#12 – Exodus 4:18-31
The Adventure Begins
Having G-d’s assurance of His presence and Aaron’s assistance, Moses is now willing to obey the L-RD – despite His admonition that it wouldn’t be easy. True enough! Even the early stages of this venture are challenging.
Leaving Jethro
Moses’ first stop after the burning bush is to see his father-in-law. Apparently, Moses doesn’t relate the details of his encounter with the Almighty. He simply asks for a “leave of absence” to do a “wellness check” on his relatives. Jethro consents. (Exodus 4:18)
The L-RD continues to speak to Moses (Exodus 4:19)[1], first assuring him that those in Egypt who sought to kill him have died.[2] Moses sets out from Midian; his wife Zipporah and their boys ride along on a donkey. No mention is made of what baggage or provisions were packed for the journey across the Sinai Peninsula. But, in obedience to G-d’s instruction, Moses had “the staff of G-d” in his hand. (Exodus 4:20)
Overture
The L-RD prepares Moses for what lies ahead. Back at the bush G-d had informed Moses that he knew “the king of Egypt will not let you go, except under compulsion.” (Exodus 3:19) Now He gives insight into the Egyptian king’s obstinacy after he has seen all the powerful signs Moses will perform. G-d “will harden [Pharaoh’s] heart so that he will not let the people go.” (Exodus 4:21)
In musical terms, G-d is giving Moses the overture to the symphony that will follow. In literary terms, He is introducing the cast of characters and providing glimpses of the plot. We do well to pay attention here!
Then you shall say to Pharaoh,
“Thus says the L-rd,
‘Israel is My son, My firstborn.’
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.” (Exodus 4:22-23)
In the strategic conflict which is about to unfold, Pharaoh remains the nemesis. Of course, the L-RD is the hero of this piece (and every other story!). Moses and Aaron are His agents. G-d has already identified Israel, the victims of Egypt’s abuse, as “My people.” (Exodus 3:7)
But the stakes are demonstrably heightened when G-d identifies Israel as “My son, My firstborn son.” (Exodus 4:22)[3] His instruction to Pharaoh is, “Let My son go that he may serve [4] Me.”(Exodus 4:23) The time has come to liberate the Creator’s firstborn from being Pharaoh’s slaves so they may freely serve the L-RD! [And the consequence for not obeying Him will cost Pharaoh the life of his own firstborn son – at G-d’s own hand.]
Jarring interlude
A further jarring episode follows in our narrative. Moses is journeying with his family toward Egypt in obedience to G-d’s direction. During an overnight stop, “the L-RD met [Moses] and sought to put him to death.” (Exodus 4:24) G-d only relents after Zipporah circumcises one of their sons.[5]
Welcome reception
The scene shifts again as Aaron, following G-d’s instruction, journeys to meet Moses at “the mountain of G-d.” (Exodus 4:27) After what must have been a very joyful reunion, Moses provides his brother with the details of his encounter with the L-RD and the words that Aaron is to pronounce as the drama unfolds. (Exodus 4:28)
Without further fanfare, we are told the brothers, safely arrived in Egypt, assemble the elders of Israel. Aaron relates G-d’s message and the validating signs are performed in the eyes of the Hebrews. (Exodus 4:29-30)
“So the people believed; and when they heard that the L-RD was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed low and worshiped.” (Exodus 4:31)[6]
What a wonderful response by the long-suffering Jewish people as they were powerfully reminded of G-d’s sovereign care for them.
Fear factor/Misery Index
What is it like when G-d reveals Himself as an adversary? Pharaoh has yet to feel the weight of that reality, but Moses had a moment when his very life was in danger of being snuffed out by the Almighty. “The fear of the L-RD” includes terror when He judges. Asaph writes, “You, even You, are to be feared; and who may stand in Your presence when once You are angry? (Psalm 76:7)
“The fear of the L-RD” also includes reverential awe. We see this displayed by the Israelites who respond in worship when learning of G-d’s tender care for them.
Where is G-d?
G-d’s actions are seen throughout this section: He instructs Moses (and seeks his life!). He directs Aaron and empowers him to perform signs. G-d’s heart is also seen as He speaks for the first time of the nation of Israel as His firstborn son. [7]
The actors now are all in place. The stage is set for one of the greatest showdowns in all of history!
[1] Exodus 4:19. In most instances, the Torah does not specify the fashion in which G-d spoke to Moses after the encounter with the angel of the L-RD at the burning bush. Exodus 33:11 does tell us “Thus the Lord used to speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks to his friend.” Numbers 12:8 and Deuteronomy 34:10 also describe their unique relationship.
[2] Moses need not wonder if the “statute of limitations” was in effect; after 40 years, his assassins had expired!
[3] In many cultures the firstborn son holds a privileged position in the family, including leadership and the greater portion of inheritance attached to the birthright. “My firstborn son” emphasizes the value G-d places on the Jewish people.
[4] The Hebrew word avod may be translated “serve” or “worship.”
[5] Given the fact that God desists in killing Moses after his son is circumcised, we may infer the failure to enact the covenantal sign of circumcision (Genesis 17:10) was at issue. Zipporah’s strong reaction leads some to think she may have objected to the procedure (which perhaps had been performed on her firstborn, as only one circumcision is recorded here) – but where the text is silent only conjecture remains.
[6] Both Hebrew verbs at the end of this verse carry the idea “to bow (oneself) down”; used together, they indicate “worship” beyond just showing deferential respect to a superior.
[7] See Deuteronomy 14:1; Jeremiah 31:20 for echoes of this Father-son relationship.
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