And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.
And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth 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, hath appeared unto thee.
And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.
And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.
And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.
And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.
And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Exodus 4 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance. It's a chapter brimming with God's patience, power, and purpose, even in the face of human reluctance and inadequacy. This chapter reveals not only God's plan for Israel's freedom but also profound truths about His relationship with those He calls to serve Him.
God's Assurance to Moses (Exodus 4:1-9)
Moses, still hesitant after his encounter with God at the burning bush, voices his fear: "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you’?" (Exodus 4:1). This concern reveals Moses's awareness of the monumental task before him. He understands the skepticism he will likely face from both the Israelites and Pharaoh.
God, in His understanding and mercy, provides Moses with tangible signs to demonstrate His power and authority. God empowers Moses with miraculous signs, transforming his staff into a snake and back again (Exodus 4:2-4), and afflicting his hand with leprosy, then healing it (Exodus 4:6-7). These weren't mere tricks; they were powerful demonstrations of God's ability to intervene in the natural order, assuring the Israelites that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had indeed sent Moses (Exodus 4:5). God even provides a contingency plan: If one sign isn't enough, He will provide another (Exodus 4:8-9), showcasing His commitment to convincing His people.
Moses's Reluctance and God's Response (Exodus 4:10-12)
Despite God's assurances, Moses continues to resist. He claims, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… my mouth and my tongue are sluggish" (Exodus 4:10). Whether this was a genuine speech impediment, a lack of confidence, or simply a desire to avoid the task, Moses presents it as an insurmountable obstacle.
God's response is direct and profound: "Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Exodus 4:11). This is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all abilities and disabilities. He is the source of all gifts and talents. When God calls us to a task, He is fully aware of our limitations, and He promises to equip us for the work He has called us to do. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong and wise (1 Corinthians 1:26-29), ensuring that all glory goes to Him.
God doesn't dismiss Moses's concerns, but He assures him, "Go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak" (Exodus 4:12). This promise is not just for Moses but for all who are called to serve God. It's a reminder that God's presence and guidance are sufficient for any task He sets before us. The success of the exodus wouldn't depend on Moses's eloquence but on God's power.
The Consequences of Disobedience (Exodus 4:13-17)
Moses, still unwilling, pleads, "Please, Lord, send someone else" (Exodus 4:13). This outright refusal provokes God's anger (Exodus 4:14). While God is gracious and patient, there are consequences to persistent disobedience.
However, even in His displeasure, God provides a solution. He appoints Aaron, Moses's brother, to be his spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16). God would speak to Moses, Moses would speak to Aaron, and Aaron would speak to Pharaoh. God demonstrates His understanding of Moses's limitations while still holding him accountable. He also reminds Moses to take the staff, with which he will perform signs (Exodus 4:17). This is a powerful reminder that even when we try to avoid God's call, He can still use us, often in ways we never imagined.
Moses's Return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-20)
Finally, Moses obeys. He seeks permission from Jethro to return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18). God also reassures Moses that those who sought his life are dead (Exodus 4:19). This removes a significant obstacle and provides further encouragement. Moses then takes his wife and sons and sets out on his journey back to Egypt (Exodus 4:20), staff of God in hand.
God's Instructions and Pharaoh's Hardened Heart (Exodus 4:21-23)
God prepares Moses for the confrontation with Pharaoh, instructing him to perform miracles. However, God also forewarns Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, ensuring that he will not let the people go (Exodus 4:21). It's crucial to understand that God didn't arbitrarily harden Pharaoh's heart. Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart (Exodus 7:22; 8:15, 32). God, in His sovereignty, used Pharaoh's stubbornness to further His own purposes and demonstrate His power.
Moses is instructed to deliver a powerful message: "Israel is my firstborn son" (Exodus 4:22). This declaration highlights the special relationship between God and Israel. As the firstborn son, Israel held a position of honor and privilege. Pharaoh's oppression of Israel was not just an act of political dominance; it was a direct affront to God Himself. God warns that if Pharaoh refuses to release His firstborn son, God will take Pharaoh's firstborn son (Exodus 4:23), foreshadowing the devastating plague to come.
