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Commentary on Exodus 4 verses 1–9
It was a very great honour that Moses was called to when God commissioned him to bring Israel out of Egypt; yet he is with difficulty persuaded to accept the commission, and does it at last with great reluctance, which we should rather impute to a humble diffidence of himself and his own sufficiency than to any unbelieving distrust of God and his word and power. Note, Those whom God designs for preferment he clothes with humility; the most fit for service are the least forward.
I. Moses objects that in all probability the people would not hearken to his voice (Exo 4:1), that is, they would not take his bare word, unless he showed them some sign, which he had not been yet instructed to do. This objection cannot be justified, because it contradicts what God had said (Exo 3:18), They shall hearken to thy voice. If God says, They will, does it become Moses to say, They will not? Surely he means, "Perhaps they will not at first, or some of them will not." If there should be some gainsayers among them who would question his commission, how should he deal with them? And what course should he take to convince them? He remembered how they had once rejected him, and feared it would be so again. Note, 1. Present discouragements often arise from former disappointments. 2. Wise and good men have sometimes a worse opinion of people than they deserve. Moses sad (Exo 4:1), They will not believe me; and yet he was happily mistaken, for it is said (Exo 4:31), The people believed; but then the signs which God appointed in answer to this objection were first wrought in their sight.
II. God empowers him to work miracles, directs him to three particularly, two of which were now immediately wrought for his own satisfaction. Note, True miracles are the most convincing external proofs of a divine mission attested by them. Therefore our Saviour often appealed to his works (as Joh 5:36), and Nicodemus owns himself convinced by them, Joh 3:2. And here Moses, having a special commission given him as a judge and lawgiver to Israel, has this seal affixed to his commission, and comes supported by these credentials.
1.The rod in his hand is made the subject of a miracle, a double miracle: it is but thrown out of his hand and it becomes a serpent; he resumes it and it becomes a rod again, Exo 4:2-4. Now, (1.) Here was a divine power manifested in the change itself, that a dry stick should be turned into a living serpent, a lively one, so formidable a one that Moses himself, on whom, it should seem, it turned in some threatening manner, fled from before it, though we may suppose, in that desert, serpents were no strange things to him; but what was produced miraculously was always the best and strongest of the kind, as the water turned to wine: and, then, that this living serpent should be turned into a dry stick again, this was the Lord's doing. (2.) Here was an honour put upon Moses, that this change was wrought upon his throwing it down and taking it up, without any spell, or charm, or incantation: his being empowered thus to act under God, out of the common course of nature and providence, was a demonstration of his authority, under God, to settle a new dispensation of the kingdom of grace. We cannot imagine that the God of truth would delegate such a power as this to an impostor. (3.) There was a significancy in the miracle itself. Pharaoh had turned the rod of Israel into a serpent, representing them as dangerous (Exo 1:10), causing their belly to cleave to the dust, and seeking their ruin; but now they should be turned into a rod again: or, thus Pharaoh had turned the rod of government into the serpent of oppression, from which Moses had himself fled into Midian; but by the agency of Moses the scene was altered again. (4.) There was a direct tendency in it to convince the children of Israel that Moses was indeed sent of God to do what he did, Exo 4:5. Miracles were for signs to those that believed not, Co1 14:22.
2.His hand itself is next made the subject of a miracle. He puts it once into his bosom, and takes it out leprous; he puts it again into the same place, and takes it out well, Exo 4:6, Exo 4:7. This signified, (1.) That Moses, by the power of God, should bring sore diseases upon Egypt, and that, at his prayer, they should be removed. (2.) That whereas the Israelites in Egypt had become leprous, polluted by sin, and almost consumed by oppression (a leper is as one dead, Num 12:12), by being taken into the bosom of Moses they should be cleansed and cured, and have all their grievances redressed. (3.) That Moses was not to work miracles by his own power, nor for his own praise, but by the power of God and for his glory; the leprous hand of Moses does for ever exclude boasting. Now it was supposed that, if the former sign did not convince, this latter would. Note, God is willing more abundantly to show the truth of his word, and is not sparing in his proofs; the multitude and variety of the miracles corroborate the evidence.
