Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryExodus 4

Exodus 4:1-9: The Objections of Moses Overruled In this passage, Moses continues to feel unsure about his mission. He worries that the Israelites will not believe him or listen to what he says. God patiently answers Moses' fears by giving him the power to perform miracles as proof of his calling. These signs are meant to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh that Moses is truly sent by God. God chooses humble and hesitant people, but gives them everything they need to do His work.v. 1: Moses says to God, “But what if they do not believe me or listen to me? They might say, ‘The Lord

vv. 2-4: God tells Moses to throw his staff on the ground. When Moses does, it becomes a snake, and he is afraid. Then God tells him to pick it up by the tail, and it turns back into a staff (vv. 2-4 ). This miracle shows God’s power is real, and that Moses has authority from God. It is also a sign that God can change situations completely.

v. 5: God says He is giving Moses these signs so the Israelites will believe that the Lord

vv. 6-7: God tells Moses to put his hand inside his cloak. When Moses takes it out, it is leprous, white as snow. God tells him to do it again, and it becomes healthy like the rest of his skin (vv. 6-7 ). This sign shows God’s power to bring sickness and also to heal. It also reminds Moses and the people that it is God, not Moses, who does miracles.

v. 8: God says if the people do not believe the first sign, they might believe the second (v. 8 ). God is patient and gives many chances for people to believe.

v. 9: If they still do not believe, Moses is to take water from the Nile and pour it on the ground, and it will turn into blood (v. 9 ). This sign is a warning, showing God’s power and judgment. God uses many signs so that no one can say they did not have enough proof.

Exodus 4:10-17: The Objections of Moses Overruled In this passage, Moses continues to hesitate about leading Israel out of Egypt. He feels he is not a good speaker and asks God to send someone else. God answers every excuse with patience and kindness, promising to help Moses and even sending Aaron to assist him. God’s power is shown in choosing those who feel weak, and He gives them what they need to succeed. Moses’ rod, once just a shepherd’s tool, will now be a sign of God’s power.v. 10: Moses tells the Lord

v. 11: The Lord

v. 12: God repeats His promise. He will be with Moses’ mouth and teach him what to say. God does not always remove our weaknesses, but He gives special help so we can serve Him (v. 12; Matt. 10:19 ).

v. 13: Moses still asks God to send someone else instead. He is very reluctant, even though God has answered all his objections (v. 13 ). Sometimes people try to avoid difficult jobs, even making excuses that do not really work.

v. 14: The Lord

v. 15: God says Moses should speak to Aaron and tell him what to say. God will help both of them know what to do and say. God often brings people together with different strengths to do His work (v. 15 ).

v. 16: Aaron will be like a spokesman for Moses, and Moses will be like God to Aaron, telling him what to say (v. 16 ). God sometimes uses teams, so each person can help the other.

v. 17: God tells Moses to take his rod, the same one he used as a shepherd, because he will use it to perform signs and miracles (v. 17 ). This simple rod will be a symbol of God’s power and authority.

Exodus 4:18-23: Moses Returns to Egypt In these verses, Moses finally obeys God and prepares to return to Egypt. He respectfully asks his father-in-law Jethro for permission to leave, showing good manners and responsibility. God encourages Moses by telling him that those who wanted to kill him in Egypt are now dead. God also reminds Moses to perform the miracles in front of Pharaoh and explains that Pharaoh’s heart will be hard. God gives Moses an important message to deliver to Pharaoh: Israel is God’s firstborn son, and if Pharaoh will not let Israel go, Egypt’s firstborn will be punished. Even though Moses was once afraid and hesitant, he now trusts God and begins the journey.v. 18: Moses asks Jethro, his father-in-law, if he can return to Egypt to see if his family and people are still alive. Jethro gives his blessing and says, “Go in peace” (v. 18 ). Moses acts with respect, not leaving without permission, even though God had called him.

v. 19: The Lord

v. 20: Moses takes his wife and sons, puts them on a donkey, and heads back to Egypt. He carries the “rod of God” in his hand (v. 20 ). This rod, once a shepherd’s staff, is now a symbol of God’s power and authority.

v. 21: God tells Moses that he must perform all the wonders in front of Pharaoh, but warns that Pharaoh’s heart will be hard and he will not let the people go easily (v. 21 ). God prepares Moses for rejection, so he will not be surprised or discouraged.

v. 22: God gives Moses the message to say to Pharaoh: “Israel is my son, my firstborn” (v. 22 ). Israel is precious to God, not a slave but a child whom God loves and protects (Jer. 2:14 ).

v. 23: Moses is to warn Pharaoh that if he refuses to let God’s son go, then God will take Pharaoh’s own firstborn son. God is just, and He will punish those who harm His people (v. 23; Mal. 3:17 ).

Exodus 4:24-31: The Circumcision of the Son of Moses This passage tells how God met Moses on his way to Egypt and confronted him because he had not circumcised his son. It shows that God expects those He calls to obey His commands fully, even in family matters. Moses’ wife Zipporah performed the circumcision, ending the danger to Moses. After this, Moses and Aaron united, shared God’s message with the Israelites, and the people believed and worshipped. This story teaches the importance of obedience and how God prepares His servants for their work.vv. 24-26: On the journey, the Lord

v. 27: The Lord

v. 28: Moses shared with Aaron everything the Lord

v. 29: Moses and Aaron gathered all the elders of Israel (v. 29 ). They went straight to the leaders to begin their mission.

v. 30: Aaron spoke all the words the Lord

v. 31: The people believed Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the Lord