Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 4:20
(20) His sons.—Only one had been mentioned previously, viz., Gershom (Exodus 2:22), unless we accept the Vulgate addition to that place. But another had been recently born to him.Set them upon an ass.—Heb., upon the ass, i.e., cither “upon his ass,” or, according to some, “upon asses.” The singular of a substantive with the article is sometimes used for the genus (Genesis 15:11).He returned.—Rather, set out to return (ἐπέστρεψεν, LXX.).The rod of God.—An emphatic phrase. God’s endowment of the... read more
John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:1-31
Signs Attesting the Commission of Moses. His Return to EgyptMoses still hesitates, and now objects that the péople will not believe him when he tells them that Jehovah has sent him. He is granted the power of working three signs by way of substantiating his commission.2. A rod] probably his shepherd’s staff.3. Fled from before it] A graphic trait, showing that the change was real, and that Moses was not prepared for it. 4. By the tail] Snake charmers usually take snakes by the neck to prevent... read more