TRV
Translation
King James Version
And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
Complete Jewish Bible
So Moshe took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and started out for Egypt. Moshe took God's staff in his hand.
Berean Standard Bible
So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.
American Standard Version
And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
World English Bible Messianic
Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God’s rod in his hand.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then Moses tooke his wife, and his sonnes, and put them on an asse, and returned towarde the lande of Egypt, and Moses tooke the rod of God in his hand.
Young's Literal Translation
and Moses taketh his wife, and his sons, and causeth them to ride on the ass, and turneth back to the land of Egypt, and Moses taketh the rod of God in his hand.
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Commentary on Exodus 4 verses 18–23
18 ¶ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.
19 And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.
20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
21 And the LORD said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.
22 And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:
23 And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.
Here, I. Moses obtains leave of his father-in-law to return into Egypt, Exo 4:18. His father-in-law had been kind to him when he was a stranger, and therefore he would not be so uncivil as to leave his family, nor so unjust as to leave his service, without giving him notice. Note, The honour of being admitted into communion with God, and of being employed for him, does not exempt us from the duties of our relations and callings in this world. Moses said nothing to his father-in-law (for aught that appears) of the glorious manifestation of God to him; such favours we are to be thankful for to God, but not to boast of before men.
II. He receives from God further encouragements and directions in his work. After God had appeared to him in the bush to settle a correspondence, it should seem, he often spoke to him, as there was occasion, with less overwhelming solemnity. And, 1. He assures Moses that the coasts were clear. Whatever new enemies he might make by his undertaking, his old enemies were all dead, all that sought his life, Exo 4:19. Perhaps some secret fear of falling into their hands was at the bottom of Moses's backwardness to go to Egypt, though he was not willing to own it, but pleaded unworthiness, insufficiency, want of elocution, etc. Note, God knows all the temptations his people lie under, and how to arm them against their secret fears, Psa 142:3. 2. He orders him to do the miracles, not only before the elders of Israel, but before Pharaoh, Exo 4:21. There were some alive perhaps in the court of Pharaoh who remembered Moses when he was the son of Pharaoh's daughter, and had many a time called him a fool for deserting the honours of that relation; but he is now sent back to court, clad with greater powers than Pharaoh's daughter could have advanced him to, so that it might appear he was no loser by his choice: this wonder-working rod did more adorn the hand of Moses than the sceptre of Egypt could have done. Note, Those that look with contempt upon worldly honours shall be recompensed with the honour that cometh from God, which is the true honour. 3. That Pharaoh's obstinacy might be no surprise nor discouragement to him, God tells him before that he would harden his heart. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and cries of the oppressed Israelites, and shut up the bowels of his compassion from them; and now God, in a way of righteous judgment, hardens his heart against the conviction of the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. Note, Ministers must expect with many to labour in vain: we must not think it strange if we meet with those who will not be wrought upon by the strongest arguments and fairest reasonings; yet our judgment is with the Lord. 4. Words are put into his mouth with which to address Pharaoh, Exo 4:22, Exo 4:23. God had promised him (Exo 4:12), I will teach thee what thou shalt say; and here he does teach him. (1.) He must deliver his message in the name of the great Jehovah: Thus saith the Lord; this is the first time that preface is used by any man which afterwards is used so frequently by all the prophets: whether Pharaoh will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus saith the Lord. (2.) He must let Pharaoh know Israel's relation to God, and God's concern for Israel. Is Israel a servant? is he a home-born slave? Jer 2:14. "No, Israel is my son, my firstborn, precious in my sight, honourable, and dear to me, not to be thus insulted and abused." (3.) He must demand a discharge for them: "Let my son go; not only my servant whom thou hast no right to detain, but my son whose liberty and honour I am very jealous for. It is my son, my son that serves me, and therefore must be spared, must be pleaded for," Mal 3:17. (4.) He must threaten Pharaoh with the death of the first-born of Egypt, in case of a refusal: I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn. As men deal with God's people, let them expect to be themselves dealt with; with the froward he will wrestle.
