Moses expressed strong doubts about whether his fellow Israelites would believe him because he faced multiple challenges. Firstly, he felt disconnected from them, as he was not fully considered one of their own and might not be accepted. His past experience in Egypt was troubling; it ended with him fleeing for his life, leaving fear rooted in his heart. This history made him wary of how the people would respond. Additionally, Moses worried that the Israelites would find it unbelievable that the God of their ancestors had spoken directly to him.
The Staff of the LORD
Then the LORD said to him, “What is that in your hand?”
“A staff,” he replied. – Exodus 4:2 (NIV)
This seemingly ordinary shepherd’s staff takes on significant meaning in Moses’ journey. When God instructs him to throw it on the ground, it becomes a powerful symbol of divine authority. This staff later demonstrates its miraculous capabilities in various pivotal moments. For instance, when Moses stretches it over the Red Sea, the waters part, allowing the Israelites to escape from the Egyptians. At Horeb, striking the rock with the staff brings forth water for the thirsty Israelites. Additionally, during the battle against the Amalekites, the staff symbolizes God’s power, as holding it up sealed Israel’s victory. Ultimately, the staff transforms from a simple tool of a shepherd into a potent emblem of God’s presence and might, reinforcing the idea that God equips those He calls, turning ordinary objects into instruments of His divine purpose.
Moses was adamant in his belief that his message would be met with scepticism by the tribes of Israel. Moses was unsettled because, when he sought clarity and asked for God’s name, he did not receive the answer that he was looking for. Then he cited his lack of confidence as a speaker as the reason for God to send someone else. Moses anticipated difficulties in communicating effectively with the Israelites due to his unfamiliarity with their specific Hebrew dialect. Having grown up in Pharaoh’s court and lived apart from his people for many years, his command of their native speech and nuances was likely limited. The prospect of facing his fellow tribesmen with uncertain language skills added to his apprehension about being accepted as a credible leader or spokesperson for God. Ultimately it seems that he did not want to take on this task at all.
We also are often reluctant to follow God’s commands. Unlike our eagerness to obey earthly authorities, following God feels difficult for us. Many fear that choosing to follow God means losing their free will, restricting their ability to pursue their heart’s desires, and giving up the things they enjoy. Additionally, some believe that devotion to God should be a part of life, not the centre of it. They desire to maintain control over their lives and keep God at a comfortable distance. Fear of persecution and social backlash also play a significant role, as aligning with spiritual beliefs may invite judgment or hardship from the world around us.
There are also some who experience feelings of unworthiness, and that is the reason for their hesitation as well. Many think they are not pure or good enough to truly commit to the task that God is assigning to them. Observing other devoted followers of God who appear to lead exceptionally demanding lives can make the path seem overwhelming, deterring people from pursuing it fully.
Plan B
Then the LORD’s anger burned against Moses… – Exodus 4:14 (NIV)
God, in response to Moses’ hesitation, suggested that he seek assistance from his brother Aaron who was an eloquent speaker as well. Aaron was already on his way to meet Moses and God instructed Moses to convey His words to Aaron, assuring them of His guidance when they approached the elders. Aaron would act as Moses’ spokesperson, representing Moses to the people, while Moses would represent God to Aaron. God also commanded Moses to carry his staff to perform the necessary signs.
God provided signs through Moses as proof of His power and authority because of how He operated at that time. He often worked through chosen individuals, such as prophets, to communicate His message. During this period, the people had distanced themselves from God and were no longer receptive to His voice directly. As a result, they required tangible evidence to believe and trust in His messenger. By empowering Moses with signs, God reinforced Moses’ credibility and showed His divine backing. It wasn’t until the coming of Jesus that a more direct, personal relationship with God became accessible, allowing everyone to connect with Him without needing an intermediary.
Moses returned to his father-in-law Jethro and requested permission to go back to Egypt to check on his people. Jethro approved and wished him well. The LORD had reassured Moses while he was in Midian that it was safe to return, as those who sought his life were dead. Consequently, Moses prepared for the journey by taking his wife and sons on a donkey, carrying the staff of God with him as he headed back to Egypt.
Moses Sets For Egypt
The LORD said to Moses, “When you return to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders I have given you the power to do. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. – Exodus 4:21 (NIV)
If the objective was to get the people out of Egypt, why would God harden Pharaoh’s heart and prolong their suffering? God wanted the people to realize that it was He who brought them out, not Moses or Pharaoh. Additionally, this process was designed to teach the Israelites to depend on God for their deliverance. By hardening Pharaoh’s heart, God was not forcing anyone to act against their free will; instead, He was allowing Pharaoh to become further emboldened in his evil ways, which ultimately demonstrated God’s power and sovereignty in their liberation.
While Moses was on his journey, the LORD confronted him at a lodging place and was about to kill him or his son (ambiguous text). In response, Moses’ wife, Zipporah, quickly took a flint knife, performed a circumcision on their son, and touched Moses’ feet with the foreskin, which led God to spare the life of her husband (or her son). Disgusted by the act of circumcision, Zipporah referred to Moses as a “bridegroom of blood.”
The text doesn’t give the context or even the reasoning for God’s sudden intention to kill Moses (or his son). Why would the LORD convince Moses to go back to Egypt only to kill him while he was on his way back? Given that the circumcision of his son saved Moses’s life, it could very well be that before leaving for Egypt, God had asked Moses to circumcise his sons. Perhaps this commandment was conveniently ignored by Moses and Zipporah as they chose to neglect the covenant of circumcision.
Although Moses was born into a Hebrew family and would have been circumcised himself, he failed to circumcise his own son, Gershom. This intentional oversight was significant, especially as Moses was tasked with delivering the people of God out of Egypt into the Promised Land. Ironically, while Moses was going to warn Pharaoh that the life of his firstborn son was at stake, he ignored God’s command regarding the circumcision of his own firstborn.
Aaron Meets Moses
The LORD instructed Aaron to meet Moses in the wilderness, and when they met at the mountain of God, they embraced. Moses shared with Aaron all that the LORD had commanded him to convey, including the signs he was to perform. Together, Moses and Aaron gathered the elders of the Israelites, and Aaron communicated everything the LORD had told Moses. He then demonstrated the signs to the people, who believed in their message. Upon hearing that the LORD was aware of their suffering and cared for them, the Israelites bowed down and worshiped.
Finally, the Israelites realised that God still cared for them and was actively working on a plan for their deliverance, but they still required signs to confirm this. This raises the question: do we need signs to recognize that God is actively involved in our lives? Initially, we may need them as we seek to understand God’s guidance, signs can serve as helpful confirmations. However, once we develop a deeper understanding of His presence and direction, those signs become less necessary, as our faith in His guidance strengthens.
The LORD is always willing to help our unbeliefs, extending His mercy and grace to those who earnestly seek Him. If we approach Him with honesty and humility, openly sharing our doubts and fears, he will give us the guidance we seek. We need to come to Him for help without hesitation or reluctance. Unlike Moses, who kept making excuses time and again for his reluctance to lead, we must be ready to embrace the His support that He offers us in our times of need.
Discussion Questions
- Why are we reluctant to follow God’s plans for our lives?
- Why was God ready to provide miraculous signs to the Israelites?
- If the objective was to get the people out of Egypt, why would God harden Pharaoh’s heart and prolong their suffering?
- Why does God want to kill Moses (or his son)?
- Do we need signs to recognize that God is actively involved in our lives?
The Jordan Valley 
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