Exodus 4:28

KJV

And Moses told Aaron all the words of the LORD who had sent him, and all the signs which he had commanded him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Moses {H4872} told {H5046} Aaron {H175} all the words {H1697} of the LORD {H3068} who had sent {H7971} him, and all the signs {H226} which he had commanded {H6680} him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Moshe told him everything ADONAI had said in sending him, including all the signs he had ordered him to perform.

Berean Standard Bible

And Moses told Aaron everything the LORD had sent him to say, and all the signs He had commanded him to perform.

American Standard Version

And Moses told Aaron all the words of Jehovah wherewith he had sent him, and all the signs wherewith he had charged him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Exodus 4:28 marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding drama of Israel's deliverance, as Moses, freshly commissioned by God, faithfully meets his brother Aaron in the wilderness and relays with precision "all the words of the LORD" who had sent him, alongside "all the signs" God had commanded him to perform. This comprehensive disclosure not only solidified their divinely ordained partnership but also unequivocally established Moses' divine authority and the miraculous foundation of their monumental mission to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, underscoring the absolute truth and power inherent in God's redemptive plan.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate culmination of Moses' profound encounter with God at the [burning bush](/exodus/3-1-12 "Exodus 3:1-12 - The Burning Bush and Moses' Call"). Following God's detailed commission, Moses' initial hesitations regarding his speaking ability and the Israelites' belief in his message are addressed by God's provision of miraculous signs ([Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1-9 "Exodus 4:1-9 - God Gives Moses Signs")) and the appointment of Aaron as his spokesman ([Exodus 4:10-17](/exodus/4-10-17 "Exodus 4:10-17 - Aaron Appointed as Moses' Spokesman")). Having received God's blessing to return to Egypt ([Exodus 4:18-20](/exodus/4-18-20 "Exodus 4:18-20 - Moses Returns to Egypt")), Moses is now en route, and God explicitly instructs Aaron to meet him in the wilderness ([Exodus 4:27](/exodus/4-27 "Exodus 4:27 - Aaron Meets Moses")). Therefore, [Exodus 4:28](/exodus/4-28 "Exodus 4:28 KJV") describes the crucial moment of their designated rendezvous and the immediate, faithful transmission of the divine mandate, setting the stage for their joint ministry to the elders of Israel and Pharaoh.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative takes place against the backdrop of Israel's brutal slavery in Egypt, a period of intense oppression lasting approximately 400 years, as prophesied in [Genesis 15:13](/genesis/15-13 "Genesis 15:13 - Prophecy of Egyptian Slavery"). Pharaoh, as the divine king of Egypt, wielded absolute power, and challenging him required not only immense courage but also undeniable supernatural backing. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a messenger's authority derived entirely from the one who sent him; thus, Moses' ability to convey "words" and perform "signs" was paramount for establishing his legitimacy before both his own people, who had long suffered under foreign rule, and the formidable Egyptian court. The wilderness meeting point itself is significant, symbolizing a liminal space between the old life of bondage and the journey towards freedom, a place where divine encounters often occurred, such as with [Hagar](/genesis/16-7 "Genesis 16:7 - Hagar in the Wilderness") or [Elijah](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah in the Wilderness").
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Exodus and the Pentateuch. It highlights the theme of **Divine Initiative and Commission**, demonstrating that God sovereignly chooses and equips His servants, despite their perceived inadequacies, for His redemptive purposes. The emphasis on "words" and "signs" underscores the theme of **Divine Revelation and Authority**, revealing God's nature as a speaking God who communicates His will clearly and validates His messengers through supernatural acts. Furthermore, the immediate and complete relaying of information between Moses and Aaron establishes the theme of **Obedience and Collaborative Leadership**, illustrating the importance of faithful stewardship of God's message and the necessity of unity and teamwork in fulfilling a divinely appointed mission, a pattern often seen in God's work, from [Noah's obedience](/genesis/6-22 "Genesis 6:22 - Noah's Obedience") to the [apostles' teamwork](/acts/2-42 "Acts 2:42 - The Apostles' Teaching and Fellowship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **words (Hebrew, _dâbâr'_):** From H1697, this term signifies far more than simple utterances or spoken sounds. It encompasses divine decrees, commands, promises, prophecies, and the very essence of God's communicative will and purpose. In this context, it refers to the comprehensive divine message Moses received: God's identification, His remembrance of the covenant, His intention to deliver Israel, the instructions for confronting Pharaoh, and the ultimate goal of worshiping God on the mountain. Moses conveyed the full scope of God's revelation, ensuring Aaron understood the divine origin and profound purpose of their mission, highlighting the absolute authority and comprehensive nature of God's communication.
