Exodus 4  Moses is given the signs and commissioned to go to Egypt. Just as Peter angered the Lord when he refused to do God's will, here we see an example from the Old Testament where God is angered because Moses refused to do His will.   He requests that someone else speak in his place, and Aaron is picked as the one to be his mouthpiece.  What I did not realize before was that he brought his family with him.  

The Lord sought to take Moses' life in v. 24-25, I found it a puzzling statement, so I looked deeper, check out this note:   the Lord met him, and sought to kill him —that is, he was either overwhelmed with mental distress or overtaken by a sudden and dangerous malady. The narrative is obscure, but the meaning seems to be, that, led during his illness to a strict self-examination, he was deeply pained and grieved at the thought of having, to please his wife, postponed or neglected the circumcision of one of his sons, probably the younger. To dishonor that sign and seal of the covenant was criminal in any Hebrew, peculiarly so in one destined to be the leader and deliverer of the Hebrews; and he seems to have felt his sickness as a merited chastisement for his sinful omission. Concerned for her husband’s safety, Zipporah overcomes her maternal feelings of aversion to the painful rite, performs herself, by means of one of the sharp flints with which that part of the desert abounds, an operation which her husband, on whom the duty devolved, was unable to do, and having brought the bloody evidence, exclaimed in the painful excitement of her feelings that from love to him she had risked the life of her child [ Calvin , Bullinger , Rosenmuller ].

Jamieson, Robert, A. R. Fausset, A. R. Fausset et al.. A Commentary, Critical and Explanatory, on the Old and New Testaments. On Spine: Critical and Explanatory Commentary., Ex 4:24-26. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc., 1997.
 
Joe Turner
******
Exodus 4

Initially we see Moses in need of God’s reassurance (v. 1) (as most of us faced with such an awesome task would be). However, after God miraculously addressing Moses’ concerns with the sign of the serpent and the leprous hand (vs. 2-8) and God’s prophecy of a 3rd sign (v. 9), Moses’ need for reassurance seems to transform, borderlining upon outright reluctance to obey the voice of God, with Moses putting forth an excuse for each solution presented by the Lord. Have you ever been in a situation where basically kept giving God excuses for why you would not simply do what he was asking of you? This is a dangerous place to be for as we see here, the anger of the Lord began to burn against Moses, causing Moses finally to relent and obey. If there is something that you know God wants you to do, rather than come up with continual excuses, its simply best to obey and say "yes, Lord" and avoid the pressurizing heat of the anger of the Lord.

Obtaining leave from Jethro, Moses gathers up Zipporah and the children and heads for Egypt. Yet along the way we see that during his restful soujourn, Moses seemed to overlook an important item of obedient housekeeping: the circumcision of either Gershom or Eliezer. This seemingly small matter so important that God was about to take Moses’ life. Thankfully, Zipporah intervened, performing the circumcision herself (ouch), making it possible for the family to continue and opening the door for the reunion of Moses and Aaron.

Also, along the way to back to Egypt, God tells Moses about the impending miracles that will be performed in Egypt and that he will harden Pharaoh’s heart. This verse has sparked much discussion and controversy through the ages because it would seem that God is unfair in hardening Pharaoh’s hard only to punish him with increasing degrees of difficulty for his refusal to let the Israelites go. As we continue in this chapter we’ll see instances where we can see Pharaoh’s rebellion against God, and others that say that God hardened his heart. Personally I believe that it is not in the nature of God to be unfair and put Pharaoh in a lose/lose situation. I am of the opinion that God only allowed the worse of Pharaoh’s base nature to fully express itself in this situation. But that’s just me….

Reggie
******
Exodus 4
Zipporah was my focus in this chapter.  Due to last Sunday's Couple's Study the possible impact of Mose's call on his wife really hit me.  He came away from something and settled into a different life with no apparent intention of ever returning.  What a surprise it must have been to her to learn how God was directing her husband's life.  I thought of  how Ruth attached herself to her husband's family (even after he had passed) in Ruth 1: 
for whither thou goest, I will go; and where thou lodgest, I will lodge: thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God: Where thou diest, will I die, and there will I be buried: the LORD do so to me, and more also, if ought but death part thee and me....she was stedfastly minded
        I thought we sistern wives of men called of God shall have to be like minded.  Not so much as physically travelling with (as that might not be in the plan) but as one, husband and wife, together accepting what lies ahead.  I pray for each of us the daily strength, forbearance, and armour to do so.   This may also, in the sense discussed be an example of Mizpah (Gen 31.49) where we need God to stand with us as our (as defined in Eastons) watch-tower; the look-out.  That would certain help us, wouldn't it.

