Exodus 4:27

KJV

And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} to Aaron {H175}, Go {H3212} into the wilderness {H4057} to meet {H7125} Moses {H4872}. And he went {H3212}, and met {H6298} him in the mount {H2022} of God {H430}, and kissed {H5401} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to Aharon, "Go into the desert to meet Moshe." He went, met him at the mountain of God and kissed him.

Berean Standard Bible

Meanwhile, the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go and meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mountain of God, and kissed him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:27 narrates the divinely orchestrated reunion of Moses and his elder brother Aaron in the desolate wilderness, specifically at the sacred "mount of God." This pivotal encounter, marked by a warm fraternal kiss, signifies the commencement of their collaborative leadership and partnership, a crucial step in God's unfolding plan to liberate the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and prepare them for their monumental mission as God's appointed agents.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a critical turning point in the narrative of Moses's divine commission. It immediately follows a series of intense exchanges between the LORD and Moses at the burning bush, where Moses repeatedly expressed his reluctance and perceived inadequacy to lead Israel, particularly his struggle with eloquence ([Exodus 4:10](/exodus/4-10 "Moses's Hesitation")). In response to Moses's persistent objections, God, in His gracious provision, appointed Aaron, Moses's eloquent brother, to be his spokesman and assistant ([Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "God Appoints Aaron as Moses's Spokesman")). The LORD then directly commanded Aaron to go into the wilderness to meet Moses, setting the stage for this significant reunion. This meeting solidifies the leadership duo and prepares them for the confrontation with Pharaoh detailed in the subsequent chapters of [Exodus](/exodus/5 "Exodus 5 - Moses and Aaron Confront Pharaoh").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The "wilderness" (Hebrew: _midbâr_) refers to the vast, arid region of the Sinai Peninsula, a place often associated with divine revelation and testing in biblical narratives. The "mount of God" is unequivocally Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, the very site where Moses first encountered the LORD in the burning bush ([Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Moses at the Burning Bush")) and where the Mosaic Law and the covenant would later be delivered to Israel ([Exodus 19](/exodus/19 "Exodus 19 - The Giving of the Law at Sinai")). Culturally, the act of kissing in the ancient Near East was a common and powerful gesture of greeting, affection, respect, and sometimes, the sealing of a bond or reconciliation between close relatives or allies, as seen in the reunion of [Jacob and Esau](/genesis/33-4 "Jacob and Esau's Reconciliation") or [Joseph and his brothers](/genesis/45-15 "Joseph Kisses His Brothers"). This cultural practice underscores the genuine fraternal bond and mutual acceptance between Moses and Aaron, essential for their formidable joint mission.
* **Key Themes:** Exodus 4:27 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, demonstrating God's meticulous orchestration of events and His chosen instruments to fulfill His redemptive purposes. God actively directs the paths of both Moses and Aaron, bringing them together at a precise moment and location. Secondly, the verse underscores the theme of **Divine Equipping and Provision**, as God provides Aaron to complement Moses's perceived weaknesses, affirming that He always equips those He calls for the tasks He sets before them. Thirdly, it introduces the critical theme of **United Leadership and Partnership**, emphasizing the necessity of harmony, mutual support, and a unified front in divinely appointed service, especially in the face of daunting challenges. This reunion sets the stage for the collaborative effort required to confront Pharaoh and lead a nation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Exodus 4:27 concisely narrates a moment of profound significance in the unfolding drama of the Exodus, showcasing divine initiative and human obedience.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God (H3068), emphasizing His self-existent, eternal nature, and His personal relationship with Israel. The use of "LORD" here underscores that the command for Aaron to meet Moses is not a mere suggestion but a divine imperative from the sovereign God who is actively involved in the history of His people. It highlights the divine authority behind the entire mission.
