Exodus 4:18-31

HE TOOK THE STAFF OF GOD IN HIS HAND

Keywords 4:20

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

 

1. God’s plan for Moses in Egypt (18-23)

Moses, with the blessing of his father-in-law and God’s assurance, no longer a hunted man, takes his family and begins the journey to Egypt. He obeyed God, taking the staff of God in his hand. Moses had cared for Jethro’s sheep for 40 years with this staff. Now it was God’s staff, symbolizing God’s plan to shepherd his “firstborn son” Israel through Moses, just as he told Moses.

2. Zipporah and Aaron help Moses (24-31)

It is hard to know why God wanted to kill Moses in the event at the lodging place. But two things stick out: it was important to God that Moses’ sons be circumcised, and God blessed Zipporah’s faith and action to save her husband. Aaron also heard God’s voice and obeyed, and was able to help Moses just as God instructed (3:14-16). In this way, Moses was accepted as God’s servant by the people, and they worshiped God, recognizing in Moses and Aaron that God was concerned about them and had seen their misery.

Prayer Father, you are a good shepherd, and you raise shepherds to care for your people. Help me recognize your hand at work and worship you.

One Word God helped Moses who obeyed