1 Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’”
2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.”
3 Then he said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.
4 So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s hand.
5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.”
6 The Lord said furthermore to him, “Now put your hand inside your cloak.” So he put his hand inside his cloak, and when he took it out, his hand was leprous like snow.
7 Then he said, “Put your hand back inside your cloak.” So he put his hand back inside his cloak, and when he took it out, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh.
8 Then the Lord said to Moses, “If they will not believe you or listen to the first sign, they may believe the latter sign.
9 But if they will not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, and the water that you shall take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.”
10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.”
11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?
12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.
13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”
14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you both what to do.
16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him.
17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”
18 Moses went back to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please let me go back to my brothers in Egypt to see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.”
20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and had them ride on a donkey, and went back to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the staff of God in his hand.
21 The Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.
22 Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, Israel is my firstborn son,
23 and I say to you, “Let my son go that he may serve me.” If you refuse to let him go, behold, I will kill your firstborn son.’”
24 At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death.
25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.”
26 So he let him alone. It was then that she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” because of the circumcision.
27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him.
28 So Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which he had sent him to speak, and all the signs that he had commanded him to do.
29 Then Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the people of Israel.
30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people.
31 And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.
The True Meaning of Exodus 4
The Book of Exodus is the second book of the Bible, traditionally attributed to the prophet Moses. Moses, a former prince of Egypt, had a unique perspective on the events he witnessed and recorded. Moses’ divine calling to lead the Israelites out of their bondage in Egypt begins to emerge in this chapter.
The chapter opens with God continuing to commission Moses for the task of confronting Pharaoh and demanding the release of the Israelite slaves. Despite Moses’ initial hesitation, God equips him with miraculous signs to demonstrate His power. We also see the introduction of Moses’ brother Aaron, who will become his spokesman before Pharaoh.
The events in this chapter foreshadow the dramatic confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh that will unfold in the chapters to come. God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:13-14 reminds us of the Israelites’ captivity and eventual deliverance from Egypt. The stage is set for the mighty acts of God to be displayed, leading to the Exodus that will change the course of history.
Exodus 4:1-9
Exodus 4:1-9: “Then Moses answered and said, ‘But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘the Lord has not appeared to you.” So the Lord said to him, ‘What is that in your hand?’ He said, ‘A rod.’ And He said, ‘Cast it on the ground.’ So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Reach out your hand and take it by the tail’ (and he reached out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), ‘that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you. Moses expresses his concerns to God in this passage about the Israelites not believing that God has appeared to him. God, in His infinite wisdom, decides to demonstrate His power to Moses by performing a miraculous sign. The transformation of Moses’ rod into a serpent and back again was a physical manifestation of God’s divine authority and a prelude to the miracles that would unfold in the liberation of the Israelites from Egypt.
This passage highlights God’s ability to use ordinary objects for extraordinary purposes. The rod that Moses carried was a common tool used by shepherds, but in the hands of God, it became a visual representation of His power. This serves as a powerful reminder that God can take what is simple and insignificant in the eyes of man and use it for His grand purposes.
Furthermore, the mention of “the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob” underscores the continuity of God’s covenant with the patriarchs of Israel. God reaffirms His faithfulness to His promises throughout generations by referencing these forefathers. This continuity is a recurring theme in the Bible, emphasizing God’s enduring relationship with His people and His steadfastness in fulfilling His pledges.
The transformation of the rod into a serpent and back into a rod also symbolizes the power of transformation and redemption. Just as the inert rod was brought to life as a serpent and then restored to its original state, so too would God bring life and liberation to the enslaved Israelites in Egypt. This foreshadows the miracles of the plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna in the wilderness, all of which would demonstrate God’s transformative power and His commitment to His people. God’s ability to work through His chosen vessels, using the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary, is powerfully demonstrated in this passage from Exodus 4. It reminds us that God’s power transcends human limitations and that His promises are unwavering. Just as He equipped Moses with the tools necessary to lead the Israelites out of bondage, so too does He equip believers today with the strength and resources needed to fulfill His purposes in their lives.