* **mount (Hebrew, _har'_):** (H2022) and **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** (H430) The phrase "mount of God" refers to a mountain or range of hills associated with the divine. This specific location, Mount Horeb/Sinai, is not merely a geographical point but a sacred space where God reveals Himself and establishes His covenant. Its designation as "the mount of God" signifies its consecrated nature and the divine presence that permeates it, making it the ideal setting for this crucial reunion and the subsequent revelations.
* **kissed (Hebrew, _nâshaq'_):** (H5401) This primitive root signifies to kiss, literally or figuratively, often implying a deep connection or attachment. In this context, it is a powerful gesture of affection, reconciliation, and mutual acceptance between the two brothers. It seals their partnership and signifies the immediate restoration of their fraternal bond, which is vital for their unified leadership in the challenging mission ahead.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses."**: This opening clause establishes the divine origin of the meeting. It was not a chance encounter but a direct, authoritative command from Yahweh, the covenant God. Aaron's journey is an act of immediate obedience, demonstrating his readiness to participate in God's plan. The "wilderness" is the vast, desolate region separating Egypt from Mount Sinai, serving as a crucible for divine encounter and preparation.
* **"And he went, and met him in the mount of God,"**: This clause highlights Aaron's prompt compliance. He "went" without hesitation, confirming his faith and submission to the LORD's directive. The meeting location, "the mount of God" (Mount Horeb/Sinai), is profoundly significant. This is the very place where Moses received his commission and where the covenant would later be established. Their reunion at this sacred mountain emphasizes the divine nature of their mission and the holy ground upon which their joint leadership would be forged.
* **"and kissed him."**: This concluding act symbolizes the genuine fraternal bond and mutual acceptance between Moses and Aaron. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a kiss was a common and powerful gesture among relatives and close friends, signifying deep affection, respect, and often, reconciliation or the sealing of a covenant. This act solidifies their partnership, a crucial foundation for the immense challenges they were about to face in confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites out of bondage.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative in Exodus 4:27 employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Divine Command** is central, as the verse opens with "the LORD said to Aaron," immediately establishing God's sovereign initiative and control over the unfolding events. This highlights the **Theophany** (divine appearance/revelation) that precedes and undergirds the entire Exodus narrative, emphasizing that the human agents are merely instruments of a greater divine purpose. The phrase "mount of God" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical location but a sacred space of divine presence, revelation, and covenant. The **Action** of Aaron going and meeting Moses, followed by the **Gesture** of kissing, provides a concise yet powerful depiction of obedience, reunion, and the formation of a unified leadership. This scene also functions as **Foreshadowing**, setting the stage for the collaborative leadership that will be essential for the liberation of Israel and the establishment of the covenant at this very mountain.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:27 powerfully illustrates God's meticulous providence and His active involvement in orchestrating the lives and ministries of His chosen servants. It underscores that divine assignments are often fulfilled through collaborative efforts, where God sovereignly brings individuals together at precise moments and locations to accomplish His purposes. The immediate unity and fraternal affection displayed between Moses and Aaron highlight the importance of harmonious relationships and mutual support in leadership, especially when facing daunting challenges. God, in His wisdom, provides the necessary partners and equips His called, ensuring that His plans are brought to fruition through complementary gifts and unified obedience.

