And Moses and Aaron went ,.... Set forward for Egypt: and being come thither: gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel ; the heads of tribes and families, as many as they could conveniently get together in one place; probably in the metropolis of the kingdom, where Pharaoh's palace was, since we quickly hear of their going in to him. read more
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
Facing Egypt. "And the people believed, and when," etc. ( Exodus 4:31 ). This section of the history may be homiletically treated under three geographical headings, which will keep the historical development prominent, without obscuring the moral and spiritual elements. I. MIDIAN . From Sinai Moses returned to Midian. Reuel now dead, Jethro, probably his son, becomes priest and sheikh of the tribe. [We take Jethro to have been the brother-in-law of Moses. See 'Speaker's... read more
My times are in Thy hand. Moses thought himself fit for his work at forty-eager to undertake it before the years increased; God waits until his self-confidence has abated, and then, at eighty, gives him his commission. I. THE GREAT COMMISSION . His errand is to Pharaoh, as an ambassador from the King of heaven to the king of Egypt. Notice— 1 . His credentials. As coming in a king's name he must be accredited by the king who sends him. God gives him signs, very simple but... read more
The three meetings. I. THE LORD 'S MEETING WITH MOSES ( Exodus 4:24-26 ). 1 . Moses' sin. 2 . The reason of the omission, weak yielding to the prejudices of his Midianitish wife. 3 . His guilt. God looked beyond the sign to that which it signified and partially accomplished—the claiming of the life for himself and righteousness. Moses' disobedience was therefore murder by neglect, and life shall answer for life. The guilt of the unfaithful watchmen in Zion ( ... read more
On the elders of Israel , see note upon Exodus 3:16 . It is clear that the Israelitish nation, though in bondage to the Egyptians, had a certain internal organisation of its own, and possessed a set of native officers. These were probably the hereditary heads of families. Moses and Aaron could have no authority to gather these persons together; but they issued an invitation, and it was accepted. The "elders" came to the meeting. read more
Moses seems to have parted with Zipporah and his children in Horeb, and to have sent them back to Jethro ( Exodus 18:2 ), perhaps because they might have interfered with the work which he had to do, perhaps because he thought Egypt would be no pleasant residence for them during the coming struggle. He journeyed onward from Horeb with Aaron for his sole companion, and had abundant time for taking counsel with him, and exercising the influence over him which high intellect and education... read more
The blessing on obedience. Moses and Aaron, on their return to Egypt in company, carried out exactly the Divine directions, doing neither less nor more. They summoned the elders as commanded ( Exodus 3:16 ); they delivered God's message to them ( ib .); they wrought the signs which they had been told to work ( Exodus 4:17 ); they severally kept to their appointed offices; and the result was complete success so far. The elders and people hearkened unto them, believed, gave in their... read more
Preaching and faith. I. THE WORD SPOKEN . 1 . Should be the Word of God. The preacher is not set to deliver his own speculations, but to convey a message. 2 . Should be exhibited with its appropriate evidence. 3 . Should be declared to all. II. THE WORD BELIEVED . The people— 1 . Appreciated the value of the word. 2 . Believed the word. 3 . Worshipped; a token of gratitude, submission, and obedience.— J . O . read more
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Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 4:24-31
Moses is here going to Egypt, and we are told, I. How God met him in anger, Exod. 4:24-26. This is a very difficult passage of story; much has been written, and excellently written, to make it intelligible; we will try to make it improving. Here is, 1. The sin of Moses, which was neglecting to circumcise his son. This was probably the effect of his being unequally yoked with a Midianite, who was too indulgent of her child, while Moses was too indulgent of her. Note, (1.) We have need to watch... read more