Which brings me to the bloody and nearly fatal mess that transpired over their son's circumcision - what a horrible phrase - "Husband or Bridgegroom of Blood". 
        Remember Abraham's hearkening to Sarah in  Genesis 16 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.  I don't know what to say except that wives need to be mindful not to put ourselves and our wishes in the way of God's will and husbands need to deal wisely in adhereing to their wives.  That can probably apply vice versa, but in context here I think it is important for me as a wife to pay particular note to the jeopardy that transpired due to influencing disobedience to God's will (boy that can take us all the way back to Eve *sigh*)
        Anyways, I noticed verse 1 indicates Moses and God's awareness of a dependence on the need for signs by the people.  I also noticed as remarked upon by Joe verse 14 indicates God really burns in the face of obstinance.  In verse 15-16 I noticed the relationship God established between Aaron and Moses as mouthpiece and "as God", respectively.
       
In verses 24-26 we come to the hardening of Pharoah's heart as foretold.  My husband once encountered a christian much troubled by God's hardening of a heart (as to whether there is any pre-determined intent of God for a person not to be saved) and so I think it bears contemplation some of the foundation for which is well covered by notes on the verse in Ryrie:
        Ten times it is said that Pharaoh hardened his own heart (7:13, 14, 22; 8:15, 19, 32; 9:7, 34, 35; 13:15), and 10 times that God hardened Pharaoh's heart (4:21; 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8, 17). Paul uses this as an example of the inscrutable will of God and of His mercy toward men (Rom. 9:14-18). Seven times Pharaoh hardened his own heart before God first hardened it, though the prediction that God would do it preceded all.

and  the Disciple's Study Bible (some of which follows): 
        In this first of many references to the hardening of Pharaoh's heart (i.e., his mind and will), it is significant that the Lord is both subject and agent (cf. 7:3; 9:12; 10:1, 20, 27; 11:10; 14:4, 8). The theological problems regarding man's will arising from this verse are largely due to the false assumption that the issue here is one of salvation. The Lord did not keep Pharaoh from responding to the gospel. What He did was to use a self-hardened (7:13, 22; 8:15, 19, 31; 9:7, 34, 35), condemned pagan to provide an opportunity to demonstrate His power and to bring His judgment on this wicked people (cf. Deut. 2:30; Josh. 11:20). God's decree of judgment on Pharaoh was that he would cause his own destruction. The fact that God can affect a person's mind and will should not surprise or alarm us, since that is the assumption from which we often pray (cf. Prov. 21:1)... and also
        GOD, Sovereignty--God has revealed His sovereign power in human history. He has shown that He has earthly rulers like Pharaoh in His power. Moses needed this assurance as he prepared to meet Pharaoh. God gave the assurance in two ways: (1) He would perform miracles to help Moses; (2) He would harden Pharaoh's heart so that Pharaoh could experience all God's power so the Egyptians might know He was the sovereign God, ruling all countries and all history (7:3-5). Through five plagues Pharaoh hardened his own heart (7:13,14,22; 8:15,19,32; 9:7). Compare 9:34,35; 13:15. Then God became the subject, hardening Pharaoh's heart (9:12; 10:1,20,27; 11:10; 14:4,8,17). Here we see the dynamic interplay between human freewill and divine sovereignty. Pharaoh retained the freedom to harden his heart, refusing to do what God commanded. Behind it all, God showed His control over all participants of human history by using Pharaoh to accomplish His purpose and to reveal Himself fully ...
       
And on that note ...
(thought you were waxing long, Joe?

Shelley
Exodus 4:1-17

November 11, 2004

Reading through the Bible in one Year: Acts 15-16

Weekly Memory Verse: Galatians 2:20

Good Evening Brothers and Sisters,

This chapter covers two main themes which are both extremely interesting.  I hope that as we read through and consider this chapter that you find it as interesting as I do.

Exodus 4:1-9 (NASB95)
1 Then Moses said, “What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’ ” 2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A staff.” 3 Then He said, “Throw it on the ground.” So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. 4 But the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail”—so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand— 5 “that they may believe that the Lord, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 The Lord furthermore said to him, “Now put your hand into your bosom.” So he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous like snow. 7 Then He said, “Put your hand into your bosom again.” So he put his hand into his bosom again, and when he took it out of his bosom, behold, it was restored like the rest of his flesh. 8 “If they will not believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe the witness of the last sign. 9 “But if they will not believe even these two signs or heed what you say, then you shall take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground; and the water which you take from the Nile will become blood on the dry ground.” [1]

Moses declares his objections to being in a place of authority.  The first objection is in verse 1, it concerned his credibility.  As we consider the first objection, think about it for a moment.  We have to be credible for people to believe us.  Moses was a known murderer, he not only murdered, he ran to the backside of the desert to avoid punishment.

