Exodus 4:4

KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail. And he put forth his hand, and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand:

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto Moses {H4872}, Put forth {H7971} thine hand {H3027}, and take {H270} it by the tail {H2180}. And he put forth {H7971} his hand {H3027}, and caught {H2388} it, and it became a rod {H4294} in his hand {H3709}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Then ADONAI said to Moshe, "Put your hand out and take it by the tail." He reached out with his hand and took hold of it, and it became a staff in his hand.

Berean Standard Bible

“Stretch out your hand and grab it by the tail,” the LORD said to Moses, who reached out his hand and caught the snake, and it turned back into a staff in his hand.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto Moses, Put forth thy hand, and take it by the tail: (and he put forth his hand, and laid hold of it, and it became a rod in his hand);

Commentary

### 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](/exodus/4-2-3 "The Staff Becomes a Serpent"), 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](/exodus/4-4 "God's command to Moses regarding the serpent") 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](/exodus/4-4 "God's command to Moses regarding the serpent") 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](/exodus/7-17 "The Rod in the Plagues") and [Exodus 14:16](/exodus/14-16 "Parting of the Red Sea")). 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](/exodus/4-5 "The Purpose of the Sign").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **tail (Hebrew, _zânâb'_):** Derived from a root meaning "flapping," this word refers to the appendage at the rear of an animal. In the context of a serpent, grabbing it by the tail is counter-intuitive and dangerous, as it would allow the head to strike. God's specific instruction to grasp the serpent by its "tail" underscores the demand for an act of complete trust and obedience that defies natural caution, highlighting the supernatural protection and power at play.
* **take (Hebrew, _ʼâchaz'_):** This primitive root means "to seize," often with the accessory idea of "holding in possession." Here, it signifies Moses's active and decisive action to grasp the serpent. It's not a hesitant touch but a firm "taking hold," indicating a commitment to obey the divine command, leading to the immediate reversal of the miracle and the restoration of the rod.
* **caught (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** A primitive root meaning "to fasten upon," "to seize," or "to be strong." This word emphasizes the firmness and strength of Moses's grasp, indicating that he not only reached for it but successfully "seized" or "held fast" to the serpent. This act of "catching" or "holding strong" is directly linked to the immediate transformation, underscoring the efficacy of obedience in activating divine power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD said unto Moses, Put forth thine hand, and take it by the tail."**: This clause reveals God's direct and specific command to Moses. Following Moses's natural reaction of fleeing from the serpent (Exodus 4:3), God intervenes with a clear instruction that directly challenges Moses's fear and natural instinct. The command to "take it by the tail" is crucial, as it is the most dangerous way to handle a serpent, thereby requiring an extraordinary act of faith and trust in God's protective power. It is a test of Moses's immediate and radical obedience.
* **"And he put forth his hand, and caught it,"**: This phrase describes Moses's immediate and decisive response to God's command. Despite his earlier fear, Moses demonstrates a pivotal moment of obedience. His action of "putting forth his hand" and "catching it" signifies his willingness to trust God's word above his own apprehension and the perceived danger. This act of faith is the catalyst for the subsequent divine manifestation.
* **"and it became a rod in his hand:"**: This final clause describes the instantaneous and miraculous outcome of Moses's obedience. The terrifying serpent immediately reverts to an ordinary shepherd's rod, confirming God's absolute control over creation and His ability to reverse supernatural acts at will. This transformation serves as undeniable proof of God's presence and power, authenticating His message and empowering Moses with a tangible instrument of divine authority.

#### 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](/genesis/3-1 "The Serpent in Eden")), 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.

* [Psalm 118:6](/psalm/118-6 "The LORD is on my side; I will not fear")
* [Luke 1:37](/luke/1-37 "For with God nothing shall be impossible.")
* [Romans 8:31](/romans/8-31 "If God be for us, who can be against us?")

### 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
* **What "serpents" (fears, challenges, or seemingly impossible tasks) is God asking you to confront in your life today?**
* **In what areas of your life are you being called to obey God's command, even when it feels counter-intuitive or dangerous?**
* **How does Moses's immediate obedience encourage you to trust God more fully with your own anxieties and limitations?**
* **What "ordinary tools" or aspects of your life might God want to transform into instruments for His extraordinary purposes?**

### 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](/exodus/4-20 "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](/exodus/7-17 "The Rod in the Plagues")), parting the Red Sea ([Exodus 14:16](/exodus/14-16 "Parting of the Red Sea")), and bringing water from a rock ([Exodus 17:6](/exodus/17-6 "Water from the Rock")). 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](/exodus/4-4 "God's command to Moses regarding the serpent") 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](/genesis/3-1-15 "The Fall and the Curse")), 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](/revelation/12-9 "Satan, the Ancient Serpent")). Through His sacrificial death on the cross and victorious resurrection, Christ disarmed the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), 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](/john/3-14-15 "The Bronze Serpent and the Son of Man")). 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](/isaiah/11-1 "The Branch from Jesse")), 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.

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

Acts 28:3

And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks, and laid [them] on the fire, there came a viper out of the heat, and fastened on his hand.

Acts 28:6

Howbeit they looked when he should have swollen, or fallen down dead suddenly: but after they had looked a great while, and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds, and said that he was a god.

John 2:5

His mother saith unto the servants, Whatsoever he saith unto you, do [it].

Mark 16:18

They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

Psalms 91:13

Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

Luke 10:19

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.

Genesis 22:1

¶ And it came to pass after these things, that God did tempt Abraham, and said unto him, Abraham: and he said, Behold, [here] I [am].