* **told (Hebrew, _nâgad'_):** From H5046, this primitive root means "to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to one present); specifically, to expose, predict, explain, praise." Moses' act of "telling" Aaron was a bold and comprehensive declaration, not a mere recounting. It implies a full manifestation and explanation of the divine message and instructions, ensuring Aaron was completely informed and prepared to stand alongside Moses as God's representative. This verb emphasizes the clarity, directness, and completeness of Moses' disclosure.
* **signs (Hebrew, _ʼôwth'_):** From H226, this word denotes a signal, mark, miracle, omen, or token. These were not arbitrary acts but powerful, supernatural demonstrations of God's active involvement and Moses' divine appointment. God had specifically equipped Moses with these miraculous proofs—the staff turning into a snake, his hand becoming leprous, and water turning to blood ([Exodus 4:1-9](/exodus/4-1-9 "Exodus 4:1-9 - The Three Signs"))—to validate his calling before the elders of Israel and Pharaoh. Moses' faithful transmission of these instructions to Aaron was vital, as Aaron would serve as the active performer of many of these miracles before Pharaoh, establishing their shared authority and the undeniable power of the God of Israel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Moses told Aaron":** This opening phrase immediately establishes the direct and personal nature of the communication. Moses, having received the divine commission, now faithfully transmits it to his divinely appointed partner, Aaron. The act of "telling" (H5046, _nâgad'_) implies a comprehensive and clear declaration, not merely a casual conversation, underscoring the gravity and significance of the information being shared.
* **"all the words of the LORD who had sent him":** This clause highlights the divine origin and comprehensive nature of the message. The "words" (H1697, _dâbâr'_) refer to the entire divine revelation Moses received at the burning bush, including God's identity, His covenant promises, His plan for Israel's deliverance, and the specific instructions for dealing with Pharaoh. The phrase "who had sent him" reiterates Moses' role as a divinely commissioned messenger, emphasizing that his authority and message were not his own but derived directly from Yahweh, the self-existent God.
* **"and all the signs which he had commanded him":** This final clause specifies the second crucial component of Moses' disclosure: the miraculous proofs. The "signs" (H226, _ʼôwth'_) were the supernatural demonstrations God had empowered Moses to perform (staff to snake, hand to leprosy, water to blood) to authenticate his mission before the Israelites and Pharaoh. The phrase "which he had commanded him" underscores that these signs were not random acts but divinely ordained and instructed, serving as irrefutable evidence of God's presence and power, and essential for convincing a skeptical audience.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** of the word "all" ("all the words," "all the signs") serves to emphasize the completeness and comprehensive nature of Moses' disclosure to Aaron. This highlights that nothing was held back, ensuring Aaron was fully equipped and informed for their joint mission. **Metonymy** is present in "the words of the LORD," where "words" stands for the entire divine revelation, including God's will, commands, and promises. Similarly, "signs" serves as **synecdoche**, representing the miraculous power and divine authentication that accompanied Moses' mission. The entire verse functions as a **narrative bridge**, connecting Moses' private divine encounter with the public execution of God's plan, transitioning from individual commission to collaborative action.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully establishes the foundation for Israel's deliverance, rooted in God's sovereign initiative and His meticulous preparation of His chosen instruments. It underscores the absolute authority of God's word and the undeniable power of His miraculous signs as validation for His messengers. The faithful transmission of this divine mandate from Moses to Aaron highlights the importance of obedience, clear communication, and collaborative partnership in fulfilling God's purposes. This dynamic between God, Moses, and Aaron foreshadows the pattern of divine revelation and human response throughout biblical history, emphasizing that God's work is accomplished through His word, His power, and His people working in unity.

