The Return of Moses to Egypt
September 14, 2020
Commentary
After receiving God’s call, Moses returned to his father-in-law Jethro in Midian before leaving for Egypt. Since the flock he had been tending be-longed to Jethro (Ex. 3:1), he could not leave without returning it and seeking his father-in-law’s blessing. Moses told Jethro he wanted to go back to Egypt to see if his family was still alive (v. 18). Sadly, he did not tell the full truth, for God had already assured him that his brethren were alive (Ex. 3:7). This small compromise was a poor testimony before Jethro. Yet God graciously confirmed that everyone who had sought Moses’ life was now dead (v. 19).
Moses then took his wife Zipporah (Ex. 2:21) and his two sons, Gershom (Ex. 2:22) and Eliezer (Ex. 18:4), and left for Egypt (v. 20). Along the way, God reminded Moses of his mission before Pharaoh and warned him of the resistance he would face (vv. 21–23). However, before Moses could represent God to Israel, he had to set his own house in order. During his years in Midian, he had not circumcised one of his sons, disobeying God (Gen. 17:10). Because of this, God confronted him and corrected his neglect (v. 24).
In response, Zipporah circumcised their son, and the LORD spared Moses’ life (vv. 25–26). This reminds us that spiritual leaders must first lead at home before leading others. Neglecting our family’s spiritual welfare cannot be excused, even by busy service for God.
Finally, God sent Aaron to meet Moses in the desert at Mount Sinai (vv. 27–28). Together, they gathered the elders of Israel, performed the signs God had given, and shared His message. The people believed, bowed down, and worshiped the Lord (vv. 29–31).
Application
When God calls me to serve Him, do I obey completely? Like Moses, I can’t lead others well if my own heart and home are not surrendered to God. Are there commands I’ve delayed in following or truths I have softened? True obedience starts with honesty, humility, and faithfulness in my own family and daily life.
Exodus 4:18–31 (NET)
18 So Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, “Let me go, so that I may return to my relatives in Egypt and see if they are still alive.” Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” 19 The Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, because all the men who were seeking your life are dead.” 20 Then Moses took his wife and sons and put them on a donkey and headed back to the land of Egypt, and Moses took the staff of God in his hand. 21 The Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders I have put under your control. But I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. 22 You must say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord has said, “Israel is my son, my firstborn, 23 and I said to you, ‘Let my son go that he may serve me,’ but since you have refused to let him go, I will surely kill your son, your firstborn!”’”
24 Now on the way, at a place where they stopped for the night, the Lord met Moses and sought to kill him. 25 But Zipporah took a flint knife, cut off the foreskin of her son and touched it to Moses’ feet, and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.” 26 So the Lord let him alone. (At that time she said, “A bridegroom of blood,” referring to the circumcision.)
27 The Lord said to Aaron, “Go to the wilderness to meet Moses. So he went and met him at the mountain of God and greeted him with a kiss. 28 Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him and all the signs that he had commanded him. 29 Then Moses and Aaron went and brought together all the Israelite elders. 30 Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people, 31 and the people believed. When they heard that the Lord had attended to the Israelites and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed down close to the ground.
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