Exodus 4
Main Highlights
God continues His commissioning of Moses, providing him with powerful miraculous signs to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh. Moses's persistent hesitations and arguments are met with God's patient provision, including the appointment of his brother Aaron as his spokesman. This chapter underscores God's absolute sovereignty and His unwavering determination to deliver His chosen people.
Key Verses
"Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The Lord did not appear to you.’”"— Exodus 4:1
"He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it."— Exodus 4:3
"Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.”"— Exodus 4:11-12
"So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.”"— Exodus 4:2
Scholar Insight
"God's choice of Moses, despite his reluctance and perceived inadequacies, illustrates His divine prerogative to use humble instruments to accomplish His mighty purposes. It is a testament to the fact that God does not call the equipped, but equips the called." - R.C. Sproul, Knowing God's Will
Questions
What do we learn about God?
We learn that God is absolutely sovereign over all aspects of creation, including human abilities and perceived weaknesses, as seen in His question, "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). He is also incredibly patient and merciful with His servants' doubts, providing both convincing signs and personal assistance to overcome their fears and empower them for His will.
How is Christ Connected?
Jesus is foreshadowed in God's promise to Moses, "Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:12). This speaks to Jesus as the ultimate Word of God, the one through whom God fully reveals Himself and speaks with ultimate authority to humanity. He is the preeminent mediator and spokesman for God, perfectly executing His Father's will and words.
What Theology concept is taught?
This chapter powerfully illustrates the systematic theology of divine calling and divine enablement. Despite Moses's profound insecurities and perceived inabilities, God declares, "I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:12), demonstrating that He not only calls individuals but also provides all necessary resources and power for the task. This highlights God's omnipotence and unwavering faithfulness in equipping His chosen servants for His purposes.
Do we see Law or Grace?
God's command to Moses to return to Egypt and deliver Israel represents the divine law and his appointed duty, while God's provision of miraculous signs and the help of Aaron demonstrates His grace and unmerited favor. Even in the face of Moses's resistance and excuses, God graciously empowers him for the task, stating, "Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” (Exodus 4:12). This shows that God's demands are consistently accompanied by His enabling grace.
Personal Application
We should respond with humble obedience and courageous faith to God's calling, even when we feel profoundly inadequate, trusting in His faithful promise to equip and empower us. Rather than making excuses for our weaknesses or perceived inabilities, we are to rely fully on God's strength and His provision, as He assures Moses, "I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." (Exodus 4:12). Our faith should lead to action despite personal fears, knowing God enables whom He calls.
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