Exodus 4:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} took {H3947} his wife {H802} and his sons {H1121}, and set {H7392} them upon an ass {H2543}, and he returned {H7725} to the land {H776} of Egypt {H4714}: and Moses {H4872} took {H3947} the rod {H4294} of God {H430} in his hand {H3027}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:20 marks the pivotal moment when Moses, having overcome his initial reluctance and received divine commission at the burning bush, finally embarks on his journey back to Egypt. This verse signifies his obedient acceptance of God's call to deliver Israel from bondage, as he takes his family and the divinely empowered "rod of God" in hand, preparing to confront Pharaoh and lead his people.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows God's detailed instructions and assurances to Moses regarding his mission to Pharaoh and the Israelites, including the signs and wonders he would perform. Moses had been living in [Midian for forty years](/exodus/2-15 "Moses' flight to Midian") after fleeing Egypt due to killing an Egyptian, as recorded in [Exodus 2](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/exodus/2 "Moses' early life and flight to Midian"). The transformative divine call at the [burning bush](/exodus/3-2 "The burning bush in Exodus 3:2") in [Exodus 3](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/exodus/3 "Moses' encounter with God at Horeb") was a profound turning point, overcoming his initial hesitations and self-doubt detailed in [Exodus 4:1-13](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' questions and God's responses"). Now, having received divine empowerment and a clear mandate, he prepares to embark on the most significant mission of his life, taking his family—his wife, Zipporah, and his sons, Gershom and Eliezer—with him from Midian towards the land of Egypt.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 4:20 succinctly describes Moses' concrete actions in response to God's command, demonstrating his transition from a reluctant shepherd to an obedient leader. He gathers his immediate family—his wife and sons—and sets them upon an ass, indicating a deliberate and prepared journey. His return to Egypt signifies the end of his forty-year exile and the beginning of his divinely appointed mission. The final detail, "and Moses took the rod of God in his hand," is particularly significant, highlighting the source of his authority and power.

* **Moses' Family:** The inclusion of Moses' wife, Zipporah, and his sons, Gershom and Eliezer (though not named in this specific verse, they are known from earlier context), underscores the personal commitment and potential sacrifice involved in God's service. It shows Moses fulfilling his domestic responsibilities even as he undertakes a national mission, integrating his family into his life's purpose.
* **The "Rod of God":** The staff, initially a simple shepherd's tool, was miraculously transformed into a symbol of divine power and authority during Moses' encounter at the [burning bush](/exodus/3-2 "The burning bush"). God had specifically instructed Moses to use this rod to perform signs ([Exodus 4:2-5](/exodus/4-2 "God instructs Moses about the rod")). By taking it "in his hand," Moses signifies his reliance not on his own strength or wisdom, but on God's miraculous intervention and presence. This rod would become instrumental in performing the [plagues upon Egypt](/exodus/7-20 "The first plague: water to blood") and famously [parting the Red Sea](/exodus/14-16 "Moses parts the Red Sea"). The Hebrew phrase "**Linguistic Insight: _Matteh ha'Elohim_**" (מַטֵּה הָאֱלֹהִים) is highly significant. It is not merely "Moses' rod" but explicitly designated as belonging to God. This emphasizes that the power and authority vested in the rod originate solely from God, distinguishing it from any ordinary shepherd's staff. It becomes a tangible representation of God's enabling presence with Moses and His divine power at work through a human instrument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Obedience to Divine Commission:** Moses' departure signifies his acceptance of God's challenging commission. Despite his earlier hesitations and arguments with God ([Exodus 4:1-13](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' questions and God's responses")), he now moves forward in obedience, demonstrating a crucial step in his faith journey towards the deliverance of Israel.
* **Divine Empowerment and Symbolic Tools:** The "rod of God" represents God's tangible provision of power and authority to accomplish His will. It underscores that God equips those He calls, often through seemingly ordinary objects or means, which become extraordinary when infused with His presence.
* **Integration of Family and Mission:** Moses bringing his family highlights that divine service, while primary, often involves personal and familial considerations. It subtly suggests that God's call, while demanding, does not necessarily negate one's domestic responsibilities but can integrate them into a larger purpose.
* **God Uses Ordinary People:** Moses, a fugitive shepherd, is called to lead a nation. This verse reinforces the biblical theme that God chooses and empowers ordinary individuals for extraordinary tasks, demonstrating His sovereignty and ability to work through anyone willing to obey.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:20 offers profound lessons for believers today, reminding us that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary tasks, empowering us for His purposes regardless of our background or perceived limitations. It emphasizes that obedience is key; even when a task seems daunting or impossible, taking the first step in faith, as Moses did, opens the way for God to work powerfully through us. Just as Moses had the "rod of God," we are given spiritual resources and the [Holy Spirit](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit as Helper") to accomplish what God calls us to do, urging us to rely on God's power rather than our own strength or wisdom. Furthermore, Moses integrating his family into his mission serves as a subtle reminder to consider the impact of our service on our loved ones and to seek God's guidance in balancing these responsibilities.

### FAQ
**Why did Moses take his family with him to Egypt, given the dangers?**

Answer: While the text doesn't explicitly state Moses' reasoning, taking his family likely reflects his commitment to his domestic responsibilities and the expectation that his mission would involve a new life for his family in the promised land, not just a temporary assignment. It also demonstrates his faith that God would protect them despite the dangers inherent in confronting Pharaoh. Later, a significant event regarding his son's circumcision occurs on this journey, highlighting the importance of family in the covenant.

**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 would not be by his own might, 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.

**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 documented in [Exodus 3](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/exodus/3 "Moses' encounter with God at Horeb") and [Exodus 4:1-13](/exodus/4-1 "Moses' questions and God's responses"). 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's 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.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Exodus 4:20, depicting Moses as God's appointed deliverer returning to Egypt with the "rod of God," foreshadows Christ in several profound ways. Moses, empowered by a divine instrument, serves as a type of Christ, the ultimate Deliverer and Mediator. While Moses carried a symbolic 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 greater mission: His obedient journey to the cross to free humanity from the spiritual bondage of sin and death, not merely by a rod, but by His own inherent divine power and sacrificial love.

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.