* [Deuteronomy 18:18](/deuteronomy/18-18 "Deuteronomy 18:18 - A Prophet Like Moses")
* [Numbers 12:6-8](/numbers/12-6-8 "Numbers 12:6-8 - God Speaks to Prophets")
* [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Speaks Through His Son")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Exodus 4:28](/exodus/4-28 "Exodus 4:28 KJV") offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary believers. Just as God meticulously prepared Moses and Aaron for their daunting task, providing both His "words" and validating "signs," so too does He equip those He calls today. This verse reminds us that our authority in ministry or any God-given task does not stem from our own abilities or eloquence, but from the divine source of our commission. Moses' faithful and complete communication to Aaron underscores the vital importance of transparency, clarity, and unity in shared spiritual endeavors. It challenges us to be diligent and accurate stewards of God's truth, whether we are teaching, leading, or simply sharing our faith. Moreover, the divinely ordained partnership between Moses and Aaron serves as a powerful illustration of the effectiveness of teamwork and mutual support within the body of Christ, reminding us that God often calls us to serve not in isolation, but in community, leveraging diverse gifts for a common purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life or ministry do you feel called by God, and how might you be tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's provision?**
* **How does the emphasis on "all the words of the LORD" challenge you to be more diligent and faithful in understanding and communicating God's truth?**
* **Considering the partnership between Moses and Aaron, how can you better foster collaboration and clear communication within your own spiritual community or team?**
* **What "signs" or evidences of God's presence and power have you experienced or witnessed that confirm His calling on your life or the mission of His church?**

### FAQ
**Why was it important for Moses to tell Aaron "all the words" and "all the signs"?**

Answer: It was absolutely crucial for several interconnected reasons. Firstly, it ensured Aaron's full comprehension of the divine mandate, the specific message for Pharaoh and Israel, and the ultimate purpose of their mission. Secondly, it equipped him to serve effectively as Moses' divinely appointed spokesman, allowing him to articulate God's message with accuracy and conviction. Thirdly, it prepared him to perform the miraculous signs that would authenticate their authority before both the skeptical Israelites and the formidable Pharaoh, demonstrating God's irrefutable power. This complete disclosure fostered unity, understanding, and effective collaboration, laying the groundwork for their shared, monumental task.

**Does this verse imply Aaron was subordinate to Moses?**

Answer: While God primarily spoke to Moses and commissioned him as the central figure and leader of the Exodus, the verse highlights a divinely ordained collaborative partnership rather than strict subordination in the sense of a lesser role. Moses received direct revelation, and Aaron was appointed to assist in its delivery and demonstration. Aaron acted as Moses' spokesman to the people and Pharaoh ([Exodus 4:16](/exodus/4-16 "Exodus 4:16 - Aaron as Moses' Mouth")), and later became the first High Priest, indicating a distinct and vital role within the divine plan. This arrangement established a clear chain of command and communication, with Moses as the primary recipient of God's word and Aaron as the empowered co-laborer, demonstrating a functional hierarchy designed for effective mission execution.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Exodus 4:28](/exodus/4-28 "Exodus 4:28 KJV") profoundly foreshadows Christ, who is the ultimate and complete fulfillment of God's "words" and "signs." Moses, as the faithful prophet and mediator who received and transmitted "all the words of the LORD," serves as a powerful type of Christ, who is Himself the [incarnate Word of God](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), the very embodiment of God's complete revelation to humanity ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word in the Beginning")). Just as Moses was sent with divine authority and miraculous "signs" to deliver Israel from bondage, Jesus came with unparalleled authority, performing countless signs and wonders—from [healing the sick](/matthew/4-23 "Matthew 4:23 - Jesus Heals All Kinds of Sickness") to [raising the dead](/john/11-43-44 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")—to confirm His divine identity and His ultimate mission of salvation from sin and death ([John 20:30-31](/john/20-30-31 "John 20:30-31 - Purpose of John's Gospel")). The collaborative ministry of Moses and Aaron also prefigures Christ's equipping and sending of His disciples, empowering them with His words and His Spirit to continue His work of proclaiming the gospel and demonstrating God's power to a lost world ([Matthew 28:18-20](/matthew/28-18-20 "Matthew 28:18-20 - The Great Commission"); [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness")). Ultimately, Christ is the perfect and final revelation of God's "words" and the supreme "sign" of His redemptive love, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

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 4:15

And thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.

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.

Exodus 4:8

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe thee, neither hearken to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign.

Exodus 4:9

And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe also these two signs, neither hearken unto thy voice, that thou shalt take of the water of the river, and pour [it] upon the dry [land]: and the water which thou takest out of the river shall become blood upon the dry [land].

Jonah 3:2

Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee.

Matthew 21:29

He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.