Exodus 4:31
Exodus 4:31 in Multiple Translations
and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
And the people believed: and when they heard that Jehovah had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.
And the people had faith in them; and hearing that the Lord had taken up the cause of the children of Israel and had seen their troubles, with bent heads they gave him worship.
The Israelites were convinced. When they heard that the Lord had come to them, and that he had been touched by their suffering, they bowed their heads and worshiped.
And the people beleeued, and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and had looked vpon their tribulation, they bowed downe, and worshipped.
and the people believe when they hear that Jehovah hath looked after the sons of Israel, and that He hath seen their affliction; and they bow and do obeisance.
The people believed, and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.
And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads, and worshiped.
And the people believed. And they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel: and that he had looked upon their affliction: and falling down they adored.
They believed that what they/we were saying was true. When they heard that Yahweh had seen how the Israeli people were being cruelly oppressed and that he was going to help them, they bowed down and worshiped Yahweh.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 4:31
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 4:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יַּאֲמֵ֖ן
הָ/עָ֑ם
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֡וּ
כִּֽי
פָקַ֨ד
יְהוָ֜ה
אֶת
בְּנֵ֣י
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
וְ/כִ֤י
רָאָה֙
אֶת
עָנְיָ֔/ם
וַֽ/יִּקְּד֖וּ
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
וַֽ/יַּאֲמֵ֖ן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֡וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
פָקַ֨ד
pâqad
H6485
to reckon
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
son
N-mp
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
Israel
N-proper
וְ/כִ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
רָאָה֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עָנְיָ֔/ם
ʻŏnîy
H6040
affliction
N-ms | Suff
וַֽ/יִּקְּד֖וּ
qâdad
H6915
to bow
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
shâchâh
H7812
to bow
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 4:31
וַֽ/יַּאֲמֵ֖ן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
הָ/עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְע֡וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
פָקַ֨ד
pâqad
H6485
"to reckon"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.
Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered
Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.
יְהוָ֜ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
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.
בְּנֵ֣י
bên
H1121
"son"
N-mp
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.
יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל
Yisrâʼêl
H3478
"Israel"
N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.
וְ/כִ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
רָאָה֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
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.
עָנְיָ֔/ם
ʻŏnîy
H6040
"affliction"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means affliction or misery, describing a state of trouble or hardship, as seen in the experiences of the Israelites in the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) affliction, poverty, misery 1a) affliction 1b) poverty
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: afflicted(-ion), trouble. See also: Genesis 16:11; Job 36:21; Psalms 9:14.
וַֽ/יִּקְּד֖וּ
qâdad
H6915
"to bow"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To bow means to shrivel up or bend the body in deference. In the Bible, it is often used to describe showing respect or worship, like bowing down to God. This act is seen in many stories, including those of Moses and the prophets.
Definition: (Qal) to bow down
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: bow (down) (the) head, stoop. See also: Genesis 24:26; 1 Samuel 24:9; Nehemiah 8:6.
וַ/יִּֽשְׁתַּחֲוּֽוּ
shâchâh
H7812
"to bow"
Conj | V-v-ConsecImperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to bow down, often as a sign of respect or worship. It is used in Genesis 24:52 to describe Abraham's servant bowing down to God. The word is about showing humility and respect to someone or something.
