← Back to Exodus

Exodus 4

31 verses

TL;DR

God equips Moses with miraculous signs to prove His power, appoints Aaron as a spokesperson, and sends Moses back to Egypt to confront Pharaoh with divine instructions.

Summary

In Exodus 4 Moses complains that the Israelites will not believe him, and God provides the rod‑to‑serpent miracle and a leprosy sign to demonstrate divine authority. God then addresses Moses’ speech problem, promising to aid his tongue and appointing Aaron, Moses’ brother, as his spokesperson to speak with confidence. Moses returns to Midian and Jethro, receives the rod, and is instructed by God to return to Egypt, perform wonders before Pharaoh, and claim the release of Israel, knowing that God will harden Pharaoh’s heart if necessary. The narrative concludes with a brief mention of Zipporah’s circumcision, a divine encounter, and the gathering of Israel’s elders to witness the signs.

Outline
  1. Moses’ doubts and the miraculous signs (rod‑to‑serpent, leprosy).
  2. God’s assurance for Moses’ speech and the appointment of Aaron as spokesman.
  3. Moses’ return to Egypt with divine instructions to confront Pharaoh.
Themes
Divine power and signs of faith.God’s guidance and assistance in human weakness.Covenant faithfulness and the promise of deliverance.
Keywords
MosesAaronRodSerpentLeprosySignsSpeechPharaohEgyptCircumcisionGodDivine AuthoritySpokesperson
People
MosesAaronJethroPharaohZipporahthe LORDIsraelite elders
Places
EgyptMidianJethro’s dwellingthe riverthe land of Egypt
Things
rodserpentleprosywater turned to bloodsignscircumcisionrod of God
Key Verses
  • Exodus 4:2: First miraculous sign: the rod becomes a serpent to prove God’s power.
  • Exodus 4:6-7: Leprosy sign that illustrates God’s control over sickness.
  • Exodus 4:12: God promises to aid Moses’ speech, highlighting divine partnership.
  • Exodus 4:16: Aaron is designated as Moses’ spokesperson, showing delegated authority.
  • Exodus 4:21: God hardening Pharaoh’s heart foreshadows future resistance.
  • Exodus 4:24-26: Zipporah’s circumcision incident underscores covenantal obedience.
Questions
  • Why does Moses doubt the Israelites’ faith, and how does God address that doubt?
  • What does the leprosy sign teach about God’s control over physical conditions?
  • How does the appointment of Aaron as spokesperson affect Moses’ role?
  • In what ways does the narrative demonstrate God’s sovereignty over human weakness?
  • What is the significance of Zipporah’s circumcision in the context of covenantal faith?
Sentiment

mixed
The passage includes dramatic divine intervention and conflict, but overall conveys hope and divine support.