What is the sound of God’s voice? Is it similar to that of James Earl Jones? Is it deep and soothing? It is powerful and urgent?

Filmmakers would like us to think it’s any or all of the above. The truth is that we do not know. The Bible, however, gives us a clue.

The Voice Moses Heard

It occurs when Moses encounters the burning bush. Moses stopped and listened to the voice coming from it. It sounded, according to traditional Jewish interpretation, like the voice of his father.

In other words, to put Moses at ease and open up his heart and soul, God spoke in the voice of his father.

Why did Moses need to hear the sound of his father’s voice?

1. To calm his fear: Moses was a lowly shepherd. He worked out in the Midian wilderness. He had fled Egypt to save his life. Now God wants him to return. God wants him to confront the Pharaoh, the most powerful man in the world.

Moses needs strength. Moses needs reassurance. For Moses the voice of his father conveys that strength. It reminds him of who he is and what he owes his people.

2. To overcome his uncertainty: When God asks Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites to freedom, Moses tells God he is not up for the job. The Israelites do not know him. He is a man “slow of speech.”

The voice of his father gives Moses confidence. It lets him know he is not alone, and that he was born for the task God has set before him. 

3. To give him hope: Moses was not supposed to live. All the male babies born to Israelites women were supposed to be thrown in the Nile River.

Yet Moses survives. He survives because of the ingenuity and faith of his mother, father and sister.

By reminding him of his origins, the voice of his father symbolizes faith and hope. Moses has been through difficult times before. He can make it through again. With God all things are possible.