God's answer to this was that he was to take his staff, cast it on the ground and it would become a snake.  The second was similar to the first, he was to stick his hand into his garment, when withdrawn, he had an advanced case of leprosy.  In my understanding, both the bite of a snake and leprosy were considered to be just punishment for a murderer.  Yet God ordered him to grasp the snake by the tail, which by the way is a very bad idea.  If you grab a snake by the tail, it will bite you, no chance of getting away.   When he grabbed the tail, he did not grab it cautiously, but rather "snatched at it", almost like you would at touching a wire to see if it is electrified. Also, the serpent was the Egyptian symbol of "wisdom, fertility, and healing", (Word Biblical Commentary, Volume 3: Exodus). Serpents were worshipped in Egypt.

Leprosy is another bad idea, mortally feared by the people of that age.  God gave him power over both situations to demonstrate that he was ordained of God.  Consider his reaction to God's demonstrations, he was a man of the world, well acquainted with snakes.  The one the stick turned into was enough to send him running.  How about looking at your own hand and seeing an advanced case of an incurable disease?  God did not only demonstrate his power for the people, He also wanted to impress on Moses that He was in control of all things, even the unbelievable.

The third sign went outside of Moses, demonstrating that he had power over the water of the Nile.  Although the first two signs were primarily for Moses, they also extended to the Egyptians.  The third sign was primarily for the Egyptians, they worshipped the Nile.  By drawing water from the Nile and turning it to blood, it demonstrated that God was greater than the Egyptian god of the Nile.  This was also a sign for Moses who was probably raised and indoctrinated in the Egyptian beliefs.  It is interesting that Moses did not implement this sign on his first encounter with Pharaoh. 

Exodus 4:10-17 (NASB95)
10 Then Moses said to the Lord, “Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” 11 The Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, or seeing or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 “Now then go, and I, even I, will be with your mouth, and teach you what you are to say.” 13 But he said, “Please, Lord, now send the message by whomever You will.” 14 Then the anger of the Lord burned against Moses, and He said, “Is there not your brother Aaron the Levite? I know that he speaks fluently. And moreover, behold, he is coming out to meet you; when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 “You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth; and I, even I, will be with your mouth and his mouth, and I will teach you what you are to do. 16 “Moreover, he shall speak for you to the people; and he will be as a mouth for you and you will be as God to him. 17 “You shall take in your hand this staff, with which you shall perform the signs.” [2]

The second objection in this chapter concerns physical ability.  God made it clear that He created Moses and that He has power over the mouth, hearing and seeing.  Jesus fulfilled this prophecy when He was here by demonstrating that He could make the deaf hear, the mute speak, and the blind to see.  It is obvious that Moses underestimated his abilities due to God's response.  In verse 13, Moses basically asked God to send someone else, that was the wrong thing to say to God!

God's response is revealing both at the present time and in conjunction with prophecy, the word in verse 12 and verse 15, in both cases, "I" is emphatic, which indicates that it should be translated as "I Am", reiterating the name of God from the previous chapter.  This also looks forward to the coming Messiah, as Jesus claimed to be the "I Am".

God revealed to Moses that Aaron was coming to meet with him.  Not only that, but God allowed Aaron to speak for Moses, and thus for God.  But this was not the original will of God.  Moses was also set up as an authority over Aaron.  Notice though, God said that the "I Am" would put the words into both of their mouths, neither Moses or Aaron would be speaking on their own.  God also indicated that He would instruct them.

Matthew 28:19-20 (NASB95)
19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Luke 12:8-12 (NASB95)
8 “And I say to you, everyone who confesses Me before men, the Son of Man will confess him also before the angels of God; 9 but he who denies Me before men will be denied before the angels of God. 10 “And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man, it will be forgiven him; but he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit, it will not be forgiven him. 11 “When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.”

Luke 21:14-15 (NASB95)
14 “So make up your minds not to prepare beforehand to defend yourselves; 15 for I will give you utterance and wisdom which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute.