III. Moses addresses himself to this expedition. When God had assured him (Exo 4:19) that the men were dead who sought his life, immediately it follows (Exo 4:20), he took his wife, and his sons, and set out for Egypt. Note, Though corruption may object much against the services God calls us to, yet grace will get the upper hand, and will be obedient to the heavenly vision.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 18–23. Public domain.
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Augustine of HippoAD 430
QUESTIONS ON EXODUS 12
What was said above, that Moses placed his wife and his children on carts so that he might go with them into Egypt, but afterwards his father-in-law Jethro met him with them [in his company], after Moses had led the people out of Egypt, one can ask how both assertions can be true. One should realize that after the killing of Moses or of the child that the angel was going to carry out, his wife returned with the children. For some interpreters thought that the angel threatened them to keep a woman from accompanying Moses and thus forming an obstacle to the ministry that God had imposed on him.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 4:20 marks the pivotal moment of Moses' obedient departure from Midian, signifying his full acceptance of God's commission to deliver Israel from Egyptian bondage. This verse captures his practical preparations for the daunting mission: gathering his family—his wife and sons—and setting them upon an ass for the journey to Egypt, crucially taking the divinely empowered "rod of God" into his hand as the tangible symbol of God's authority and presence. It encapsulates Moses' transition from a hesitant shepherd to God's chosen leader, ready to confront Pharaoh and lead his people to freedom.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse immediately follows God's detailed and patient persuasion of Moses, who had expressed profound reluctance and self-doubt regarding his fitness for the divine mission. In Exodus 3 and Exodus 4:1-17, God addresses Moses' concerns about his credibility, his speaking ability, and the signs he would perform. He provides Moses with miraculous signs—the rod turning into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous, and water turning to blood—and assures him of Aaron's assistance as his spokesman. By Exodus 4:18-19, Moses has obtained Jethro's permission to return to Egypt, and God reiterates the command, confirming the death of those who sought Moses' life. Thus, Exodus 4:20 serves as the narrative culmination of this divine commissioning, depicting Moses' concrete act of obedience and preparation for the monumental task ahead.
Historical & Cultural Context: For forty years, Moses had been living in self-imposed exile in Midian, having fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:11-15). During this time, he had married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest, and had two sons, Gershom and Eliezer. His life as a shepherd in the wilderness of Midian, particularly around Mount Horeb (Sinai), was a stark contrast to his upbringing in Pharaoh's court. The journey back to Egypt, a powerful empire of the ancient Near East, was not merely a physical relocation but a return to the very land from which he had fled, now as God's representative to confront its formidable ruler. Traveling by ass was a common and practical mode of transport for families in that era, signifying a deliberate and prepared journey rather than a hasty flight.
Key Themes: This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of Divine Calling and Obedience, showing Moses' transition from reluctance to active submission to God's will, a pattern seen throughout biblical narratives where God calls and equips His chosen servants. The inclusion of the "rod of God" introduces the theme of Divine Empowerment and Miraculous Intervention, emphasizing that the coming deliverance will be achieved not by human might but by God's supernatural power working through His chosen instrument. Furthermore, Moses taking his family highlights the theme of Integration of Family and Mission, subtly suggesting that God's call, while demanding, often encompasses and impacts the entirety of one's life and household. This journey also marks the beginning of the Deliverance Motif, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation between God's power and Pharaoh's oppression, leading to the liberation of Israel.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 4:20 provides a concise yet profound snapshot of Moses' obedient response to God's call, marking his transition from a shepherd in exile to the divinely appointed leader of Israel. The verse details his practical preparations for the journey back to Egypt, emphasizing both his personal commitment and the divine authority vested in him.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs Conciseness and Symbolism. The narrative is remarkably concise, packing significant action and theological meaning into a single sentence. This brevity makes each detail stand out, especially the "rod of God." The Symbolism of the "rod of God" is paramount; it transforms an ordinary object into a powerful representation of divine authority, power, and presence. It serves as a visual and tangible reminder that Moses' mission is not of human origin but divinely ordained and empowered. The act of Moses taking the rod "in his hand" also carries symbolic weight, signifying his acceptance of this divine enablement and his readiness to act as God's agent.