Exodus 4:10-17
Moses is questioning God’s choice in selecting him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt in Exodus 4:10-17. The verse reads: “But Moses said to the Lord, ‘Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.’” This humble response from Moses reveals his own doubts and insecurities about his own abilities. The fact that he mentions his difficulty with speech suggests a sense of inadequacy and unworthiness for the monumental task ahead of him.
God, in response to Moses’ hesitation, reassures him by saying, “Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” This response emphasizes God’s sovereignty and power over all creation. It serves as a reminder that God is the one who equips and enables His chosen servants for the work He has called them to do. This interaction between God and Moses conveys the theme of reliance on God’s strength rather than relying on one’s own abilities.
Furthermore, in verse 13, Moses continues to express his hesitancy by asking God to send someone else in his place. This reluctance on Moses’ part reveals a lack of faith in God’s plan for him. God, however, does not waver in His choice of Moses and appoints his brother, Aaron, to assist him. This act of God appointing Aaron as a spokesperson for Moses highlights the importance of community and support in fulfilling one’s calling. It teaches us that God often provides helpers and companions along the journey to strengthen and encourage us. Moses eventually embraces his role as the leader of the Israelites and carries out the task assigned to him by God as the narrative unfolds. This transformation from doubt to obedience showcases the transformative power of God’s call in a person’s life. It serves as a reminder that God’s plans are perfect, even when we may feel inadequate or uncertain. The passage in Exodus 4:10-17 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s sovereignty, provision, and faithfulness. It encourages us to trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when we may feel ill-equipped or fearful. We can fulfill the purposes He has set before us by relying on God’s strength, leaning on the support of others, and stepping out in faith.
Exodus 4:18-23
Moses and his father-in-law Jethro have a significant encounter in Exodus 4:18-23. This section of the verse marks Moses’ departure from Midian to return to Egypt, as he heeds the call of God to lead the Israelites out of slavery. This departure symbolizes Moses stepping into his true purpose and destiny, leaving behind his comfortable life as a shepherd in Midian to embark on the daunting task of confronting Pharaoh and demanding the liberation of his people. It reflects a pivotal moment not only in Moses’ life but in the larger narrative of the liberation of the Hebrew slaves.
Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, plays an important role in this passage. Moses seeks Jethro’s blessing for his journey as he prepares to leave. Jethro’s response signifies his acceptance and support of Moses’ mission, albeit from a distance. This interaction highlights the importance of family support and blessings in embarking on a new chapter or challenge in life. Despite the challenges and uncertainties that lay ahead for Moses, having the support of his family, even if not physically present, would have undoubtedly been a source of strength for him.
Furthermore, in this passage, God instructs Moses to perform signs and wonders before Pharaoh, specifying that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart, leading to the eventual release of the Israelites from Egypt. This demonstrates the power and sovereignty of God over human hearts and events, even the heart of a powerful ruler like Pharaoh. It foreshadows the intense confrontations and plagues that will follow as Moses and Aaron demand the release of the Hebrews from bondage.
The hardening of Pharaoh’s heart raises complex theological questions about free will, divine intervention, and the consequences of obstinate disobedience. Throughout the ensuing narrative in Exodus, we witness a repeated cycle of Pharaoh stubbornly refusing to let the Israelites go, despite witnessing the mighty displays of God’s power through the plagues. This cycle serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride, obstinacy, and defying the will of God. This passage underscores the theme of God’s faithfulness and power in fulfilling His promises in a broader theological sense. Despite the challenges and obstacles that Moses, Aaron, and the Israelites will face in the chapters ahead, God’s plan for their liberation remains unwavering. This serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring nature of God’s covenant with His people and His commitment to deliver them from oppression into freedom, as He had promised to their forefathers like Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Exodus 4:18-23 sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the Exodus narrative, showcasing themes of obedience, faith, family support, divine sovereignty, and the fulfillment of God’s promises. It marks a crucial turning point in the story of Moses and the Israelites, laying the foundation for the miraculous deliverance that is to come, illustrating God’s unwavering faithfulness and power throughout history.
