Exodus 4:1-5

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 4:2

(2) A rod.—Most commentators regard the “rod” of Moses as his shepherd’s crook, and this is certainly possible; but the etymology of the word employed seems rather to point to an ordinary staff, or walking-stick. Egyptians of rank usually carried long batons; and one suggestion is, that the rod of Moses was “that which he had been accustomed to carry as the son of Pharaoh’s daughter.” But even if this was still in his possession after forty years of exile, he is not likely to have taken it with... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 4:3

(3) A serpent.—The word here used (nakhash) is a generic one for a snake of any kind, and tells us nothing as to the species. A different word (tannin) is used in Exodus 7:10, while nakhash recurs in Exodus 7:15. Tannin is, like nakhash, a generic term.And Moses fled from before it—It was natural for Moses to remember his alarm, and record it. Any-later writer would have passed over so small a circumstance. (See the Introduction, p. 3.) read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 4:4

(4) Take it by the tail.—Those who venture to handle poisonous snakes, like the modern Egyptians and the inhabitants of the coast of Barbary, generally take hold of them by the neck, in which case they are unable to bite. To test the faith and courage of Moses, the command is given him to lay hold of this serpent “by the tail.”He put forth his hand.—Faith triumphed over instinct. Moses had “fled from” the snake when first he saw it (Exodus 4:3). Now he is daring enough to stoop down, put his... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Exodus 4:5

(5) That they may believe . . . —These are God’s words to Moses, in continuation of those which form the first portion of the preceding verse. The clause describing the action of Moses in Exodus 4:4 is parenthetic. The words give Diviue sanction to the view, so strangely combatted of late, that the power of working miracles is given to men, primarily and mainly, for its evidential value to accredit them as God’s messengers. Without the gift of miracles neither would Moses have persuaded the... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - Exodus 4:1-31

The Rod That Is in Thine Hand Exodus 4:2 ; Exodus 4:17 I. God often does His greatest works by the humblest means. The great forces of nature are not in the earthquake which tumbles cities into ruins. This power passes in a moment; the soft silent light, the warm summer rain, the stars whose voice is not heard these are the majestic mighty forces which fill the earth with riches, and control the worlds which constitute the wide universe of God. II. So in Providence. The founders of... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - Exodus 4:1-17

CHAPTER IV.MOSES HESITATES.Exodus 4:1-17.Holy Scripture is impartial, even towards its heroes. The sin of David is recorded, and the failure of Peter. And so is the reluctance of Moses to accept his commission, even after a miracle had been vouchsafed to him for encouragement. The absolute sinlessness of Jesus is the more significant because it is found in the records of a creed which knows of no idealised humanity.In Josephus, the refusal of Moses is softened down. Even the modest words,... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - Exodus 4:1-28

CHAPTER 4:1-28 Moses’ Objections, Jehovah’s Answer and the Return to Egypt 1. The first objection (Exodus 4:1 ) 2. The two signs and Jehovah’s assurance (Exodus 4:2-9 ) 3. The second objection (Exodus 4:10 ) 4. Jehovah’s answer (Exodus 4:11-12 ) 5. Moses’ request (Exodus 4:13 ) 6. Jehovah’s anger and answer (Exodus 4:14-17 ) 7. The command to return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18-23 ) 8. The event by the way in the inn (Exodus 4:24-26 ) 9. The meeting of Moses and Aaron (4:27-28) The... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Exodus 4:1

4:1 And Moses answered and said, {a] But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The LORD hath not appeared unto thee.(a) God bears with Moses doubting, because he was not completely without faith. read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - Exodus 4:5

4:5 {b} That they may believe that the LORD God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, hath appeared unto thee.(b) This power to work miracles was to confirm his doctrine, and to assure him of his vocation. read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Exodus 4:1-31

God's message to Moses has been so clear that it cannot be mistaken. He has made no secret of the opposition of Pharaoh, but has declared positively that He would enable Israel to triumph over this and to gain greatly through the experience. But still apprehensive, Moses asks, "Suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice?" (v.1). But God had told him they WOULD listen (ch.3:18). Why not believe Him'? God compassionately responds, however, telling him to make use of what was in his... read more

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