Exodus 4: A Detailed Explanation

Exodus 4 continues the narrative of Moses' calling by God at the burning bush (Exodus 3). This chapter focuses on Moses' concerns, God's responses, and the beginning of his mission to free the Israelites from Egyptian slavery.

I. Moses’ Three Signs (Exodus 4:1–9)

Moses expresses doubt that the Israelites will believe God sent him. In response, God gives him three miraculous signs:

First Sign: The Staff Turns into a Serpent (4:2-5)

• God asks Moses what is in his hand, and Moses responds, “A staff.”

• God instructs him to throw it on the ground, and it becomes a snake.

• When Moses grabs the snake by the tail, it turns back into a staff.

• Significance: The staff symbolizes divine authority. The transformation demonstrates God’s power over creation and His ability to use ordinary things for miraculous purposes.

Second Sign: Leprous Hand (4:6-7)

• God commands Moses to put his hand inside his cloak.

• When Moses removes it, his hand is leprous—white and diseased.

• When he places it back inside, it is restored.

• Significance: This shows God’s ability to afflict and heal, emphasizing His control over life and health.

Third Sign: Water Turned into Blood (4:8-9)

• If the Israelites do not believe the first two signs, Moses is to take water from the Nile and pour it on dry ground, where it will turn into blood.

• Significance: This foreshadows the first plague (Exodus 7:14-24) and symbolizes judgment on Egypt’s false gods.

II. Moses’ Objection and God’s Assurance (Exodus 4:10-17)

Despite the signs, Moses still hesitates, offering another excuse:

Moses’ Excuse: “I Am Not Eloquent” (4:10-12)

• Moses claims he is “slow of speech and tongue.”

• God reminds him that He created the human mouth and promises to help Moses speak.

• Lesson: God does not call the equipped; He equips the called.

Moses’ Final Excuse and God’s Response (4:13-17)

• Moses pleads, “Please send someone else.”

• God, angered by Moses' reluctance, appoints Aaron as his spokesman.

• Aaron will speak for Moses, but Moses will still lead.

• Lesson: God’s anger is aroused when we doubt His power, but He still provides help.

III. Moses Returns to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-31)

Moses Seeks Permission from Jethro (4:18-20)

• Moses returns to his father-in-law, Jethro, and asks to go to Egypt.

• Jethro grants permission, and Moses takes his wife and sons.

• Lesson: Even when called by God, Moses acts responsibly by seeking permission from his family.

God Warns Moses (4:21-23)

• God tells Moses that Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened.

• The phrase “Israel is my firstborn son” introduces the theme of divine adoption.

• God warns that if Pharaoh refuses to release Israel, He will take the life of Pharaoh’s firstborn son.

• Foreshadowing: This predicts the final plague (Exodus 11–12).

The Mysterious Incident at the Lodging Place (4:24-26)

• The Lord seeks to kill Moses.

• Zipporah circumcises their son and touches Moses’ feet with the foreskin, saying, “You are a bridegroom of blood.”

• The Lord then spares Moses.

• Interpretation:

  • Moses had failed to circumcise his son, violating the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:9-14).

  • Zipporah’s act suggests urgency and obedience to God’s command.

  • The event reinforces that obedience to God’s covenant is essential.

Moses Meets Aaron (4:27-31)

• God sends Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness.

• Together, they gather the Israelite elders.

• The people believe after seeing the signs and bow in worship.

• Lesson: When God calls, He also prepares others to support the mission.

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Key Themes and Lessons in Exodus 4

1. God’s Patience and Provision

• Despite Moses’ objections, God reassures him and provides Aaron as a helper.

2. The Power of Signs and Wonders

• Miracles confirm God’s message and demonstrate His authority.

3. The Sovereignty of God

• God controls Pharaoh’s heart, life and death, and the destiny of nations.

4. The Importance of Obedience

• Moses’ delay in circumcising his son almost costs him his life.

5. God’s Redemption Plan Begins

• Israel is called God’s firstborn, setting the stage for their deliverance.