A Near-Death Experience and the Covenant of Circumcision (Exodus 4:24-26)
A perplexing incident occurs: "At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death" (Exodus 4:24). This seemingly abrupt event is best understood in the context of the covenant of circumcision, a sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:1-27).
Moses had apparently neglected to circumcise his son, failing to uphold this fundamental covenant obligation. This negligence was a serious offense, especially for a man chosen to lead God's covenant people. Zipporah, Moses's wife, swiftly circumcises their son and touches Moses's feet with the foreskin, saying, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!" (Exodus 4:25-26). This act appeases God's anger and saves Moses's life.
This passage underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly small matters. It also highlights the role of women in upholding God's covenant, even when their husbands fail. Zipporah's decisive action demonstrates that our highest commitment is to God, even when it conflicts with other relationships.
Reunion and Response (Exodus 4:27-31)
Moses meets with Aaron and recounts everything the Lord had commanded him (Exodus 4:27-28). Together, they gather the elders of Israel, perform the signs, and deliver God's message (Exodus 4:29-30). The response is immediate and overwhelming: "the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped" (Exodus 4:31).
This verse captures the essence of God's deliverance. The Israelites, finally convinced of God's intervention and compassion, respond with heartfelt worship. News of God's mercy and deliverance should always lead His people to praise.
Exodus 4 is a powerful reminder that God chooses and equips those He calls. Even in our weakness and reluctance, He is faithful to fulfill His promises. This chapter challenges us to trust in God's power, obey His commands, and respond with worship to His incredible grace. This chapter is a great resource for those studying Exodus 4.
And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.
And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.
And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.
And the Lord said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth 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, hath appeared unto thee.
And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.
And he said, Put thine hand into thy bosom again. And he put his hand into his bosom again; and plucked it out of his bosom, and, behold, it was turned again as his other flesh.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.
And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour it upon the dry land: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry land.
And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the Lord?
Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.
And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.
And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.
And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.
And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.
Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.
So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
And the Lord said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.
And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.
And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.
And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
Exodus 4 marks a pivotal moment in the narrative of Israel's deliverance. It's a chapter brimming with God's patience, power, and purpose, even in the face of human reluctance and inadequacy. This chapter reveals not only God's plan for Israel's freedom but also profound truths about His relationship with those He calls to serve Him.
God's Assurance to Moses (Exodus 4:1-9)
Moses, still hesitant after his encounter with God at the burning bush, voices his fear: "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you’?" (Exodus 4:1). This concern reveals Moses's awareness of the monumental task before him. He understands the skepticism he will likely face from both the Israelites and Pharaoh.
God, in His understanding and mercy, provides Moses with tangible signs to demonstrate His power and authority. God empowers Moses with miraculous signs, transforming his staff into a snake and back again (Exodus 4:2-4), and afflicting his hand with leprosy, then healing it (Exodus 4:6-7). These weren't mere tricks; they were powerful demonstrations of God's ability to intervene in the natural order, assuring the Israelites that the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob had indeed sent Moses (Exodus 4:5). God even provides a contingency plan: If one sign isn't enough, He will provide another (Exodus 4:8-9), showcasing His commitment to convincing His people.
Moses's Reluctance and God's Response (Exodus 4:10-12)
Despite God's assurances, Moses continues to resist. He claims, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent… my mouth and my tongue are sluggish" (Exodus 4:10). Whether this was a genuine speech impediment, a lack of confidence, or simply a desire to avoid the task, Moses presents it as an insurmountable obstacle.
God's response is direct and profound: "Who has made man’s mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord?" (Exodus 4:11). This is a powerful reminder that God is sovereign over all abilities and disabilities. He is the source of all gifts and talents. When God calls us to a task, He is fully aware of our limitations, and He promises to equip us for the work He has called us to do. As Paul reminds the Corinthians, God often chooses the weak and foolish things of the world to shame the strong and wise (1 Corinthians 1:26-29), ensuring that all glory goes to Him.
