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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Exodus 4:24–31. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Moses is here going to Egypt, and we are told,
I.How God met him in anger, Exo 4:24-26.
This is a very difficult passage of story; much has been written, and excellently written, to make it intelligible; we will try to make it improving. Here is,
1.The sin of Moses, which was neglecting to circumcise his son. This was probably the effect of his being unequally yoked with a Midianite, who was too indulgent of her child, while Moses was too indulgent of her. Note,
(1.)We have need to watch carefully over our own hearts, lest fondness for any relation prevail above our love to God, and take us off from our duty to him. It is charged upon Eli that he honoured his sons more than God (Sa1 2:29); and see Mat 10:37.
(2.)Even good men are apt to cool in their zeal for God and duty when they have long been deprived of the society of the faithful: solitude has its advantages, but they seldom counterbalance the loss of Christian communion.
2.God's displeasure against him. He met him, and, probably by a sword in an angel's hand, sought to kill him. This was a great change; very lately God was conversing with him, and lodging a trust in him, as a friend; and now he is coming forth against him as an enemy. Note,
(1.)Omissions are sins, and must come into judgment, and particularly the contempt and neglect of the seals of the covenant; for it is a sign that we undervalue the promises of the covenant, and are displeased with the conditions of it. He that has made a bargain, and is not willing to seal and ratify it, one may justly suspect, neither likes it nor designs to stand to it.
(2.)God takes notice of, and is much displeased with, the sins of his own people. If they neglect their duty, let them expect to hear of it by their consciences, and perhaps to feel from it by cross providences: for this cause many are sick and weak, as some think Moses was here.
3.The speedy performance of the duty for the neglect of which God had now a controversy with him. His son must be circumcised; Moses is unable to circumcise him; therefore, in this case of necessity, Zipporah does it, whether with passionate words (expressing her dislike of the ordinance itself, or at least the administration of it to so young a child, and in a journey), as to me it seems, or with proper words - solemnly expressing the espousal of the child to God by the covenant of circumcision (as some read it) or her thankfulness to God for sparing her husband, giving him a new life, and thereby giving her, as it were, a new marriage to him, upon her circumcising her son (as others read it) - I cannot determine: but we learn,
(1.)That when God discovers to us what is amiss in our lives we must give all diligence to amend it speedily, and particularly return to the duties we have neglected.
(2.)The putting away of our sins is indispensably necessary to the removal of God's judgements. This is the voice of every rod, it calls to us to return to him that smites us.
4.The release of Moses thereupon: So he let him go; the distemper went off, the destroying angel withdrew, and all was well: only Zipporah cannot forget the fright she was in, but will unreasonably call Moses a bloody husband, because he obliged her to circumcise the child; and, upon this occasion (it is probable), he sent them back to his father-in-law, that they might not create him any further uneasiness. Note,
(1.)When we return to God in a way of duty he will return to us in a way of mercy; take away the cause, and the effect will cease.
(2.)We must resolve to bear it patiently, if our zeal for God and his institutions be misinterpreted and discouraged by some that should understand themselves, and us, and their duty, better, as David's zeal was misinterpreted by Michal; but if this be to be vile, if this be to be bloody, we must be yet more so.
(3.)When we have any special service to do for God we should remove as far from us as we can that which is likely to be our hindrance. Let the dead bury their dead, but follow thou me.
II.How Aaron met him in love, Exo 4:27, Exo 4:28.
1.God sent Aaron to meet him, and directed him where to find him, in the wilderness that lay towards Midian. Note, The providence of God is to be acknowledged in the comfortable meeting of relations and friends.
2.Aaron made so much haste, in obedience to his God, and in love to his brother, that he met him in the mount of God, the place where God had met with him.
3.They embraced one another with mutual endearments. The more they saw of God's immediate direction in bringing them together the more pleasant their interview was: they kissed, not only in token of brotherly affection, and in remembrance of ancient acquaintance, but as a pledge of their hearty concurrence in the work to which they were jointly called.
4.Moses informed his brother of the commission he had received, with all the instructions and credentials affixed to it, Exo 4:28. Note, What we know of God we should communicate for the benefit of others; and those that are fellow-servants to God in the same work should use a mutual freedom, and endeavour rightly and fully to understand one another.
III.How the elders of Israel met him in faith and obedience.
When Moses and Aaron first opened their commission in Egypt, said what they were ordered to say, and, to confirm it, did what they were ordered to do, they met with a better reception than they promised themselves, Exo 4:29-31. 1. The Israelites gave credit to them: The people believed, as God had foretold (Exo 3:18), knowing that no man could do those works that they did, unless God were with him. They gave glory to God: They bowed their heads and worshipped, therein expressing not only their humble thankfulness to God, who had raised them up and sent them a deliverer, but also their cheerful readiness to observe orders, and pursue the methods of their deliverance.
