Exodus 4

Chapter 4: Signs for Moses' Commission

Background History and Timeline: Exodus continues the narrative of the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and their journey to the Promised Land. The events in Exodus likely took place around the late 15th or early 14th century BCE.

Locations Mentioned: The chapter primarily takes place in Midian, where Moses encounters God at the burning bush, and later in Egypt.

Themes and Conflicts: Exodus 4 recounts Moses' encounter with God and the signs provided to confirm his commission as the deliverer of the Israelites. It explores themes of doubt, faith, and obedience.

Main Characters: The main characters in this chapter include Moses, Aaron, and God.

Specific Passages:

• Exodus 4:10-12: "But Moses said to the Lord, 'Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.' Then the Lord said to him, 'Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.'"

Explanation: In Exodus 4, Moses expresses further reluctance and doubts about his ability to speak eloquently before Pharaoh and the Israelites. Despite God's assurance of His presence and guidance, Moses feels inadequate for the task.

God provides Moses with signs to authenticate his mission, including the transformation of his staff into a serpent, his hand becoming leprous and then healed, and the ability to turn water from the Nile into blood. These signs serve as evidence of God's power and authority behind Moses' commission.

Still hesitant, Moses pleads with God to send someone else to carry out the mission. In response, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to serve as his spokesman before Pharaoh and the Israelites.

The chapter also depicts Moses' departure from Midian with his family and his encounter with God along the way. In obedience to God's command, Moses sets out for Egypt, carrying the staff of God in his hand.

Exodus 4 highlights the tension between human doubts and divine assurance, as well as the theme of God's sovereignty in equipping and empowering His chosen servants for their appointed tasks.

Moses is traditionally attributed as the writer of the Book of Exodus, including Chapter 4, as he records the events and interactions with God during his commission as the deliverer of the Israelites.