Exodus 4:19

And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872} in Midian {H4080}, Go {H3212}, return {H7725} into Egypt {H4714}: for all the men {H582} are dead {H4191} which sought {H1245} thy life {H5315}.

ADONAI said to Moshe in Midyan, "Go on back to Egypt, because all the men who wanted to kill you are dead."

Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, โ€œGo back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.โ€

And Jehovah said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt; for all the men are dead that sought thy life.

Commentary

Exodus 4:19 marks a pivotal moment in the life of Moses, as God removes a significant barrier to his return to Egypt and the fulfillment of his divine commission. After spending forty years in Midian as a shepherd, Moses is given a clear command and a crucial assurance from the Lord.

Context

This verse comes directly after God's detailed instructions and assurances to Moses regarding his mission to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. Moses had initially expressed significant reluctance and made several objections, including concerns about his own inadequacy and the Israelites' disbelief. A major underlying fear for Moses would have been the danger he faced in Egypt, having fled Pharaoh's wrath after killing an Egyptian. This verse addresses that specific fear, clearing the way for his return.

Key Themes

  • Divine Protection and Providence: The Lord explicitly tells Moses that the men who sought his life are dead. This reveals God's meticulous care for His servants and His sovereign control over events, ensuring Moses' safety and timing his return perfectly. It underscores the theme that God is a protector for those He calls.
  • Overcoming Fear and Obstacles: God directly addresses Moses' likely fear of facing retribution in Egypt. By removing the threat, God empowers Moses to move past his apprehension and embrace the daunting task ahead. This highlights God's role in removing obstacles for His purposes.
  • Call to Obedience: Despite Moses' earlier hesitations and arguments, God reaffirms the command: "Go, return into Egypt." This verse serves as a final push, confirming that all necessary preparations and assurances have been given for Moses to obey.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sought thy life" (Hebrew: ื‘ึผึดืงึฐืฉืื•ึผ ื ึทืคึฐืฉืึถืšึธ, biqqeshลซ naphshekha) is a strong idiom indicating an active, murderous intent. It means they were actively pursuing him to kill him. This wasn't merely a casual search but a focused effort to bring him to justice, or rather, to his death, for his crime. God's declaration that these individuals are "dead" signifies a complete cessation of the threat, leaving no ambiguity.

Practical Application

For believers today, Exodus 4:19 offers powerful reassurance. When God calls us to a task, even one that seems overwhelming or dangerous, He often removes the very obstacles that cause our fear. We can trust in God's perfect timing and His providential care to prepare the way for our obedience. Just as He cleared the path for Moses, He can also strengthen and enable us to fulfill His will, ensuring our safety and success in His service. This verse encourages us to step out in faith when we know God is leading, confident that He has already dealt with the unseen dangers.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Matthew 2:20

    Saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life.

  • Exodus 2:15

    Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh, and dwelt in the land of Midian: and he sat down by a well.

  • Exodus 2:23

    ยถ And it came to pass in process of time, that the king of Egypt died: and the children of Israel sighed by reason of the bondage, and they cried, and their cry came up unto God by reason of the bondage.
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