3.He is directed, when he shall come to Egypt, to turn some of the water of the river into blood, Exo 4:9. This was done, at first, as a sign, but, not gaining due credit with Pharaoh, the whole river was afterwards turned into blood, and then it became a plague. He is ordered to work this miracle in case they would not be convinced by the other two. Note, Unbelief shall be left inexcusable, and convicted of a wilful obstinacy. As to the people of Israel, God had said (Exo 3:18), They shall hearken; yet he appoints these miracles to be wrought for their conviction, for he that has ordained the end has ordained the means.
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SUMMARY
Exodus 4:4 records a pivotal moment in Moses's divine commissioning, where the LORD commands him to overcome his natural fear and seize the serpent that his staff had just become. Moses's immediate and courageous obedience results in the creature instantly reverting to an ordinary rod in his hand, serving as a powerful demonstration of God's absolute sovereignty, His ability to transform instruments, and His commitment to empowering His chosen servant for the daunting task of delivering Israel.
CONTEXT
Literary Context: This verse is embedded within the initial phase of Moses's call at the burning bush, specifically following God's first two signs given to authenticate Moses's mission to the Israelites. In Exodus 4:2-3, God asks Moses what is in his hand, and upon Moses casting his staff to the ground, it miraculously transforms into a serpent, causing Moses to flee in terror. The immediate command in Exodus 4:4 to grasp the serpent by its tail provides the resolution to this initial display, demonstrating God's complete control over the miraculous transformation and His demand for Moses's active participation and trust. This sequence sets the stage for the third sign (the leprous hand) and the subsequent objections and reassurances concerning Moses's ability to speak, all aimed at preparing him for the confrontation with Pharaoh and the leadership of Israel.
Historical & Cultural Context: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, serpents often symbolized danger, chaos, and divine power, sometimes associated with deities or evil forces. For Moses, a shepherd accustomed to the dangers of the wilderness, a venomous serpent was a tangible threat, evoking a natural and immediate fear. The staff, on the other hand, was a common tool for shepherds, representing their livelihood, authority over their flock, and a means of defense and support. God's choice to use these familiar objects—a staff transforming into a serpent and back again—was culturally potent. It demonstrated that the God of Israel was sovereign over all natural and supernatural forces, including those that inspired terror, and that He could transform the ordinary tools of human endeavor into instruments of divine power. This sign was designed to resonate deeply with both Moses and the Israelites, who would need to believe in a God powerful enough to challenge the might of Egypt.
Key Themes: Exodus 4:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Exodus. Firstly, it underscores the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Omnipotence, showcasing God's absolute control over creation and His ability to manipulate reality to achieve His purposes, even reversing supernatural acts at will. Secondly, it highlights Obedience and Trust in the Face of Fear, as Moses is commanded to perform an act that directly contradicts his natural instinct for self-preservation, demonstrating that faith often requires stepping beyond comfort zones. Thirdly, the transformation of the ordinary staff into a symbol of divine power and authority introduces the theme of Divine Empowerment of the Ordinary, foreshadowing how God will use Moses, a humble shepherd, and his simple rod to perform extraordinary miracles, as seen later with the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea (e.g., Exodus 7:17 and Exodus 14:16). This sign also serves as a foundational element in God's Authentication of His Messenger, providing tangible proof to Moses and the Israelites that the LORD, the God of their fathers, had indeed appeared to him.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The passage employs several potent Literary Devices. The primary device is Symbolism, where the staff and the serpent carry profound meaning. The staff, initially a common shepherd's tool, symbolizes Moses's ordinary life and human capability. Its transformation into a serpent, a creature often associated with danger, chaos, and even evil (as seen in Genesis 3:1), represents the overwhelming and terrifying challenges Moses would face. The subsequent reversal back to a rod symbolizes God's ultimate dominion over all threatening forces and His ability to transform instruments of fear into tools of divine authority and deliverance. The immediate nature of the transformation also highlights Divine Intervention and Miracle, underscoring God's active presence and power in the narrative. Furthermore, the narrative uses Contrast between Moses's initial fear and his subsequent courageous obedience, emphasizing the transformative power of faith. The Repetition of "hand" (yâd) throughout the passage (Moses's hand, the rod in his hand) subtly connects Moses's human agency with the divine power channeled through him.