The Call of Moses and the Violence to Come

Religion Review
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Religion Review
Weekly Research Journal: The Call of Moses and the Violence to Come
Day 1
In Exodus 3:1–4:31, the call of Moses, the interaction between God and Moses evolves as the conversation continues. First, make observations of the text (step one of exegesis). Then, do a Structural Analysis of this exchange-what do you discern through the content and structure? (hint: if you are struggling with the narrative observations or structural analysis, see the handout on the reference page)
Exegesis, Step 1: Observing Details
Repetition: What are the repetitive words, phrases, or ideas?
* Words: Moses, God, Israelites
* Phrases: I am who I am
* Ideas: Aaron’s ability to talk fluently
Characters: List all the characters present (primary, secondary, stock). Pay close attention to the interaction as well as perspectives of characters in the story?
* Primary—Moses
* Secondary— Israelites
* Stock—God
Action: List all of the action words (verbs) associated with the primary character(s). Pay attention, who is acting and who is being acted upon?
* Burning bush
* Removing sandals
* Turning to face the burning bush
* Coming closer
The fire is acting, and the bush is being acted upon. Moses stands like an observer of the wonderworks in this context.
Setting: Where is this passage set? Include geographic location as well as time. Why does it matter?
The passage happens in Egypt during Pharaoh's reign. The conversation between God and Moses aimed at liberating the Israelites from slavery, persecution, and slavery. God stated that He had heard His people's cry and was willing to rescue them.
Exegesis, Step 2: Structural Analysis, Outlining the Biblical Text
Outline the passage: (at least 2-3 major points with additional sub-points – use v. #s)
Prologue: God chose Moses to go and rescue the Israelites (Exodus 3: 1-3)
Scene 1: God heard their cry and appeared to Moses inform of a burning bush, instructed him to go and talk to Pharaoh to release the Israelites. Moses doubted his speech, but God assured him that he could give life to the immortal, and therefore, Moses would talk fluently through God's power. (3:4)
Scene 2: In the process, God ordered Aaron to help Moses deliver the message. Moses packed his staff together with his f...