Exodus 4

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:24

Verse 24 24.And it came to pass by the way. The expression, “the Lord met him,” is here used in a bad sense, for an adverse meeting, or hostile encounter; as though Moses should say that the hand of the Lord was against him to interrupt his journey. In what form He appeared we know not, except that the words pretty plainly imply that Moses was assured of His anger, so as to be aware that his death was near. For had he not been instructed by revelation or by an angel, it would not have at all... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:25

Verse 25 25.Then Zipporah took a sharp stone. Because the wife here improperly assumed this office, some of the Rabbins conjecture that this was done in the absence of her husband; but the context contradicts them; and therefore I doubt not but that she seized hold of a knife or a stone hastily, as is common in times of fear and confusion. For fear had so affected her mind, that she did not act with consideration. Moses, too, might have lain incapable in his anxiety. Certainly the child was not... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:27

Verse 27 27.And the Lord said to Aaron. When, from the long lapse of time, Aaron must have supposed that his brother had died in exile, he now receives the joyful announcement, from the mouth of God, that he is alive; and not only so, but he is excited with the hope of His special favor; for, although God does not explain in detail what he had decreed to do and prepared, yet, by his revelation, he promises him something unusual and unexpected. But the brevity of the command is remarkable, for... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:29

Verse 29 29.And Moses and Aaron went. We are here briefly told how faithfully and religiously the two brothers executed the commands of God. They gather together the elders of the people, because the mighty multitude, as we are told they were, could not be collected in one place. Besides, God wished not to contend by means of the tumultuous and confused clamor of a mob, but with the miracles, which calmly breathed forth his divine power. But it is again worthy of observation, that Aaron is... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:31

Verse 31 31.And the people believed. Either this is a synecdoche, a part of the people being put for the whole, or else Moses signifies that after the announcement was published, all with one consent embraced the message of their deliverance. I prefer the former meaning; because their solemn adoration is immediately subjoined, which could only have taken place in a public assembly. But we shall presently see how fickle and infirm was their belief. It is plain, from its levity and inconstancy,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1

Behold, they will not believe . Attempts have been made to soften down this contradiction of God's words in Exodus 3:18 , and to represent Moses as merely saying, "What if the people will not hearken, etc. What shall I do then?" (So the LXX ; Geddes, Boothroyd, and others.) But the phrase is really emphatic and peremptory. As Rosenmuller says: "Vox est negantis et detrac-tantis officium." The Lord hath not appeared to thee . It is quite probable that the Israelites would have so... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1

Unbelief. The objection started by Moses to the mission on which he was sent was a very natural one. The people would not believe him, nor hearken to his voice. For— I. HE WAS AS YET UNFURNISHED WITH DISTINCT CREDENTIALS . In so grave a matter Moses could not expect the people to believe his bare word. This was a real difficulty. Before committing themselves to his proposals, the Hebrews would be entitled to ask for very distinct proofs that the message brought to them... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1-5

The intent of the first sign. Primarily, no doubt, the object was to empower Moses to show forth a sign easily, readily, without preparation, and so at any moment. He had come to the time of life at which he naturally carried a staff. That he should be able at his will to transform that dead piece of vegetable matter into an active, living organism, would show him endued with supernatural power over both the vegetable and animal worlds, and give him a means, always ready to his hand, of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1-9

The third difficulty: how is Moses to deal with an incredulous Israel? With the mention of this third difficulty, we begin to see how much of doubt, self-distrust, and reluctance disturbed the mind of Moses. And no wonder. This revelation and commandment of God had come very suddenly upon him; and though strong assurances and sufficient information were readily given, yet he could not all at once receive the comforts which flowed from them. Had he attended to what God said by way of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1-9

Weakness and strength for God's service. I. FEAR OF THE REJECTION OF THE MESSAGE WE BEAR FOR GOD MAKES ITS DELIVERANCE IMPOSSIBLE . The tidings he was to bear were so wonderful that he believed his words would be listened to with utter incredulity. Our Gospel is more wonderful still. To speak it, our eye must rest less on the message, and more on God's power to chastise and to bless. We are not critics of, nor apologists for, the Gospel: we are messengers... read more

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:24

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:25

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:27

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:29

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1-5

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1-9

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:1-9

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