Exodus 4

Chapter Summary

In Exodus chapter 4, God instructs Moses to throw his staff on the ground, and it becomes a snake, demonstrating God's power. Moses is also told to put his hand into his bosom, and it becomes leprous, showing God's ability to afflict and heal. Despite these signs, Moses expresses his inadequacy and fear, citing his slow speech and the likelihood that the Israelites will not believe him. God responds by promising to be with Moses' mouth and to teach him what to say. Additionally, God tells Moses that his brother Aaron will be his spokesman. The chapter concludes with Moses returning to Egypt, where he reunites with Aaron and they go before Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. As seen in Exodus 4:1-5, Moses' initial reluctance and God's reassurances set the stage for the events that will unfold in the subsequent chapters.

Context for the Chapter

Exodus chapter 4 follows God's call to Moses in the burning bush, as recorded in Exodus 3. This chapter sets the stage for the confrontation between Moses and Pharaoh, which will be the focus of the subsequent chapters. The events in Exodus 4 are crucial for understanding the character of Moses and the nature of God's call and empowerment. Furthermore, this chapter is part of the larger narrative of the Exodus, which is a pivotal event in the history of the Israelites and a type of the redemption that God would ultimately achieve through Jesus Christ.

Heart Application

This chapter encourages us to trust in God's power and promises, even when we feel inadequate or fearful. As we reflect on Moses' experience, we are reminded that our sufficiency comes from God, not from our own abilities. Therefore, we should be willing to step out in faith, knowing that God will be with us and guide us, as promised in Exodus 4:12.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Exodus chapter 4 is about Moses' call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and his objections to this call. Despite his fears, God promises to be with Moses and teach him what to say. This chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and promises, even when we feel inadequate or fearful. As seen in Exodus 4:10-12, God's presence and guidance are what make us sufficient for the tasks He assigns to us.

Voices from the Church

“The grandest worker God has is the one who, like Moses, is weak in himself but made strong by the power of God.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“Moses, though a great man, was not sufficient for the task without the aid of his brother Aaron and the promise of God's presence.”

— John Calvin

“The signs performed by Moses were not mere spectacles but served to authenticate his message and demonstrate God's authority over creation.”

— Martin Luther

Outline for Preaching

1. The Call to Moses (Exodus 4:1-5) — Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, and he is given signs to authenticate his message, including the staff becoming a snake and his hand becoming leprous.
2. Moses' Objections (Exodus 4:10-12) — Moses expresses his inadequacy and fear, citing his slow speech, but God promises to be with his mouth and teach him what to say.
3. The Appointment of Aaron (Exodus 4:14-16) — Aaron is appointed by God to be Moses' spokesman, highlighting the importance of teamwork and support in ministry.
4. The Confrontation with Pharaoh (Exodus 4:20-23) — Moses and Aaron go before Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites, setting the stage for the subsequent events of the Exodus.
5. The Sign of the Leprous Hand (Exodus 4:6-7) — Moses' leprous hand represents the affliction and uncleanness that God can both inflict and heal, demonstrating God's power over creation.

Core Doctrines

The Sovereignty of God

This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all creation and that His power is not limited by human weakness or opposition, as seen in Exodus 4:2-7 and 10-12.

The Importance of Faith

The story of Moses encourages us to trust in God's power and promises, even when we feel inadequate or fearful, as expressed in Exodus 4:10-12.

The Role of Signs and Miracles

The signs performed by Moses serve as tangible evidence of God's power and presence, authenticating His message and demonstrating His authority over creation, as described in Exodus 4:2-7.

The Nature of God's Call

God's call to Moses, as recorded in Exodus 4, highlights the importance of obedience and faith in responding to God's call, as seen in Exodus 4:1-5 and 10-12.

Lessons from Exodus 4

1. The Importance of Trusting in God's Power — This chapter teaches us to trust in God's power and promises, even when we feel inadequate or fearful, as seen in Exodus 4:10-12.
2. The Role of Teamwork in Ministry — The appointment of Aaron as Moses' spokesman highlights the importance of teamwork and support in ministry, as seen in Exodus 4:14-16.
3. The Significance of Signs and Miracles — The signs performed by Moses serve as tangible evidence of God's power and presence, authenticating His message and demonstrating His authority over creation, as described in Exodus 4:2-7.
4. The Nature of God's Call — God's call to Moses, as recorded in Exodus 4, highlights the importance of obedience and faith in responding to God's call, as seen in Exodus 4:1-5 and 10-12.
5. The Patience of God — God's patient response to Moses' objections demonstrates His understanding and accommodation of human weakness, as observed in Exodus 4:11-12.

