27-29 “He said: "I intend to wed one of these two daughters of mine to you, on condition that you serve me for eight years; but if you complete ten years, it will be (a favour) from you. But I intend not to place you under a difficulty. If Allah wills, you will find me one of the righteous." 28. He [Musa (Moses)] said: "That (is settled) between me and you: whichever of the two terms I fulfil, there will be no injustice to me, and Allah is Surety over what we say." 29. Then, when Musa (Moses) had fulfilled the term, and was travelling with his family, he saw a fire in the direction of Tur (Mount). He said to his family: ‘Wait, I have seen a fire; perhaps I may bring you from there some information, or a burning fire-brand that you may warm yourselves.’”

·      Why is this account different than Exodus 2:16 where the priest of Midian is described as having seven daughters instead of two?

·      Exodus 2:16 “Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters, and they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock.”

·      This description of Moses’ marriage is very different than what occurs in Exodus 2:11-22 when he marries Zipporah.  It sounds more like the story of Jacob’s marriage to Leah and Rachel in Genesis 29.  Why are these stories seemingly mixed?

  • The Qur’an 7:103 “Then after them We sent Musa (Moses) with Our Signs to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them.”

  • The Qur’an 28:38 “Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "O chiefs! I know not that you have an ilah (a god) other than me. So kindle for me (a fire), 0 Haman, to bake (bricks out of) clay, and set up for me a Sarh (a lofty tower, or palace) in order that I may look at (or look for) the Ilah (God) of Musa (Moses); and verily, I think that he [Musa (Moses)] is one of the liars."

·      Why is this mentioning Haman from book of Esther? Why is it mentioning the tower of Babel? Are these stories being confused and mixed?

  • The Qur’an 7:120-126 “And the sorcerers fell down prostrate. 121. They said: ‘We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists). 122. The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)." 123. Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: ‘You have believed in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission. Surely, this is a plot which you have plotted in the city to drive out its people, but you shall come to know.’” 124. "Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet from opposite sides, then I will crucify you all." 125. They said: "Verily, we are returning to our Lord.  126. "And you take vengeance on us only because we believed in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.) of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims." … 128. Musa (Moses) said to his people: "Seek help in Allah and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His slaves; and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqun ( the pious - see V.2:2)."

·    What are the differences between Qur’an 7 and Exodus 7-12? What is missing? What is added? Why would there be so many differences?

·      The Qur'an 7:103-128. Then after them We sent Musa (Moses) with Our Signs to Fir'aun (Pharaoh) and his chiefs, but they wrongfully rejected them.

·      Some differences:

·      The Qur'an 7: 120. And the sorcerers fell down prostrate.

·      The Qur'an 7: 121. They said: "We believe in the Lord of the 'Alamin (mankind, jinn and all that exists).

·      The Qur'an 7: 122. "The Lord of Musa (Moses) and Harun (Aaron)."  123. Fir'aun (Pharaoh) said: "You have believed in him [Musa (Moses)] before I give you permission. Surely, this is a plot which you have plotted in the city to drive out its people, but you shall come to know.

·      The Qur'an 7: 124. "Surely, I will cut off your hands and your feet from opposite sides, then I will crucify you all."

·      The Qur'an 7: 125. They said: "Verily, we are returning to our Lord.

·      The Qur'an 7: 126. "And you take vengeance on us only because we believed in the Ayat (proofs, evidences, lessons, signs, etc.) of our Lord when they reached us! Our Lord! pour out on us patience, and cause us to die as Muslims."

·      The Qur'an 7: 128. Musa (Moses) said to his people: "Seek help in Allah and be patient. Verily, the earth is Allah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His slaves; and the (blessed) end is for the Muttaqun ( the pious - see V.2:2)."

·      Is the reference to crucifixion (7:124) anachronistic to the Injeels (Gospels) and Jesus? Is there any archaeological evidence that the Egyptians used crucifixion?

·      Why is this account of Pharoah’s and the sorcerers’ response so different from the account in the Tanakh and Bible?

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Readings from The Tanakh and The Bible:

 

The Burning Bush

  • Exodus 2:23-4:18

  • Moses entered into the presence of God, talked with God, listened to God, experienced God’s holiness and power, and heard God’s plan of salvation.

  • This shows us how God speaks to us in the Bible and then through His Son, the Word of God, God in flesh, to speak to us, for us to experience His holiness and power and message of salvation.

  • We need to watch out for our temptations, fears, and excuses and trust the Lord’s Word and power.

  • Exodus 3:4–6 “When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” [5] Then he said, “Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.” [6] And he said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.”

  • Exodus 3:7–8 “Then the LORD said, “I have surely seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters. I know their sufferings, [8] and I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and broad land, a land flowing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites.”

  • Exodus 3:13–15 “Then Moses said to God, “If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they ask me, ‘What is his name?’ what shall I say to them?” [14] God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And he said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” [15] God also said to Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you.’ This is my name forever, and thus I am to be remembered throughout all generations.”

 

The Plagues

  • Exodus 4-11:10

  • God uses extraordinary miracles to validate Moses and His messenger and to set His people free.

  • Pharoah’s counterfeit miracles and stubborn rebellion are just like Satan’s false miracles in how he uses false prophets and false teachers.

  • May God’s amazing miracles across the Scripture teach us to listen and obey the Lord in all of His commands.  May we bow in worship of His power and glory.

  • Exodus 7:8–13 “Then the LORD said to Moses and Aaron, [9] “When Pharaoh says to you, ‘Prove yourselves by working a miracle,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your staff and cast it down before Pharaoh, that it may become a serpent.’” [10] So Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and did just as the LORD commanded. Aaron cast down his staff before Pharaoh and his servants, and it became a serpent. [11] Then Pharaoh summoned the wise men and the sorcerers, and they, the magicians of Egypt, also did the same by their secret arts. [12] For each man cast down his staff, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s staff swallowed up their staffs. [13] Still Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said.”

  • The First Plague: Water Turned to Blood – Exodus 7:14-25

  • The Second Plague: Frogs – Exodus 8:1-15

  • The Third Plague: Gnats – Exodus 8:16-19

  • The Fourth Plague: Flies – Exodus 8:20-32

  • The Fifth Plague: Egyptian Livestock Die – Exodus 9:1-7

  • The Sixth Plague: Boils – Exodus 9:8-12

  • The Seventh Plague: Hail – Exodus 9:13-35

  • The Eighth Plague: Locusts – Exodus 10:1-20

  • The Ninth Plague: Darkness – Exodus 10:21-29

  • The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn – Exodus 12:29-32

 

See also:

·      “What Does the Bible say about Moses and the Exodus?” www.trustworthyword.com/moses-exodus

·      “What Does the Bible say about God’s People?” www.trustworthyword.com/gods-people

·      “What Does the Bible say in Leviticus?” www.trustworthyword.com/leviticus

·      “What Does the Bible say in Numbers?” www.trustworthyword.com/numbers

·      “What Does the Bible say in Deuteronomy?” www.trustworthyword.com/deuteronomy

·      “What does the Bible say about the Lord’s Supper?” www.trustworthyword.com/what-does-the-bible-say-about-the-lords-supper