Exodus 4:4 - Exposition

By the tail . A snake-charmer will usually take up his serpents by the neck, so that they may not be able to bite him. Moses was bidden to show his trust in God by taking up his serpent by the tail. His courage, as well as his faith, is shown in his ready obedience. It became a rod . A veritable rod once more, not a mere stiffened snake like the "rods" of the magicians ( Exodus 7:12 )