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Summary
Exodus 4:31 captures the profound and immediate response of the Israelite people to the message delivered by Moses and Aaron. Upon hearing that the LORD had not only remembered but actively seen their deep affliction in Egypt, they embraced His promise of deliverance with belief, culminating in a spontaneous act of humility and worship. This pivotal moment signifies their initial acceptance of God's active intervention, laying the theological and emotional groundwork for the miraculous exodus from bondage that was to follow.
Context
Literary Context
This verse serves as the climactic resolution to the initial encounter between Moses and the Israelite elders. Following God's detailed commission to Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3, where Yahweh revealed His intention to deliver His people, Moses was given miraculous signs to authenticate his divine mandate (Exodus 4:1-9). Moses, accompanied by Aaron, then gathered the elders of Israel. Aaron communicated all the words the LORD had spoken to Moses, and Moses performed the validating signs before the assembled people, leading directly to the people's belief and worship described in Exodus 4:31. This immediate, positive response from the people stands in stark contrast to Moses' initial reluctance and doubt, highlighting God's faithfulness to His promise that the elders would listen (Exodus 3:18).
Historical & Cultural Context
The Israelites had endured centuries of brutal slavery in Egypt, a period marked by forced labor, infanticide, and relentless oppression under the pharaohs. Their identity as the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the inheritors of God's covenant promises, had been severely tested by their prolonged suffering. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, a "visitation" by a deity often implied a direct, powerful intervention, either for blessing or judgment. For a people accustomed to the polytheistic pantheon of Egypt, the concept of their own God, Yahweh, actively "visiting" them in their distress and "looking upon their affliction" would have been profoundly significant, signaling a shift from a seemingly absent deity to an actively engaged, compassionate deliverer. The act of bowing the head and worshipping was a universal sign of submission, reverence, and profound respect towards a superior, whether human royalty or divine power.
Key Themes
Exodus 4:31 powerfully articulates several foundational themes within the book of Exodus and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Initiative and Compassion, demonstrating that God is not indifferent to the suffering of His people but actively sees and remembers their distress, as first articulated in Exodus 2:23-25. Secondly, it highlights the theme of Faith's Response to Revelation, showing that genuine belief is not merely intellectual assent but a transformative trust that leads to worship and obedience. The people's immediate belief in God's word, authenticated by the signs, sets the stage for their willingness to follow Moses out of Egypt. Thirdly, the verse emphasizes the Authenticity of God's Messengers, as the signs performed by Moses and Aaron served to validate their divine commission, proving that their message was indeed from the LORD, a crucial element for the people to accept such a radical call to liberation. Finally, it reinforces the theme of Covenant Faithfulness, as God's "visitation" is a direct fulfillment of His ancient promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to multiply their descendants and bring them into a land flowing with milk and honey, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His word (Genesis 15:13-14).
Exposition and Analysis
Exodus 4:31 states, "And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped." This verse encapsulates the immediate and profound impact of God's revealed truth on a people long oppressed.
Key Word Analysis
This primitive root means "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." In this context, the people's belief was not merely intellectual assent but a profound act of trust, a firm conviction in the truthfulness of God's word and His ability to deliver. It implies a leaning on, a reliance upon, God's promise, establishing a foundational trust that would be tested in the journey ahead.
This primitive root means "to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc." Here, it signifies God's benevolent and purposeful intervention. It indicates that God has not been passive but has actively remembered His covenant and is now taking decisive action on behalf of His people, moving from a state of awareness to one of direct, saving engagement. This "visitation" is the initiation of His plan for their liberation.
This primitive root means "to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God)." This word describes the physical act of bowing down or prostrating oneself, signifying deep reverence, submission, and adoration. It is a spontaneous and heartfelt expression of humility and honor, acknowledging the supreme authority and majesty of God in response to His manifest concern and power.
Verse Breakdown
"And the people believed:"
This opening clause marks a crucial turning point. Despite generations of harsh oppression and apparent divine silence, the Israelites responded with an immediate act of faith. Their belief was not blind but was predicated on the message delivered by Aaron and the authenticating signs performed by Moses, signifying a readiness to trust God's word and His chosen messengers. This belief was foundational, propelling them towards obedience and the subsequent journey out of Egypt.
"and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction,"
This phrase reveals the specific content of the message that ignited their faith. The news that the LORD (Yahweh, H3068), the covenant God, had "visited" (H6485) and "looked upon" (H7200) their "affliction" (H6040) was profoundly impactful. "Visited" implies an active, purposeful intervention, while "looked upon" carries the weight of seeing with deep understanding, compassion, and a resolve to act. This declaration assured them that God had not forgotten them but was intimately aware of their suffering and was now moving to fulfill His ancient promises to the "children of Israel" (H1121, H3478).
"then they bowed their heads and worshipped."
This immediate and profound response to the revelation of God's active concern was an act of deep reverence, submission, and adoration. Bowing the head (H6915) is a universal posture of humility and respect, acknowledging the superior authority and majesty of the one being worshipped (H7812). This spontaneous act of worship demonstrates a heart moved by God's manifest compassion and power, acknowledging His sovereignty, faithfulness to His covenant, and His ability to deliver them from their desperate situation. It was an uncoerced expression of gratitude and trust in the face of overwhelming odds.
