15th Century BC (Traditional Dating of the Exodus)
The Israelites were living in Egypt, having grown from the family of Jacob into a large nation. They were subjected to harsh slavery under the Egyptian Pharaoh.
Egypt was a powerful and influential kingdom in the ancient Near East, ruled by a Pharaoh who was considered a god-king.
The events of Exodus 3 occur at Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, located in the Sinai Peninsula. This is where Moses encounters the burning bush.
Egyptian society was hierarchical, with the Pharaoh at the top as both a political and religious leader. The Israelites, as slaves, were at the bottom of this hierarchy, subjected to forced labor.
Moses
Shepherd of Jethro's flock, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
Pharaoh