* [Genesis 33:4](/genesis/33-4 "Jacob and Esau's Reconciliation")
* [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "The Blessedness of Unity")
* [Philippians 4:19](/philippians/4-19 "God's Provision")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:27 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Firstly, it reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives, often orchestrating divine appointments and bringing specific individuals into our paths to aid us in our callings. We are rarely called to serve in isolation; God frequently provides partners who complement our strengths and weaknesses, fostering a spirit of collaboration rather than competition. Secondly, the immediate unity and affectionate reunion between Moses and Aaron underscore the profound value of harmonious relationships, particularly within the Body of Christ and in leadership. When God's people work together in unity, aligned with His purposes, His blessings flow more abundantly, and His work is advanced more effectively. Finally, Aaron's swift obedience to God's command serves as a powerful example: responding promptly and faithfully to divine directives often positions us for significant moments in God's unfolding plan, leading us to places and encounters we might not anticipate but are crucial for our spiritual journey and service to His Kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry might God be calling you to embrace partnership or collaboration, rather than attempting to go it alone?**
* **How does Aaron's immediate obedience challenge your own responsiveness to God's unexpected commands or directions?**
* **Consider a time when God brought a key person into your life at a crucial moment. How did that encounter reflect God's divine orchestration and provision?**

### FAQ
**Why did God command Aaron to meet Moses specifically in the wilderness at the "mount of God"?**

Answer: God commanded Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness at the "mount of God" (Mount Horeb/Sinai) for several strategic and symbolic reasons. This was the sacred site where God had revealed Himself to Moses in the burning bush and commissioned him ([Exodus 3:1](/exodus/3-1 "Moses at the Burning Bush")). Bringing Aaron to this holy ground underscored the divine origin and sacred nature of their joint mission. It served as a place of preparation, consecration, and alignment with God's will before they confronted Pharaoh. The wilderness also represented a place of divine encounter and testing, setting the tone for the journey ahead.

**What is the significance of the "kiss" between Moses and Aaron?**

Answer: The kiss (Hebrew: _nâshaq_) between Moses and Aaron was a culturally significant gesture in the ancient Near East, signifying deep affection, respect, and reconciliation or the sealing of a bond. In this context, it confirms the genuine fraternal love and mutual acceptance between the brothers, despite Moses's initial reluctance to lead and Aaron's sudden appointment as his spokesman. It symbolizes the immediate unity and harmony essential for their formidable joint leadership, assuring that they would work together without internal strife as they embarked on the monumental task of delivering Israel.

**Does this verse suggest that Moses and Aaron were already aware of God's plan for the Exodus?**

Answer: The verse itself does not explicitly state their full awareness of the entire Exodus plan. However, it strongly implies that Aaron was aware enough of God's command to Moses to travel to meet him. Moses had just received his comprehensive commission at the burning bush ([Exodus 3:7-10](/exodus/3-7-10 "God's Commission to Moses")), and the LORD had informed him that Aaron would meet him and speak on his behalf ([Exodus 4:14-16](/exodus/4-14-16 "Aaron Appointed Spokesman")). Aaron's immediate obedience suggests he had received a direct divine instruction, likely including the purpose of their meeting, even if the full scope and challenges of the Exodus were yet to unfold for them.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Exodus 4:27 directly concerns the beginning of Israel's liberation from physical bondage, it subtly foreshadows Christ's ultimate work of spiritual redemption. Just as God sovereignly appointed and united Moses and Aaron for the deliverance of His people, God the Father sovereignly appointed and sent His Son, Jesus Christ, as the ultimate Deliverer from the slavery of sin and death ([John 3:16-17](/john/3-16-17 "God So Loved the World")). Christ, as the greater Moses, leads His people out of spiritual bondage into true freedom and life in the promised land of God's Kingdom ([Hebrews 3:1-6](/hebrews/3-1-6 "Christ Greater Than Moses")). He not only fulfills the prophetic and priestly roles hinted at in the Old Testament figures but also perfectly embodies the divine unity and purpose. Furthermore, Christ calls and equips His followers, uniting them in His Body, the Church, to participate in His ongoing mission of reconciliation and evangelism, demonstrating a perfect unity and divine orchestration that far surpasses that of Moses and Aaron ([Ephesians 4:11-13](/ephesians/4-11-13 "Gifts for the Church's Growth")). He is the one who perfectly fulfills God's plan for salvation, ensuring that all who believe are brought into relationship with God.

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.

Cross-References

Exodus 3:1

¶ Now Moses kept the flock of Jethro his father in law, the priest of Midian: and he led the flock to the backside of the desert, and came to the mountain of God, [even] to Horeb.

Exodus 24:15

And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount.

Exodus 24:17

And the sight of the glory of the LORD [was] like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel.

Genesis 29:11

And Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.

Exodus 4:14

And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, [Is] not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.

Exodus 4:16

And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, [even] he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

Ecclesiastes 4:9

Two [are] better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour.