Exodus 4:20

Exodus 4:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.

King James Version KJV

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

American Standard Version ASV

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Moses took his wife and his sons and put them on an ass and went back to the land of Egypt: and he took the rod of God in his hand.

Free Bible Version FBV

Moses put his wife and sons on a donkey and went back to Egypt, carrying the walking stick that God had used to perform miracles.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then Moses tooke his wife, and his sonnes, and put them on an asse, and returned towarde the lande of Egypt, and Moses tooke the rod of God in his hand.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Moses taketh his wife, and his sons, and causeth them to ride on the ass, and turneth back to the land of Egypt, and Moses taketh the rod of God in his hand.

World English Bible WEB

Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them on a donkey, and he returned to the land of Egypt. Moses took God’s rod in his hand.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Moses took his wife, and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Moses therefore took his wife, and his sons, and set them upon an ass: and returned into Egypt, carrying the rod of God in his hand.

Translation for Translators T4T

So Moses/I took his/my wife and sons and put them on donkeys, and they/we returned to Egypt. And Moses/I took in his/my hand the stick that God told him/me to take along.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:20

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Exodus 4:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת אִשְׁתּ֣/וֹ וְ/אֶת בָּנָ֗י/ו וַ/יַּרְכִּבֵ/ם֙ עַֽל הַ/חֲמֹ֔ר וַ/יָּ֖שָׁב אַ֣רְצָ/ה מִצְרָ֑יִם וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת מַטֵּ֥ה הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ

וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֜ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

אִשְׁתּ֣/וֹ ʼishshâh H802 woman N-fs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

בָּנָ֗י/ו bên H1121 son N-mp | Suff

וַ/יַּרְכִּבֵ/ם֙ râkab H7392 to ride Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

עַֽל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

הַ/חֲמֹ֔ר chămôwr H2543 donkey Art | N-cs

וַ/יָּ֖שָׁב shûwb H7725 to return Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אַ֣רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 land N-cs | Suff

מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 Egypt N-proper

וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח lâqach H3947 to take Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 Moses N-proper

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

מַטֵּ֥ה maṭṭeh H4294 tribe N-ms

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 God Art | N-mp

בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 4:20

וַ/יִּקַּ֨ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to take or get something, and it is used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to take a wife, to take possession of something, or to receive a gift. For example, in Genesis 2:22, God takes a rib from Adam to create Eve.

Definition: : take 1) to take, get, fetch, lay hold of, seize, receive, acquire, buy, bring, marry, take a wife, snatch, take away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to take, take in the hand 1a2) to take and carry along 1a3) to take from, take out of, take, carry away, take away 1a4) to take to or for a person, procure, get, take possession of, select, choose, take in marriage, receive, accept 1a5) to take up or upon, put upon 1a6) to fetch 1a7) to take, lead, conduct 1a8) to take, capture, seize 1a9) to take, carry off 1a10) to take (vengeance) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be captured 1b2) to be taken away, be removed 1b3) to be taken, brought unto 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to be taken from or out of 1c2) to be stolen from 1c3) to be taken captive 1c4) to be taken away, be removed 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be taken unto, be brought unto 1d2) to be taken out of 1d3) to be taken away 1e) (Hithpael) 1e1) to take hold of oneself 1e2) to flash about (of lightning)

Usage: Occurs in 909 OT verses. KJV: accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win. See also: Genesis 2:15; Genesis 34:17; Exodus 30:23.

מֹשֶׁ֜ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.2.10; son of: Amram (H6019) and Jochebed (H3115); brother of: Aaron (H0175) and Miriam (H4813); married to Zipporah (H6855); father of: Gershom (H1647) and Eliezer (H0461H); also called Manasseh at Jdg.18.30(?) § Moses = "drawn" the prophet and lawgiver, leader of the exodus

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

אִשְׁתּ֣/וֹ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

בָּנָ֗י/ו bên H1121 "son" N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

וַ/יַּרְכִּבֵ/ם֙ râkab H7392 "to ride" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff

This Hebrew verb means to ride an animal or vehicle, and can also mean to place someone or something on a horse or chariot. It is used to describe riding horses or chariots in the Bible.

Definition: 1) to mount and ride, ride 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to mount, mount and sit or ride 1a2) to ride, be riding 1a3) rider (subst) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to ride, cause to (mount and) ride 1b2) to cause to draw (plough, etc) 1b3) to cause to ride upon (fig)

Usage: Occurs in 75 OT verses. KJV: bring (on (horse-) back), carry, get (oneself) up, on (horse-) back, put, (cause to, make to) ride (in a chariot, on, -r), set. See also: Genesis 24:61; 2 Kings 23:30; Psalms 18:11.

עַֽל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

הַ/חֲמֹ֔ר chămôwr H2543 "donkey" Art | N-cs

The Hebrew word for a male donkey, it is translated as he ass in the KJV Bible. The name comes from the animal's reddish-brown color.

Definition: (he) ass

Usage: Occurs in 93 OT verses. KJV: (he) ass. See also: Genesis 12:16; Judges 6:4; Proverbs 26:3.