Exodus 4:24-26
A perplexing and somewhat enigmatic passage that revolves around a strange incident involving Moses and his family is encountered in Exodus 4:24-26. The passage reads, “At a lodging place on the way, the Lord met Moses and was about to kill him. But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off her son’s foreskin and touched Moses’ feet with it. ‘Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me,’ she said. So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said ‘bridegroom of blood,’ referring to circumcision.)”
This passage is quite challenging to interpret, but one prevalent understanding is that God intended to kill Moses due to his failure to circumcise his son. Circumcision was a significant covenantal sign between God and the Israelites, dating back to the time of Abraham. God commanded Abraham to circumcise all males as a sign of the covenant between them in Genesis 17:10-14. Neglecting this command was considered a severe offense in the eyes of God, as circumcision symbolized belonging to God’s chosen people.
Zipporah, Moses’ wife, quickly understood the seriousness of the situation and took immediate action by performing the circumcision on their son, thus averting God’s wrath from Moses. It is intriguing that Zipporah, a Midianite, seemed to have understood the importance of the covenant of circumcision better than Moses, who, being brought up in the Egyptian court, may have been less aware of this essential aspect of the Israelite faith.
This episode serves as a powerful reminder of the significance of obedience to God’s commands and the consequences of neglecting them. It underscores the idea that God’s covenants are to be taken seriously and require faithful adherence. The inclusion of this incident in the narrative of Moses’ call to deliver the Israelites from Egypt highlights the importance of individuals aligning themselves with God’s purposes wholeheartedly. Zipporah used the term “bridegroom of blood” to symbolize the seriousness of the covenant through the shedding of blood during circumcision. This depiction foreshadows Jesus Christ, who established a new covenant through his blood shed on the cross for the redemption of mankind, as described in Luke 22:20: “This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you. Obedience to God’s commands is non-negotiable, and the covenant relationship with God demands our faithful commitment, even though this passage may appear puzzling at first glance. Even in the seemingly obscure and bizarre events recorded in the Bible, there are valuable lessons to be gleaned, reinforcing the timeless nature of God’s expectations from His people.
Exodus 4:27-31
Moses heeds God’s call to return to Egypt in Exodus 4:27-31, marking a significant moment in his life. This passage marks the journey Moses undertakes with his family to fulfill his destiny as the deliverer of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and oppression. God instructs Moses to take his staff and perform the signs He had given him before the elders of Israel in the first section of this passage. This act serves as a display of God’s power and sets the stage for what is to come. God is reaffirming His presence and sovereignty in the lives of His people by showcasing these miracles. It also reveals God’s compassion and mercy towards the Israelites, promising them deliverance from their suffering. Zipporah plays a pivotal role in this passage as Moses embarks on his journey with his family. When faced with a life-threatening situation concerning their son’s circumcision, Zipporah takes charge and saves her husband’s life by performing the circumcision herself. This incident highlights Zipporah’s quick thinking and courage in taking action to obey God’s commandments. It also underscores the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience in the eyes of the Lord.
The passage concludes with Moses and Aaron gathering the elders of Israel to share the message from God and perform the signs as instructed. The response of the elders, who believe and worship God upon hearing that He has remembered them and seen their affliction, is a testament to their faith and resilience in the face of hardship. This moment not only strengthens the bond between the Israelites and their leaders but also foreshadows the unity and trust that will be crucial in their journey towards freedom and the Promised Land. Exodus 4:27-31 serves as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness, His ability to work through ordinary individuals like Moses and Zipporah, and the importance of faith and obedience in fulfilling His plans. It also exemplifies the theme of redemption and deliverance, themes that reverberate throughout the Bible, leading up to the ultimate redemption through Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world (John 3:16).
After Exodus 4
The Lord had spoken to Moses, commanding him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses had expressed his doubts and fears, but the Lord had reassured him and given him the power to perform miracles. Moses must have felt a mix of trepidation and determination as he prepared to confront Pharaoh. Little did he know the challenges that lay ahead, the battles he would have to fight, and the miracles he would witness. The journey was just beginning, and the road to freedom would be long and arduous. But the Lord had chosen Moses for this task, and with His guidance, the Israelites would soon be on their way to the Promised Land.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.