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Exodus 4:4 is a profound theological statement on God's nature and His interaction with humanity. It reveals a God who is not only all-powerful, capable of supernatural acts and their reversals, but also intimately involved in the training and commissioning of His servants. The passage underscores that genuine faith is demonstrated through active obedience, especially when God's commands challenge human logic or provoke fear. This divine encounter transforms an ordinary object (Moses's staff) and an ordinary man into instruments of extraordinary power and purpose, setting a precedent for God's method of working through humble means to accomplish His grand designs. It powerfully conveys that God equips those He calls, enabling them to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles through trust and reliance on His divine authority.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Exodus 4:4 offers a timeless and deeply practical lesson for believers navigating the complexities of faith and obedience in their own lives. Just as Moses was called to confront a terrifying serpent, we often encounter "serpents" in our spiritual journeys—situations, fears, or challenges that seem overwhelming and provoke a natural desire to flee. This verse reminds us that God's commands may sometimes defy our logic or comfort zones, demanding radical trust. However, it powerfully illustrates that our obedience, even in the face of profound fear, is the very pathway through which God manifests His miraculous power. It teaches us that God can transform our weaknesses, our perceived threats, and even the ordinary tools of our lives into powerful instruments for His divine purposes when we surrender them to His command. We are encouraged to remember that the God who empowered Moses to pick up the serpent is the same God who promises to be with us, enabling us to face our fears and accomplish His will, knowing that His strength is made perfect in our weakness.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God command Moses to pick up the serpent by its tail, which is dangerous?
Answer: God commanded Moses to pick up the serpent by its tail precisely because it was the most dangerous and counter-intuitive way to handle it. This specific instruction served as an immediate and profound test of Moses's obedience and trust in God's word over his natural fear and instinct for self-preservation. By commanding an act that defied common sense and safety, God demonstrated His absolute power to protect Moses and override natural laws. This act of faith built Moses's confidence in God's miraculous ability, preparing him for the even greater challenges he would face in confronting Pharaoh and leading a nation. It showed that God's power was not limited by human logic or physical danger.
What is the significance of the rod in Moses's hand after this event?
Answer: The rod, once an ordinary shepherd's staff, was transformed from a common tool into a potent symbol of divine authority, power, and presence. After this event, it became known as the "rod of God" or the "rod of the LORD." Throughout the Exodus narrative, this rod was instrumental in performing many of the most significant miracles, including initiating the plagues upon Egypt (Exodus 7:17), parting the Red Sea (Exodus 14:16), and bringing water from a rock (Exodus 17:6). It ceased to be merely Moses's staff and became a tangible representation of God's active involvement, power, and authentication of Moses as His chosen messenger.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The dramatic transformation of the serpent back into a rod in Exodus 4:4 serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of Christ's ultimate triumph over the forces of sin, death, and the devil. The serpent, a symbol of deception, danger, and the Fall (as seen in Genesis 3:1-15), is here brought under divine control and transformed. This prefigures how Jesus, the true Son of God, would confront and decisively defeat the "ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan" (Revelation 12:9). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection, Christ disarmed the powers of darkness (Colossians 2:15), transforming what was once a source of fear and condemnation into an instrument of life and salvation for all who believe (John 3:14-15). The rod, becoming a symbol of divine authority and deliverance in Moses's hand, points forward to Christ as the true "Rod of Jesse" (Isaiah 11:1), the one through whom God's ultimate power and authority are perfectly manifested to deliver His people from spiritual bondage and lead them into eternal freedom.