Definition: 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Usage: Occurs in 166 OT verses. KJV: bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. See also: Genesis 18:2; 1 Kings 9:9; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Exodus 4:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 4:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
- Sermons on Exodus 4:31
Context — The People Believe Moses and Aaron
29Then Moses and Aaron went and assembled all the elders of the Israelites,
30and Aaron relayed everything the LORD had said to Moses. And Moses performed the signs before the people,
31and they believed. And when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and had seen their affliction, they bowed down and worshiped.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 3:18 | The elders of Israel will listen to what you say, and you must go with them to the king of Egypt and tell him, ‘The LORD, the God of the Hebrews, has met with us. Now please let us take a three-day journey into the wilderness, so that we may sacrifice to the LORD our God.’ |
| 2 | Exodus 2:25 | God saw the Israelites and took notice. |
| 3 | Psalms 106:12–13 | Then they believed His promises and sang His praise. Yet they soon forgot His works and failed to wait for His counsel. |
| 4 | Exodus 12:27 | you are to reply, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice to the LORD, who passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt when He struck down the Egyptians and spared our homes.’” Then the people bowed down and worshiped. |
| 5 | Exodus 3:16 | Go, assemble the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘The LORD, the God of your fathers—the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—has appeared to me and said: I have surely attended to you and have seen what has been done to you in Egypt. |
| 6 | Genesis 24:26 | Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, |
| 7 | Luke 8:13 | The seeds on rocky ground are those who hear the word and receive it with joy, but they have no root. They believe for a season, but in the time of testing, they fall away. |
| 8 | Exodus 3:7 | The LORD said, “I have indeed seen the affliction of My people in Egypt. I have heard them crying out because of their oppressors, and I am aware of their sufferings. |
| 9 | Exodus 4:8–9 | And the LORD said, “If they refuse to believe you or heed the witness of the first sign, they may believe that of the second. But if they do not believe even these two signs or listen to your voice, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. Then the water you take from the Nile will become blood on the ground.” |
| 10 | 1 Chronicles 29:20 | Then David said to the whole assembly, “Blessed be the LORD your God.” So the whole assembly blessed the LORD, the God of their fathers. They bowed down and paid homage to the LORD and to the king. |
Exodus 4:31 Summary
This verse tells us that when the Israelites heard about God's care for them, they believed and worshiped Him, showing their trust and gratitude. It's a reminder that God sees and cares about our struggles, just like He did for the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 3:7-8. When we hear about God's love and care, we can respond like the Israelites, bowing down and worshiping Him, as seen in Psalm 95:6-7. By reflecting on God's care for us, we can deepen our faith and trust in His goodness, as seen in the example of the psalmist in Psalm 23:1-6.
Frequently Asked Questions
What led the Israelites to believe in Exodus 4:31?
The Israelites believed when they heard that the Lord had attended to them and seen their affliction, and when Moses performed the signs before them, as stated in Exodus 4:30-31, demonstrating God's power and care, similar to the response of the people in Exodus 14:31 after the parting of the Red Sea.
How did the Israelites respond to the news of God's attention to their affliction?
The Israelites bowed down and worshiped when they heard that the Lord had attended to them and seen their affliction, showing their reverence and gratitude towards God, as seen in other instances of worship in response to God's deliverance, such as in Exodus 15:1-21.
What role did Aaron play in Exodus 4:31?
Aaron relayed everything the Lord had said to Moses, as mentioned in Exodus 4:30, indicating that Aaron was a key messenger in communicating God's words to the Israelites, similar to his role in Exodus 7:1-2 where God speaks to Moses and Aaron about their mission to Pharaoh.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse shows that God is a God who sees and attends to the affliction of His people, as also stated in Genesis 16:13 and Exodus 3:7-8, demonstrating His care and compassion for those who are suffering, and His desire to deliver them from their troubles, as seen in the broader narrative of the book of Exodus.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has attended to my affliction in the past, and how can I reflect on those experiences to deepen my faith?
- How can I, like the Israelites, respond to God's care and deliverance with worship and reverence, as seen in Psalm 100:1-5?
- What are some signs or wonders that God has performed in my life, and how can I share those with others to build their faith, as seen in the example of Moses in Exodus 4:30-31?
