Exodus 4:31 NIV

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 4:31

And the people believed ,.... That Moses was sent of God, and would be the deliverer of them: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel ; in a way of grace and mercy, by raising such a redeemer and deliverer in the midst of them: and that he had looked upon their affliction ; with an eye of pity and compassion: then they bowed their heads, and worshipped ; adoring the goodness of God, and expressing their thankfulness for the notice he took of them, and... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:31

The people believed - They credited the account given of the Divine appointment of Moses and Aaron to be their deliverers out of their bondage, the miracles wrought on the occasion confirming the testimony delivered by Aaron. They bowed their heads and worshipped - See a similar act mentioned, and in the same words, Genesis 24:26 ; (note). The bowing the head, etc., here, may probably refer to the eastern custom of bowing the head down to the knees, then kneeling down and touching the... 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 4:18-31

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-31

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:29-31

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:29-31

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:29-31

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:31

The people believed . This ready faith stands in strong contrast with the ordinary incredulous temper of the Israelitish people, who were "a faithless and stubborn generation"—a generation that "believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation" ( Psalms 78:22 ). It would seem that under the pressure of affliction—having, humanly speaking, no hope—the stubborn spirit of the people had given way, and they were content to look to Jehovah and accept his promises, and believe in his... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Exodus 4:24-31

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Exodus 4:31

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:31

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

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:18-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:24-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:29-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:29-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:29-31

The Pulpit Commentary - Exodus 4:31

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