Themes from Exodus 4

1. The Sovereignty of God — This chapter teaches that God is sovereign over all creation and that His power is not limited by human weakness or opposition, as seen in Exodus 4:2-7 and 10-12.
2. The Importance of Faith — The story of Moses encourages us to trust in God's power and promises, even when we feel inadequate or fearful, as expressed in Exodus 4:10-12.
3. The Role of Signs and Miracles — The signs performed by Moses serve as tangible evidence of God's power and presence, authenticating His message and demonstrating His authority over creation, as described in Exodus 4:2-7.
4. The Nature of God's Call — God's call to Moses, as recorded in Exodus 4, highlights the importance of obedience and faith in responding to God's call, as seen in Exodus 4:1-5 and 10-12.
5. The Patience of God — God's patient response to Moses' objections demonstrates His understanding and accommodation of human weakness, as observed in Exodus 4:11-12.

Questions for Meditation

1. What are some common excuses we use to avoid obeying God's call, and how can we overcome them, as seen in Exodus 4:10-12?
2. How does God's promise to be with Moses' mouth and teach him what to say encourage us to trust in His power and promises, as expressed in Exodus 4:12?
3. What role do signs and miracles play in authenticating God's message and demonstrating His authority over creation, as described in Exodus 4:2-7?
4. How does the appointment of Aaron as Moses' spokesman emphasize the importance of teamwork and support in ministry, as seen in Exodus 4:14-16?
5. What lessons can we learn from Moses' initial reluctance and God's patient response, as observed in Exodus 4:1 and 10-12?

Detailed Chapter Outline

Frequently Asked Questions

Top Cross References

Sermons on Exodus 4

	Sermon	Description
	Understanding Your Temptations by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal struggle with temptation and feeling different from other Christians. He explains how he was rescued by the Word of the Lord and th
	The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2 by Jonathan Edwards	In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear
	Have You Seen Your Calling Yet by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher addresses the issue of Christians seeking their calling and purpose in life. He emphasizes that many believers are searching for guidance and understan
	A Frail but Honest Testimony by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living for the glory of God and the salvation of souls. He highlights the simplicity of Christianity and the need for belie
	(Exodus) Exodus 5 Introduction by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the plagues that God sent upon Egypt to reveal His power and superiority over the gods of Egypt. The plagues were not random, but were specif
	(Exodus) Exodus 7:1 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of putting aside the human element and relying solely on God. He quotes Paul's statement that within the flesh dwells no good
	(Exodus) Exodus 4:6-13 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a heart yielded to God. He uses the example of Moses and how God wanted to use him to deliver the Israelites from Eg
	(Exodus) Exodus 7:2-9 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and Pharaoh in the book of Exodus. He compares Pharaoh to King Cole, who wanted to appear generous but was actually hard-h
	(Exodus) Exodus 4:25-31 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Moses and Aaron in the book of Exodus. He highlights the moment when Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel and share the w
	(Exodus) Exodus 4:1-4 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Moses and his doubts and questions when called by God to deliver the Israelites from Egypt. Moses expresses his concern that th

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Exodus 4

In Exodus chapter 4, we see the call of Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt and his objections to this call. God's patient response to Moses' fears and doubts demonstrates His understanding and accommodation of human weakness. The signs performed by Moses, such as the staff becoming a snake and his hand becoming leprous, serve as tangible evidence of God's power and presence. These signs authenticate Moses' message and demonstrate God's authority over creation. As Matthew Henry notes, 'The rod of Moses was a staff, a symbol of his authority, and the serpent into which it was turned was a symbol of the power of God.' The chapter concludes with Moses returning to Egypt, where he reunites with Aaron and they go before Pharaoh to demand the release of the Israelites. Through this chapter, we learn the importance of trusting in God's power and promises, even when we feel inadequate or fearful, and we see the significance of signs and miracles in authenticating God's message and demonstrating His authority over creation. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?