Exodus 4:19

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:19 marks a pivotal divine intervention where the Lord instructs Moses to return to Egypt, assuring him that the men who sought his life are now dead. This declaration removes a significant personal obstacle, clearing the way for Moses to obey God's call and fulfill his divine commission as the deliverer of Israel.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows God's detailed commissioning of Moses at the burning bush, where Moses had expressed profound reluctance and offered several objections to his divine assignment, including concerns about his inadequacy and the Israelites' potential disbelief. A major, unspoken fear for Moses would have been the danger awaiting him in Egypt, as he had fled Pharaoh's wrath forty years prior after killing an Egyptian (see [Exodus 2:15](/exodus/2-15 "Moses flees Pharaoh after killing an Egyptian")). This specific assurance from the Lord directly addresses that lingering threat, decisively removing a critical barrier to Moses' obedience and return.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The command in [Exodus 4:19](/exodus/4-19 "The Lord commands Moses to return to Egypt") is a direct and unequivocal instruction from the Lord to Moses while he was still in Midian. After forty years of shepherding, Moses is told, "Go, return into Egypt." This reiterates the divine mandate given at the burning bush, signaling that the time for hesitation is over and the time for action has arrived. The crucial assurance follows: "for all the men are dead which sought thy life." This statement is the lynchpin of the verse, providing the necessary impetus for Moses to overcome his fear and proceed.

* **"And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian"**: This emphasizes the divine origin of the command and its specific timing and location, underscoring God's direct involvement in Moses' life and mission. Midian was Moses' place of refuge and preparation, but now it is time to depart.
* **"Go, return into Egypt"**: This is a clear, imperative command, echoing God's earlier call to deliver Israel. It signifies the end of Moses' exile and the beginning of his active ministry.
* **"for all the men are dead which sought thy life"**: This is the divine assurance that removes Moses' primary personal fear. The phrase "sought thy life" (Hebrew: *biqqeshū naphshekha*) is a strong idiom denoting an active, murderous intent, indicating that these individuals were relentlessly pursuing Moses to kill him for his crime. This was not a casual search but a focused effort to bring him to justice, or rather, to his death. The "men" likely refers to Pharaoh's officials or those directly involved in seeking Moses' life at the time of his flight (cf. [Exodus 2:15](/exodus/2-15 "Pharaoh seeks to kill Moses")). God's declaration that these individuals are "dead" signifies a complete cessation of the threat, leaving no ambiguity. It highlights God's sovereign control over life and death, and His meticulous providence in preparing the way for His chosen servant.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Protection**: God actively removes obstacles and protects His chosen servants, orchestrating events to ensure His will is accomplished. This demonstrates His meticulous care and sovereign control over all circumstances, even the lives of those who oppose His plans.
* **Overcoming Fear and Obstacles**: God directly addresses Moses' deepest fears, demonstrating His willingness and ability to clear the path for obedience. This highlights that God's call often comes with His provision for overcoming perceived dangers and personal apprehension.
* **God's Perfect Timing**: The timing of this revelation is crucial. God waited until Moses was ready and until the threat had naturally passed, showcasing His perfect wisdom and timing in preparing His servants for their tasks.
* **Call to Obedience**: Despite Moses' earlier hesitations and arguments, God reaffirms the command, indicating that all necessary preparations and assurances have been given for Moses to obey without further delay.
* **Faithfulness of God**: This verse underscores God's faithfulness to His promises and His unwavering commitment to His redemptive plan, even when His chosen instruments are hesitant or fearful.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:19 offers profound reassurance for believers today. When God calls us to a task, especially one that seems overwhelming, dangerous, or beyond our capabilities, He often supernaturally 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 and will provide all that is necessary for His purposes to be accomplished.

### FAQ
**Who were "the men" who sought Moses' life?**

Answer: While the text does not name them specifically, "the men" refers to those in Pharaoh's court or his agents who were actively seeking to apprehend and execute Moses after he killed an Egyptian (see [Exodus 2:15](/exodus/2-15 "Pharaoh seeks to kill Moses")). God's declaration means that these specific individuals, likely officials or guards, were no longer a threat.

**Does God always remove obstacles before calling us to a task?**

Answer: Not always, but God always provides the means or the strength to overcome them. In Moses' case, a specific, life-threatening obstacle was removed. In other instances, God may call us to walk through difficulties, promising His presence and strength (e.g., [Isaiah 43:2](/isaiah/43-2 "God's promise to be with us through trials")). The key is that God's call is always accompanied by His provision, whether it's the removal of an obstacle or the strength to face it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:19, where God removes a life-threatening obstacle for Moses, foreshadows the ultimate work of Christ. Moses' deliverance from his enemies allowed him to fulfill his role as a deliverer for Israel. In a far greater sense, Christ, through His death and resurrection, utterly defeated the ultimate enemies of humanity: sin, death, and the devil (see [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Christ's victory over death and the devil")). Just as God cleared the path for Moses to lead His people to freedom, Christ cleared the path for all humanity to enter into a relationship with God, overcoming the greatest spiritual obstacles that sought our lives. His victory ensures that those who are called by God can walk in obedience, confident that the ultimate threat has been neutralized by the cross.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.