וַ/יָּ֖שָׁב shûwb H7725 "to return" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אַ֣רְצָ/ה ʼerets H776 "land" N-cs | Suff

The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.

Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan

Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.

מִצְרָ֑יִם Mitsrayim H4714 "Egypt" N-proper

This word means Egypt, a country in northeastern Africa, and is used in the Bible to describe the land and its people. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often referring to the Nile River and the Egyptians. Egypt is an important setting for many biblical events.

Definition: § Egypt = "land of the Copts" a country at the northeastern section of Africa, adjacent to Palestine, and through which the Nile flows Egyptians = "double straits" adj 2) the inhabitants or natives of Egypt

Usage: Occurs in 569 OT verses. KJV: Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim. See also: Genesis 10:6; Exodus 6:13; Exodus 34:18.

וַ/יִּקַּ֥ח lâqach H3947 "to take" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

מֹשֶׁ֛ה Môsheh H4872 "Moses" N-proper

Moses, the Israelite leader, was born to Amram and Jochebed and led the Exodus from Egypt. He received the law from God and is considered a key figure in the Bible. Moses means 'drawn' in Hebrew.

Usage: Occurs in 704 OT verses. KJV: Moses. See also: Exodus 2:10; Exodus 13:1; Exodus 32:21.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מַטֵּ֥ה maṭṭeh H4294 "tribe" N-ms

In the Bible, this word can mean a tribe, like the 12 tribes of Israel, or a staff, like the one Moses used to lead his people in Exodus 4:2.

Definition: : tribe 1) staff, branch, tribe 1a) staff, rod, shaft 1b) branch (of vine) 1c) tribe 1c1) company led by chief with staff (originally)

Usage: Occurs in 205 OT verses. KJV: rod, staff, tribe. See also: Genesis 38:18; Numbers 34:19; Psalms 105:16.

הָ/אֱלֹהִ֖ים ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" Art | N-mp

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

Study Notes — Exodus 4:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Exodus 4:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:20
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:20
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:20
Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:20
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:20
Sermons on Exodus 4:20

Context — Moses Leaves for Egypt

18Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.” “Go in peace,” Jethro replied. 19Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead.”

20So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and headed back to Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand.

21The LORD instructed Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders that I have put within your power. But I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go. 22Then tell Pharaoh that this is what the LORD says: ‘Israel is My firstborn son,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Exodus 17:9	So Moses said to Joshua, “Choose some of our men and go out to fight the Amalekites. Tomorrow I will stand on the hilltop with the staff of God in my hand.”
2	Numbers 20:8–9	“Take the staff and assemble the congregation. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will pour out its water. You will bring out water from the rock and provide drink for the congregation and their livestock.” So Moses took the staff from the LORD’s presence, just as he had been commanded.
3	Exodus 18:3–4	along with her two sons. One son was named Gershom, for Moses had said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” The other son was named Eliezer, for Moses had said, “The God of my father was my helper and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”
4	Exodus 4:2	And the LORD asked him, “What is that in your hand?” “A staff,” he replied.
5	Numbers 20:11	Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock were able to drink.
6	Exodus 4:17	But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”

Exodus 4:20 Summary

In Exodus 4:20, Moses is obeying God's instruction to return to Egypt, where he will confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses takes his family with him and also takes the staff of God, which is a symbol of God's power and authority. This verse shows us that obedience to God often requires trust and faith, even when the outcome is uncertain (as seen in Hebrews 11:8). By following God's instructions, Moses is able to fulfill his role as a leader and instrument of God's deliverance, and we can learn from his example to trust and obey God in our own lives (as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Moses take his wife and sons with him to Egypt?

Moses took his family with him to Egypt because God had instructed him to return to Egypt, and it is likely that Moses wanted to keep his family with him for their protection and well-being, as seen in Exodus 4:20. This decision also shows that Moses was willing to involve his family in his obedience to God's call, much like how the apostle Paul involved his companions in his ministry, as mentioned in Acts 20:4.

What is the significance of the staff of God in Moses' hand?

The staff of God, also known as the rod of God, was a symbol of God's power and authority, which Moses would use to perform miracles and signs in Egypt, as mentioned in Exodus 4:2-5 and Exodus 7:9-10. By taking the staff of God in his hand, Moses was acknowledging his dependence on God's power and his role as a vessel for God's work.

Was Moses hesitant to return to Egypt, and if so, why?

Although the Bible does not explicitly state Moses' emotions in Exodus 4:20, it can be inferred from Exodus 3:11 and Exodus 4:1 that Moses was initially hesitant to return to Egypt due to his own feelings of inadequacy and fear of rejection. However, after God's reassurance and instructions, Moses obeyed and returned to Egypt, demonstrating his trust in God's sovereignty and plan, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.

How does this verse relate to the broader context of Moses' life and ministry?

