Exodus 4:18-31

The Word of G-d (written or spoken) should always bring about change in our lives (physically and spiritually).

v18 In Hebrew the first name written as “Jethro” in our Bibles is spelt uniquely in the Hebrew Bible – It is written as “Jether” in this verse. So this is the third name Jethro has been called. Jether means surplus, or excellence – something that goes beyond the unexpected. In the rest

of this chapter we are going to see that this man’s daughter (Zipporah) proved to be that to Moses – an excellent helpmeet. She went above and beyond for Moses, saving him from death.

Here we see that Moses almost asks permission to go back to Egypt, to take Jether’s daughter and grandchildren to another country.

· Peace is a word that relates to what is experienced when G-d’s will is fulfilled.

v19 The word translated “life” is a word that usually relates to something spiritual. Those who would have hindered Moses’ call were no longer able to.

v20 This rod came with G-d’s authority in order to perform miracles. This rod was also for the purpose of leading people. Miracles are not there just to impress us, but they are there to lead us into the places where G-d wants us to be (a miracle in and of itself!), so that we can accomplish what G-d would have us to do.

v21 Before Pharaoh: The words and miracles Moses and Aaron were to bring were first and foremost before Pharoah. Pharaoh, in the eyes of the Egyptians was a god. G-d wanted to bring Pharoah into submission to the only true G-d.

· In your hand: A Hebrew idiom for authority.

· Harden his heart: G-d did not reach into Pharoah’s heart and make it hard in a vacuum – watch the process unfold in the next few chapters! He did not need Pharoah’s heart to be hard in order to accomplish His purposes (If Pharoah had a soft and submissive heart G-d’s people would have left in a very different way). Pharoah had a free will and G-d (seeing into the future) saw the choices that Pharoah was going to make – this is important to keep in the back of your minds.

To send forth the people shows action. G-d wanted Pharoah to agree with Him (ie submit) and actively send the people out of Egypt.

v22 A firstborn son, in a unique way, carries out the purposes of the Father. There was a call upon Israel to carry out the purpose of G-d.

v23 Kill your (firstborn) son: G-d made a promise. Pharaoh had a choice.

v24 Sought to kill him: Moses, although he had headed off in the right direction and was on his way to do what G-d had called him to do, neglected to circumcise his son. Circumcision speaks about the death of the flesh – that carnal nature. If we are trying to serve G-d while in the flesh we are not going to be a minister of life. If we are operating in the flesh we are going to be a minister of death.

v25: Zipporah understood spiritually what was going on.

· Cut is an important word because it is a word related to making a covenant. Zipporah had to perform the circumcision because Moses was unable to do it (see v26 – He was being held by HIM and could not escape to help himself)

· Feet: Feet, Biblically speaking, have a unique role in Biblical culture (Ruth uncovered Boaz feet..etc) Feet had to do with public affirmation. Zipporah made a public affirmation here that only through the death of the flesh can we truly serve G-d.

v26 Husband of blood: she is speaking about a covenantal relationship. Moses would have died, he would not have carried out the will of G-d, if Zipporah had not acted in this way to help him.

v27 Aaron is Moses’ older brother. Aaron was risking his life to leave Egypt. But he obeyed.

· Kissed him: Redemption reunites families. It is significant that they met at the mountain (in the Kingdom) of G-d.

v28 Aaron didn’t see any of these miracles yet he believed – faith comes by hearing…

v29: Moses and Aaron went in unity to the elders.

v30 Aaron spoke to the elders – they believed by hearing and not because of any signs. Then they called the people (maybe those who had less faith) and did the signs.

v31 The people believed when they saw the signs – and then they heard.

· The L-rd had visited – He got involved.

· Bowed their heads – showed submission

· And worshipped – It’s only through humility that we really can worship G-d. Worship was G-d’s primary objective for these people.