- In what ways can I, like Aaron, be a messenger of God's words to others, and what role can I play in communicating God's love and care to those around me, as seen in the example of the apostles in Acts 4:29-31?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 4:31
And the people believed,.... That Moses was sent of God, and would be the deliverer of them: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel; in a way of grace and mercy, by
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
Had visited, i.e. taken cognizance of their cause and condition, and resolved to deliver them, they bowed their heads and worshipped; acknowledging and adoring the kindness and faithfulness of God thereto.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
Exodus 4:31 And the people believed: and when they heard that the LORD had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.Ver. 31. They bowed their heads.] An ordinary gesture among the Jews then: as at this day, the reverence they show is in standing up, and the gesture of adoration in the bowing forward of their bodies: for, kneeling they use none, neither stir they their bonnets in their synagogues to any man, but remain still covered. Spec. Europ.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
Verse 31. The people believed] They credited the account given of the Divine appointment of Moses and Aaron to be their deliverers out of their bondage, the miracles wrought on the occasion confirming the testimony delivered by Aaron. They bowed their heads and worshipped.] See a similar act mentioned, and in the same words, Genesis 24:26. The bowing the head, c., here, may probably refer to the eastern custom of bowing the head down to the knees, then kneeling down and touching the earth with the forehead. This was a very painful posture and the most humble in which the body could possibly be placed. Those who pretend to worship God, either by prayer or thanksgiving, and keep themselves during the performance of those solemn acts in a state of perfect ease, either carelessly standing or stupidly sitting, surely cannot have a due sense of the majesty of God, and their own sinfulness and unworthiness. Let the feelings of the body put the soul in remembrance of its sin against God. Let a man put himself in such a position (kneeling for instance) as it is generally acknowledged a criminal should assume, when coming to his sovereign and judge to bewail his sins, and solicit forgiveness. The Jewish custom, as we learn from Rabbi Maymon, was to bend the body so that every joint of the backbone became incurvated, and the head was bent towards the knees, so that the body resembled a bow and prostration implied laying the body flat upon the earth, the arms and legs extended to the uttermost, the mouth and forehead touching the ground. In Matthew 8:2 the leper is said to worship our Lord, προσεκυνειαυτω. but in Lu 5:12 he is said to have fallen on his face, πεσωνεπιπροσωπον.
These two accounts show that he first kneeled down, probably putting his face down to his knees, and touching the earth with his forehead; and then prostrated himself, his legs and arms being both extended. See Clarke on Genesis 17:3. THE backwardness of Moses to receive and execute the commission to deliver the children of Israel, has something very instructive in it. He felt the importance of the charge, his own insufficiency, and the awful responsibility under which he should be laid if he received it. Who then can blame him for hesitating? If he miscarried (and how difficult in such a case not to miscarry!) he must account to a jealous God, whose justice required him to punish every delinquency. What should ministers of the Gospel feel on such subjects? Is not their charge more important and more awful than that of Moses? How few consider this! It is respectable, it is honourable, to be in the Gospel ministry, but who is sufficient to guide and feed the flock of God?
If through the pastor's unfitness or neglect any soul should go astray, or perish through want of proper spiritual nourishment, or through not getting his portion in due season, in what a dreadful state is the pastor!
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 4:31
31. The people believe in Moses’ commission, as Jehovah had assured him that they would do (Exodus 3:18 a, Exodus 4:8-9); and bow the heads in reverence and gratitude when they hear that Jehovah has visited (Exodus 3:16) His people. and when, &c.] Heb. and they heard …, and they bowed. LXX. for and they heard (ειωξςε) have and they rejoiced (ειωξηε); no doubt rightly.
Whedon's Commentary on Exodus 4:31
29-31. Gathered… the elders — This points to an organization of the people under chiefs of their own, and their reverent acceptance of Moses and Aaron shows that they had not forgotten the God and
Sermons on Exodus 4:31
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Desert Survival Series Pt 17- Moses the Servant of God by Don Courville | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of the Israelites being freed from the bondage of Egypt and their journey to the land of Canaan. He highlights that while God deliv |
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Go Forward by G.W. North | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of leaders taking initiative and leading by example. He uses the story of Moses leading the Israelites through the Red Sea as |
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The Reluctant God - Part 5 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being led by God as a flock, rather than following our own ideas. He references the psalmist who declared that the Lord is |
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The Reluctant God - Part 2 by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and how God showed him what He could do with a man who allowed Him to work through him. The preacher emphasizes that many |
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Week of Meetings 06 Christ the Nazarene by David Clifford | In this sermon, the preacher begins by discussing the importance of working together in pairs, as exemplified by Jesus sending out his disciples two by two. He then goes on to desc |
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When God Calls Us to Act by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between the prayer of faith and the prayer of unbelief, illustrating this through the story of Moses at the Red Sea. Despite Moses' deep |
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Wait and Worship by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of remembering God's faithfulness and track record in our lives. He shares a personal story of how God intervened and saved hi |