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
And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses ,.... As Moses had related to him, being his mouth and spokesman: and did the signs in the sight of the people ; not Aaron, but Moses, and these were the turning of his rod into a serpent, and the serpent into a rod again; putting his hand into and out of his bosom, when it was leprous, and then doing the same when it was well again; and taking water out of the river, and changing it into blood, which he did for the... read more
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
Aaron spake all the words - It is likely that Aaron was better acquainted with the Hebrew tongue than his brother, and on this account he became the spokesman. See Clarke on Exodus 4:14 ; (note). Did the signs - Turned the rod into a serpent, made the hand leprous, and changed the water into blood. See Clarke on Exodus 4:6 ; (note) and Exodus 4:8 ; (note). read more
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
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
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
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
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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