Exodus 4 - Printer Friendly

What does Exodus 4 mean?

Chapter Commentary:

Moses has been contacted by the Lord, in the form of a supernaturally burning bush (Exodus 3:4–6). Moses is to confront Egypt's king about freeing the Israelite slaves (Exodus 3:10). In the process, God will judge Egypt with miraculous signs which prove His glory (Exodus 3:20).

This brings a valid concern to Moses' mind. The Lord has not spoken to Israel during their fourcentury stay in Egypt (Genesis 15:13). Moses fled Egypt (Exodus 2:15) and hadn't been held in high regard anyway (Exodus 2:14). That was forty years ago (Exodus 7:7; Acts 7:23). If he simply arrives and starts making claims, no one will believe him (Exodus 4:1).

The Lord responds by providing three miraculous signs. The first is to transform Moses' staff into a snake, and then back into a staff. The second is to inflict and cure leprosy on Moses' hand. If these are not enough, Moses can also pour water from the Nile on the ground, where it will turn into blood. These not only provide supernatural evidence, but they also show that the Lord God has command over animal life, human life, and nature itself (Exodus 4:2–9).

Next, Moses expresses doubt. He claims to be a poor speaker. This might have been true, or it may be exaggerated humility. God reassures Moses that he simply needs to trust the Lord, who will provide all that needs to be said or done. Rather than accept this, Moses flatly asks God to find a different spokesman. In irritation, the Lord notes that Moses' brother, Aaron, is a good speaker—so Aaron will be the one to actually speak in public, passing along the words God gives to Moses (Exodus 4:10–17).

Moses then obtains permission from his father-in-law to leave their clan and return to Egypt. God tells Moses that everyone with a reason to punish him has died. Moses brings his wife and sons and heads back. Along the way, Moses somehow comes very near to death at God's leading. The exact reason is not given. However, Zipporah, Moses' wife (Exodus 2:21–22), circumcises one of their two sons and touches the severed skin to Moses' feet. Whatever this means, it satisfies the Lord's anger (Exodus 4:18–26).

Aaron meets with Moses at Sinai and learns the message and the miraculous signs. The brothers meet with the elders of Israel and pass along that same information. The elders, and the people, are excited to see that God has not forgotten them (Exodus 4:27–31).

Next, Moses and Aaron will make their first demand to the Pharaoh: Egypt's king (Exodus 5:1). This will not be taken well (Exodus 5:2), leading to further Egyptian cruelty (Exodus 5:10–12). This begins to turn the people against Moses and Aaron (Exodus 5:20–21).

Exodus 4:1–9 continues the conversation between Moses and God. Moses doubts that anyone will believe his story. So, the Lord gives him signs such as transforming Moses' staff into a snake, afflicting and healing leprosy on his own hand, and turning water poured on the ground into blood. These prove God's power over animal life, human life, and nature itself.

Exodus 4:10–17 records Moses resisting God's call by pointing out his poor speaking ability. When God says He will endow Moses with the right words at the right time, Moses is still overwhelmed and skeptical. Though angry at the lack of faith, God responds by appointing Moses' brother, Aaron, to be the public spokesman, bringing words from God through Moses.

Exodus 4:18–26 includes a bizarre incident in the life of Moses. He plans to return to Egypt , to perform the signs given by God, and to challenge Egypt's Pharaoh to release Israel. On the way, Moses seems to fall deathly ill, at God's hand. Moses' wife circumcises one of their sons and transfers some meaning of the ceremony to Moses by touching his feet. This removes the danger, and Moses continues on towards Egypt.

Exodus 4:27–31 recounts Moses' first encounter with the Israelites upon his return from exile. First he meets Aaron, sent to meet him in the wilderness by God. The two men gather Israel's leaders. The elders respond to Mo-ses' story and signs with belief. Knowing that the Lord is acting to remove their suffering, the men worship.

Chapter Summary:

While speaking with God in the form of a supernaturally burning bush, Moses expresses a lack of confidence. God gives Moses several miraculous signs so he can prove the source of his message. Moses is still unsure because of his poor speech. Though irritated, God appoints Moses' brother, Aaron, to be the spokesman while Moses relays the words of God. Moses returns to Egypt. Along the way, he nearly dies due to God's anger over some issue related to circumci-sion. After meeting his brother, Moses convinces the elders of Israel that his mission is genuine.

Chapter Context:

Moses, born an Israelite (Exodus 2:1) but raised by an Egyptian princess (Exodus 2:10) fled into exile after killing an abu-sive Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:14–15). Later, Moses meets God (Exodus 3:6) and receives the initial command to challenge Pharaoh for the freedom of the Israelites (Exodus 3:18–20). In this chapter, Moses makes excuses about his public speaking and nearly dies because of an uncircumcised son. Israel's elders believe Moses' story. But in the next chapter, Moses' early confrontation with Pharaoh goes poorly; the people are worked even hard-er (Exodus 5:5–9) and they begin to turn against Moses (Exodus 5:20–21).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.

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