Exodus 4:29-31 - Exposition

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 combined will always give to their possessor. The journey from Horeb to Goshen occupied probably some weeks. On arriving in Goshen, the two brothers, in obedience to the divine command ( Exodus 3:16 ), proceeded at once to "gather together all the elders of Israel"—that is, all these who exercised local authority over their countrymen in the various districts which they inhabited. Through the mouth of Aaron, Moses declared all that had been revealed to him at the burning bush and subsequently, exhibiting at the same time the credentials which proved him an ambassador from God, i.e . the three miracles which he had been empowered to work at any moment ( Exodus 4:2-8 ). The elders, being themselves convinced, summoned an assembly of the people, as is implied though not expressed in Exodus 4:30 ; and the people, having heard the words of Aaron and seen the signs, were also convinced, and bowing their heads, worshipped the God whose ambassadors had appeared before them.