John 17:6-8 (NASB95)
6 “I have manifested Your name to the men whom You gave Me out of the world; they were Yours and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 “Now they have come to know that everything You have given Me is from You; 8 for the words which You gave Me I have given to them; and they received them and truly understood that I came forth from You, and they believed that You sent Me. [3]

Think on that for a moment, Jesus said the same thing...  He was the great "I Am" and demonstrated it in His teaching.  Just like Moses we are called to go forth to spread the message that God has given us.  Just like Moses we find reasons why we are not adequate to carry out the message.  Just like Moses God will work with us in our weak understandings to use us as far as we are willing to be used to further His work.  God will not force you to go beyond what you are willing to go.  The real question for us is how far are we willing to go?  Do we believe God when He calls us to service or do we find every excuse in the book not to do what He asks?

I first considered continuing on through the chapter, but feel that enough has been addressed today.  Tomorrow we will continue the study.

Father, as we consider Your word, enlighten each one of us and give us the boldness to go forth with Your word in the way that You have spoken to us.

In Him,

Joe Turner.

[1] [2] [3] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
Exodus 4:18-31

November 12, 2004

Reading through the Bible in one Year: Deuteronomy 13-15

Weekly Memory Verse: Galatians 2:20

Good Evening Brothers and Sisters,

Great news, Shelley was allowed to move to a regular room today, her time in ICU is over. 

Exodus 4:18-31 (NASB95)
18 Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand. 21 The Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. 22 “Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Israel is My son, My firstborn. 23 “So I said to you, ‘Let My son go that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.” ’ ” 24 Now it came about at the lodging place on the way that the Lord met him and sought to put him to death. 25 Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son’s foreskin and threw it at Moses’ feet, and she said, “You are indeed a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26 So He let him alone. At that time she said, “You are a bridegroom of blood”—because of the circumcision. 27 Now the Lord said to Aaron, “Go to meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met him at the mountain of God and kissed him. 28 Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord with which He had sent him, and all the signs that He had commanded him to do. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the sons of Israel; 30 and Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people. 31 So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.[1]

One thing that stands out to me in verse 18 is that Moses down-played his role when he spoke to his father-in-law.  Unless the idea was that the brethren were the ones who were trying to kill him.  In that case, it made perfect sense that he was concerned for his life on returning to Egypt. 

There is not any evidence that Moses was Jethro's slave, it could be that this is a study in respect for us.  He respected Jethro so much that he sought his permission before leaving the country.  We miss lessons by looking at it from the western way of thinking.  Moses may have considered himself to be under the authority of Jethro.

The Lord commissioned Moses again instructing him as to the path that he was to take.  Moses seems to be reluctant to go on the journey.  Look at the way that he seems to be trying to get out of going, especially when you consider his discussion with Jethro.  Before we are too hard on him, remember, he was at least 80 years old, and had lived a very hard life.  He had paid his dues, established himself in the land and was probably content to live out his days as a shepherd.  The reluctance must have been deeper than we see in the text because God was ready to kill him.

Zipporah came to his rescue by circumcising his son for him.  Think about that for a moment, at 80 years old, his son was more than likely over the age of 20.  It is amazing that Zipporah was able to convince him to be circumcised.  We are not given the information as to why she chose to do this deed, however, we are given the result.  It turned the wrath of God away from Moses.  There is a lot of discussion as to the meaning behind this act, I think that the main point is that God demanded righteousness from Moses.  If he was going to be the leader, his life had to reflect leadership.  The first act of responsibility was to make sure that his family was in compliance with God's revealed word.

After he met with Aaron, his family is not mentioned.  It seems that Moses may have left them behind, but it is likely that they went along with him.  The point is that Moses and Aaron gathered the elders of Israel together, performed the signs that God had given to Moses and they believed in God.  The oppression was drawing to a close, and they worshipped the Lord. 

I wonder as I consider today's study, are we willing to do what it takes to follow the Lord?  Moses was reluctant to start the journey and to depart from the comfort of his land, and when he did, God blessed the message that he carried.  What is our burden, and what is keeping us from carrying out the mission that God has called us to?  Moses did not take care of business at home and it nearly cost him his life.  God calls us, I wonder how many are willing to take the step of faith and are willing to take the steps necessary to carry out the mission that God has called us for.  Too many of us find excuses and reasons why we can't do what God has called us to do. 

I have to run, for further commentary on this, look at the website under the archives, last year we covered this lightly and made a lot of valuable observations on this. 

Father, as we consider Your word, inspire each one of us, and remind us of the things that You called us to do, then give us the boldness to take the step forward.

In Him,

Joe Turner.

[1] New American Standard Bible : 1995 update. 1995. LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.
 
 
 
 
Last changed: 09/17/08