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:20 encapsulates Moses' decisive step of obedience, demonstrating that God's call, though met with initial human hesitation, ultimately demands and receives a faithful response. This act of returning to Egypt with his family and the "rod of God" highlights the divine equipping of those whom God calls, emphasizing that the success of the mission rests not on human ability but on God's power working through His chosen instruments. It sets the stage for the unfolding drama of deliverance, where God's sovereignty over all earthly powers will be powerfully displayed.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:20 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers, serving as a powerful reminder that God's calling often requires a decisive step of obedience, even when the path ahead seems daunting or fraught with danger. Moses, despite his earlier arguments and self-doubt, ultimately takes action, demonstrating that true faith is expressed through movement and commitment. This verse encourages us to embrace our own divine commissions, trusting that God will provide the necessary resources and power, symbolized by the "rod of God," for whatever He calls us to do. It challenges us to rely not on our own strength or wisdom, but on God's enabling presence, understanding that He equips those He calls, transforming ordinary individuals and objects into instruments for extraordinary purposes. Furthermore, Moses' integration of his family into his mission subtly prompts us to consider how our spiritual callings intersect with our personal and familial responsibilities, seeking God's wisdom in balancing and sanctifying all aspects of our lives for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did Moses take his family with him to Egypt, given the dangers?
Answer: While the text does not explicitly state Moses' reasoning, his decision to take his family likely reflects his commitment to his domestic responsibilities and the understanding that his mission involved not just a temporary assignment but a new life for his family in the promised land. It also demonstrates his profound faith that God, who called him to this dangerous task, would also protect his household. This journey would, in fact, include a critical moment concerning his son's circumcision (Exodus 4:24-26), highlighting the importance of covenant obedience within his family even amidst the grander national mission.
What is the significance of the "rod of God" in Moses' hand?
Answer: The "rod of God" is profoundly significant because it is no longer merely a shepherd's staff but a tangible symbol of God's power, authority, and enabling presence with Moses. It signifies that the miracles and judgments Moses would perform in Egypt—from the plagues to the parting of the Red Sea—would not be by his own might or magic, but by the power of God working through him. It served as a constant reminder to Moses, Pharaoh, and Israel that God Himself was orchestrating the deliverance, distinguishing Moses as God's appointed agent.
Did Moses still have doubts or fears at this point, despite his obedience?
Answer: Exodus 4:20 depicts Moses' act of obedience, showing he has moved past his initial, vocal hesitations and arguments with God documented in Exodus 3 and Exodus 4:1-13. While the verse itself doesn't explicitly state his emotional state, the act of taking his family and the rod signifies a resolute step of faith. It is common for even obedient servants of God to experience moments of fear or doubt, but this verse highlights his decisive action in moving forward with God's plan, demonstrating a profound trust in the divine commission he had received.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:20, depicting Moses as God's appointed deliverer returning to Egypt with the "rod of God," powerfully foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and Mediator. Moses, empowered by a symbolic divine instrument, serves as a type of Christ. While Moses carried a tangible rod of authority, Jesus Christ is the very embodiment of divine power and authority, needing no external object to demonstrate His dominion over creation, sin, and death. Moses' obedient journey to free Israel from physical bondage points to Christ's infinitely greater mission: His obedient journey from heaven to earth, culminating in His sacrificial death and resurrection, to free humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death. Just as Moses took the "rod of God" in his hand, Christ, the Son of God, wields all authority in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His power is inherent, not delegated to an object, as He performs signs and wonders by His own divine nature (John 2:11). Moses' return to confront Pharaoh prefigures Christ's decisive victory over Satan, the spiritual oppressor, through His death and resurrection, leading His people to ultimate freedom and eternal life (Colossians 2:15).