This verse marks a significant turning point in Moses' life, as he transitions from being a shepherd in Midian to becoming the leader of the Israelites in Egypt, as seen in Exodus 3:10. Moses' obedience to God's call in Exodus 4:20 sets the stage for the events that will unfold in the following chapters, including the confrontation with Pharaoh and the eventual deliverance of the Israelites, which is a testament to God's faithfulness and power, as seen in Exodus 14:13-14 and Deuteronomy 31:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I am being called to trust and obey God, even if it feels uncertain or uncomfortable?
How can I, like Moses, acknowledge my dependence on God's power and authority in my daily life and decisions?
What are some 'staffs of God' that I have been given, and how can I use them to serve and glorify God?
In what ways can I involve my family and loved ones in my obedience to God's call, and how can we support one another in our faith journeys?

Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:20

And Moses took his wife, and his sons,.... Gershom and Eliezer; by which it appears that he intended to stay in Egypt, and that he believed that God would work deliverance by him: and set them upon

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 4:20

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:20

His sons, Gershom, , and Eliezer, , whom he intended to carry with him; but afterwards observing that they were like to be impediments to him in his great business, and being well assured that it would not be long ere he returned to them, he sent them back to Jethro, as may seem from . Upon an ass: one ass might be sufficient for her and her two children, because one of them was but little, . Or ass may be put for asses, which changes of the numbers is very frequent in Scripture. The rod of God; his shepherd’ s rod so called, partly because it was appropriated to God’ s special service, to be the instrument in all his glorious works; and partly to show that whatsoever was done by that rod, was not done by any virtue in the rod, or in Moses’ s hand, but merely by the power of God, who was pleased for the greater confusion of his enemies to use so mean an instrument.

Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:20

Exodus 4:20 And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.Ver. 20. Upon an ass.] This may argue his poverty, as Zechariah 9:9. Especially if he had but one ass for the whole family.

Ellicott's Commentary on Exodus 4:20

(20) His sons.—Only one had been mentioned previously, viz., Gershom (Exodus 2:22), unless we accept the Vulgate addition to that place. But another had been recently born to him. Set them upon an ass.—Heb., upon the ass, i.e., cither “upon his ass,” or, according to some, “upon asses.” The singular of a substantive with the article is sometimes used for the genus (Genesis 15:11). He returned.—Rather, set out to return (ἐπέστρεψεν, LXX.). The rod of God.—An emphatic phrase. God’s endowment of the rod with miraculous power had made it “the rod of God.” It was the instrument by means of which most of the plagues and the other miracles were wrought (Exodus 7:20; Exodus 8:6; Exodus 8:17; Exodus 9:23; Exodus 10:13; Exodus 14:16; Exodus 17:5; Numbers 20:9; &c).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:20

Verse 20. His wife and his sons] Both Gershom and Eliezer, though the birth of the latter has not yet been mentioned in the Hebrew text. See Clarke on Exodus 2:22. Set them upon an ass] The Septuagint reads the word in the plural, εκιταὑποζυγια, upon asses, as it certainly required more than one to carry Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer. The rod of God] The sign of sovereign power, by which he was to perform all his miracles; once the badge of his shepherd's office, and now that by which he is to feed, rule, and protect his people Israel.

Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:20

20a (J). his wife, &c.] according to E Moses went alone into Egypt, and was only joined by his wife and sons afterwards (Exodus 18:5). his sons] The birth of only one son has been hitherto mentioned (Exodus 2:22); and Exodus 4:25 suggests strongly that only one son was with Moses at the time: Di. and others are therefore probably right in thinking that we should read his son, the plural being an alteration due to an editor or scribe who thought that account should be taken of Exo 18:2-4. 20b (E). the rod of God] So Exodus 17:9, cf. on Exodus 4:17.

Barnes' Notes on Exodus 4:20

An ass - Literally, “the ass,” which, according to Hebrew idiom, means that he set them upon asses. This is the first notice of other sons besides Gershom.

Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:20

20. And Moses took his wife — Zipporah. And his (two) sons — Gershom and Eliezer. Set thereupon an ass — Rather, made them ride upon the ass.

Sermons on Exodus 4:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Exodus) Exodus 17:8-12 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of the battle between the Israelites and the Amalekites, which represents the conflict between the flesh and the spirit. The Amale
	Steadfastness in Conflict by Duncan Campbell	Duncan Campbell emphasizes the necessity of steadfastness in the face of conflict, drawing parallels between Israel's battle against Amalek and the spiritual struggles Christians f
	Leadership and Ministry (Judges 5:2) by T. Austin-Sparks	T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the critical role of leadership in both spiritual and practical realms, asserting that effective leadership is essential for overcoming challenges and g
	Zeal by William MacDonald	William MacDonald emphasizes the critical importance of zeal in the life of a disciple, arguing that without a passionate commitment to Christ, one stands condemned. He illustrates
	Discipline in the School of God - Part 2 by J.B. Stoney	J.B. Stoney preaches about the life and lessons of Joshua, highlighting his journey from a warrior chief leading the people in battle against their enemies to a faithful servant le
	(Exodus) Exodus 17:1-7 by J. Vernon McGee	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of the smitten rock and its significance in relation to spiritual blessings. He emphasizes that although God has blessed us abund
	Is the Lord Among Us, or Not by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the advancements of technology, particularly the TV camera, and how it has brought both incredible discoveries and disturbing events into ou