Exodus 4:27

Exodus 4:27 marks a crucial moment in the divine plan for Israel's liberation, as it describes the first meeting between Moses and his brother Aaron after Moses's encounter with God at the burning bush.

Context

This verse follows God's powerful call to Moses in the wilderness, where Moses was initially reluctant to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, citing his inability to speak eloquently (Exodus 4:10). In response to Moses's protests, the LORD assured him of His presence and, importantly, designated Aaron, Moses's older brother, to be his spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16). God then directly commanded Aaron to go into the wilderness to meet Moses, setting the stage for their significant reunion. The "mount of God" refers to Mount Horeb, also known as Mount Sinai, the very place where Moses had his vision of the burning bush and where the Law would later be given.

Key Themes

• Divine Orchestration: The verse clearly highlights God's active role in bringing Moses and Aaron together. It was the LORD who commanded Aaron, demonstrating that this partnership was divinely appointed for a specific purpose.
• Obedience and Trust: Aaron's immediate and unquestioning obedience to God's command is striking. He "went, and met him," fulfilling the divine instruction without hesitation, a testament to his faith and readiness to serve God's plan.
• Brotherly Reunion and Unity: The act of meeting "in the mount of God" and the subsequent kiss symbolize reconciliation, mutual acceptance, and the establishment of a unified front. This fraternal bond would be essential for the immense challenges they were about to face in confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites.
• Preparation for Leadership: This meeting is not merely a family reunion but a strategic assembly of the two key leaders God had chosen for the exodus. It signifies the beginning of their joint ministry, laying the groundwork for the liberation of Israel and the establishment of its nationhood.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "kissed" is nashaq (נָשַׁק). In the ancient Near East, a kiss was a common form of greeting among relatives and friends, signifying affection, respect, and peace. It often sealed covenants or confirmed reconciliation, as seen in other biblical accounts (e.g., Jacob and Esau's reconciliation in Genesis 33:4). Here, it confirms the genuine and affectionate bond between the brothers, vital for their future collaboration.

Practical Application

Exodus 4:27 offers valuable insights for believers today:

• God Equips for His Call: Just as God provided Aaron to assist Moses, He often provides us with the necessary resources, partners, or gifts to fulfill the tasks He sets before us. We are not expected to serve in isolation.
• The Value of Unity: The immediate unity between Moses and Aaron underscores the importance of harmonious relationships, especially in leadership and ministry. God blesses united efforts for His purposes.
• Obedience Leads to Divine Encounters: Aaron's prompt obedience led him directly to the "mount of God" and to Moses, highlighting that following God's commands often opens doors to significant moments in His plan.
• God's Plan Unfolds Progressively: This meeting was a vital step in God's larger plan for Israel. Similarly, God's work in our lives often unfolds in stages, each step preparing us for the next.