God doesn't dismiss Moses's concerns, but He assures him, "Go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak" (Exodus 4:12). This promise is not just for Moses but for all who are called to serve God. It's a reminder that God's presence and guidance are sufficient for any task He sets before us. The success of the exodus wouldn't depend on Moses's eloquence but on God's power.
The Consequences of Disobedience (Exodus 4:13-17)
Moses, still unwilling, pleads, "Please, Lord, send someone else" (Exodus 4:13). This outright refusal provokes God's anger (Exodus 4:14). While God is gracious and patient, there are consequences to persistent disobedience.
However, even in His displeasure, God provides a solution. He appoints Aaron, Moses's brother, to be his spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16). God would speak to Moses, Moses would speak to Aaron, and Aaron would speak to Pharaoh. God demonstrates His understanding of Moses's limitations while still holding him accountable. He also reminds Moses to take the staff, with which he will perform signs (Exodus 4:17). This is a powerful reminder that even when we try to avoid God's call, He can still use us, often in ways we never imagined.
Moses's Return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-20)
Finally, Moses obeys. He seeks permission from Jethro to return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18). God also reassures Moses that those who sought his life are dead (Exodus 4:19). This removes a significant obstacle and provides further encouragement. Moses then takes his wife and sons and sets out on his journey back to Egypt (Exodus 4:20), staff of God in hand.
God's Instructions and Pharaoh's Hardened Heart (Exodus 4:21-23)
God prepares Moses for the confrontation with Pharaoh, instructing him to perform miracles. However, God also forewarns Moses that He will harden Pharaoh's heart, ensuring that he will not let the people go (Exodus 4:21). It's crucial to understand that God didn't arbitrarily harden Pharaoh's heart. Pharaoh initially hardened his own heart (Exodus 7:22; 8:15, 32). God, in His sovereignty, used Pharaoh's stubbornness to further His own purposes and demonstrate His power.
Moses is instructed to deliver a powerful message: "Israel is my firstborn son" (Exodus 4:22). This declaration highlights the special relationship between God and Israel. As the firstborn son, Israel held a position of honor and privilege. Pharaoh's oppression of Israel was not just an act of political dominance; it was a direct affront to God Himself. God warns that if Pharaoh refuses to release His firstborn son, God will take Pharaoh's firstborn son (Exodus 4:23), foreshadowing the devastating plague to come.
A Near-Death Experience and the Covenant of Circumcision (Exodus 4:24-26)
A perplexing incident occurs: "At a lodging place on the way the Lord met him and sought to put him to death" (Exodus 4:24). This seemingly abrupt event is best understood in the context of the covenant of circumcision, a sign of God's covenant with Abraham and his descendants (Genesis 17:1-27).
Moses had apparently neglected to circumcise his son, failing to uphold this fundamental covenant obligation. This negligence was a serious offense, especially for a man chosen to lead God's covenant people. Zipporah, Moses's wife, swiftly circumcises their son and touches Moses's feet with the foreskin, saying, "Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!" (Exodus 4:25-26). This act appeases God's anger and saves Moses's life.
This passage underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands, even in seemingly small matters. It also highlights the role of women in upholding God's covenant, even when their husbands fail. Zipporah's decisive action demonstrates that our highest commitment is to God, even when it conflicts with other relationships.
Reunion and Response (Exodus 4:27-31)
Moses meets with Aaron and recounts everything the Lord had commanded him (Exodus 4:27-28). Together, they gather the elders of Israel, perform the signs, and deliver God's message (Exodus 4:29-30). The response is immediate and overwhelming: "the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped" (Exodus 4:31).
This verse captures the essence of God's deliverance. The Israelites, finally convinced of God's intervention and compassion, respond with heartfelt worship. News of God's mercy and deliverance should always lead His people to praise.
Exodus 4 is a powerful reminder that God chooses and equips those He calls. Even in our weakness and reluctance, He is faithful to fulfill His promises. This chapter challenges us to trust in God's power, obey His commands, and respond with worship to His incredible grace. This chapter is a great resource for those studying Exodus 4.