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. Anticipation is a key element, as the preceding chapters have built up to this moment of the people's response, validating Moses' mission and God's promise. The phrase "the LORD had visited... and that he had looked upon their affliction" utilizes Parallelism to emphasize God's dual actions of remembrance and compassionate observation, reinforcing the depth of His engagement with their suffering. The act of "bowing their heads and worshipped" is rich in Symbolism, representing not only physical prostration but also spiritual submission, humility, and the acknowledgement of divine sovereignty. This spontaneous worship marks a dramatic shift in the narrative, moving from the private commissioning of Moses to the public affirmation of God's plan by His people, setting a tone of hope and divine intervention for the unfolding drama of the Exodus.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Exodus 4:31 serves as a foundational text for understanding the dynamic between divine initiative and human response in salvation history. God consistently initiates His redemptive plan, revealing His character, promises, and power, which then calls for a human response of belief and obedience. This verse powerfully underscores God's unfailing compassion and active remembrance of His people, demonstrating that He sees, hears, and remembers their suffering, even after generations of apparent silence. True worship, as depicted here, flows naturally from a heart that apprehends God's character, His active presence, and His unwavering commitment to His promises. The people's belief, authenticated by the signs Moses performed, also highlights the critical importance of divine confirmation for prophetic claims, ensuring the legitimacy of God's chosen messengers. Ultimately, God's visitation and action here are a direct fulfillment of His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness to His word across generations.
Reflection and Application
Exodus 4:31 offers timeless lessons for believers today, reminding us of God's enduring attentiveness to the cries and suffering of His people across all generations. Just as God heard and saw the affliction of Israel, He remains intimately aware of our struggles, pains, and prayers. Our response to God's revelations of His character and promises should mirror that of the Israelites: with profound belief and heartfelt worship. Even when circumstances seem dire, recognizing God's compassionate gaze and His unwavering commitment to intervene can inspire profound faith and lead us to bow in adoration, trusting in His ultimate deliverance and faithfulness. This verse challenges us to cultivate a faith that is not merely intellectual but deeply responsive, moving us to worship even before the full manifestation of His promises. It encourages us to trust that God is actively working on our behalf, even when His hand seems hidden, and to respond with humble reverence for His sovereignty and love.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What does "the LORD had visited" mean in this context?
The Hebrew word paqad (H6485), translated as "visited," signifies far more than a casual call. In this profound theological context, it means God's active, purposeful, and benevolent intervention. It implies that God has remembered His covenant (Exodus 2:24), acknowledged their suffering, and is now taking decisive action to deliver His people from their bondage. This "visitation" marks the beginning of their liberation, demonstrating God's compassionate engagement with their plight and His move to fulfill His ancient promises.
Why did the people believe so readily after generations of silence and oppression?
The people's belief was not arbitrary but a direct and powerful response to a divinely orchestrated sequence of confirmations. Firstly, Aaron clearly communicated God's message, which included the explicit promise of deliverance and the declaration of God's compassionate remembrance of His covenant. Secondly, and crucially, Moses performed the miraculous signs before their very eyes, as commanded by God in Exodus 4:1-9. These signs, particularly the staff turning into a snake and his hand becoming leprous and then whole, served as irrefutable divine authentication. They proved that Moses and Aaron were indeed God's chosen messengers and that the word they spoke was true and backed by divine power, compelling the people to trust.
What is the significance of the people "bowing their heads and worshipped"?
This posture signifies deep reverence, submission, and adoration. Bowing the head (H6915) is a physical act of humility and acknowledgment of a superior authority, while "worshipped" (H7812) implies prostration in homage to God. In this context, it expresses their profound respect for God's sovereignty, their overwhelming gratitude for His compassion in remembering their affliction, and their trust in His power to deliver them. It was a spontaneous and heartfelt expression of worship, demonstrating that their belief had moved them to a posture of adoration and surrender to the God who had remembered them and was now actively intervening on their behalf. It shows that true faith naturally leads to worship.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Exodus 4:31, depicting God's compassionate "visitation" and the people's response of faith and worship, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate divine visitation in the person of Jesus Christ. Just as the LORD "looked upon their affliction" in Egypt and sent a deliverer, Moses, so too did God look upon humanity's far deeper affliction under the bondage of sin and death, sending His Son, Jesus, as the supreme Deliverer (Matthew 1:21). Christ's incarnation is the ultimate paqad, God actively intervening in human history, not merely with signs and wonders, but with His very presence, dwelling among us (John 1:14). He came to proclaim good news to the poor, to set the captives free, and to heal the brokenhearted, fulfilling the very essence of God's compassionate visitation (Luke 4:18-19). Our response to Christ, like that of the Israelites, is called to be one of belief in His redemptive work on the cross and resurrection, and worship for His ultimate act of deliverance, acknowledging Him as the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29) and leads us out of spiritual bondage into eternal freedom and abundant life (John 10:10).