Exodus 4:19 – “Now the Lord had said to Moses in Midian, ‘Go back to Egypt, for all those who wanted to kill you are dead.'”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 4:19, God speaks to Moses while he is still in Midian, giving him further reassurance as he prepares to return to Egypt. God tells Moses that it is now safe for him to go back because those who sought his life are no longer a threat. This statement addresses one of Moses’ possible fears—returning to the place where he had fled for his life after killing an Egyptian. By telling Moses that his enemies are dead, God removes a significant barrier that might have held Moses back from obeying His call.
This verse is important because it shows God’s awareness of Moses’ concerns and His willingness to address them. It also indicates that the timing of God’s call is perfect. God knows when it is the right time for Moses to return, and He ensures that the circumstances are favorable for Moses to carry out his mission.
Historical Context
At this point in the story, Moses has been living in Midian for about forty years after fleeing Egypt. He left Egypt because Pharaoh had sought to kill him after he had defended an Israelite by killing an Egyptian. During his time in Midian, Moses had settled into a new life, marrying Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and working as a shepherd.
Now, God is calling Moses to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery. This call comes with significant risks, especially considering Moses’ past in Egypt. However, God reassures Moses by informing him that those who wanted to kill him are dead. This information would have given Moses confidence and peace of mind as he prepared to undertake the dangerous mission of confronting Pharaoh and leading the Israelites to freedom.
Theological Implications
Exodus 4:19 highlights several theological truths. First, it underscores God’s sovereignty and His control over the events of our lives. God’s timing is perfect, and He knows exactly when to act and when to call us to action. By removing the threat against Moses’ life, God shows that He is clearing the way for Moses to fulfill his calling.
Second, this verse emphasizes God’s protective care for His servants. God does not send Moses back to Egypt without first ensuring that the danger that once threatened him has been removed. This reflects the broader biblical principle that God watches over His people and protects them as they walk in obedience to His will.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 4:19 serves as a narrative bridge between Moses’ life in Midian and his return to Egypt. The verse is straightforward, with God’s command followed by a reassurance. The structure of the verse highlights the connection between God’s command and His provision of safety for Moses. The mention of those who sought Moses’ life being dead provides a sense of closure to the earlier chapter of Moses’ life, allowing him to move forward without fear.
The verse also contributes to the overall theme of divine guidance and timing in the Exodus narrative. It shows that God is not only aware of the broader plan for Israel’s deliverance but is also attentive to the personal details of Moses’ life, ensuring that he is ready and safe to carry out his mission.
Biblical Cross-References
There are several other passages in the Bible that echo similar themes of God’s timing, protection, and the removal of obstacles:
- Genesis 31:3 – God tells Jacob to return to the land of his fathers, promising that He will be with him. This reflects the theme of God’s guidance and protection as His servants return to places where they previously faced danger.
- Matthew 2:19-20 – After Herod’s death, an angel tells Joseph in a dream to return to Israel with Mary and Jesus because those who sought to kill Jesus are dead. This parallels the situation with Moses and emphasizes God’s protective care.
- Isaiah 43:1-2 – God reassures His people that He will be with them as they pass through the waters and walk through the fire, reflecting the same assurance of God’s presence and protection that He gives to Moses.
These cross-references reinforce the idea that God’s timing and protection are central to His dealings with His people, ensuring that they are able to fulfill His purposes without fear.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:19 serves as a reminder that God’s timing is perfect and that He knows the right moment to call us to action. When God calls us to take a step of faith, He often prepares the way by removing obstacles and addressing our fears, just as He did for Moses. This verse encourages us to trust in God’s timing and to be confident that He will provide the protection and guidance we need as we follow His leading.
This verse also challenges us to let go of past fears or concerns that may be holding us back from fulfilling God’s calling in our lives. Just as God reassured Moses that those who sought his life were dead, He reassures us that He is in control and that we can move forward without fear.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:19 reflects God’s love in His careful consideration of Moses’ situation. God knows that Moses is likely fearful of returning to Egypt because of the threat to his life, and He addresses this fear directly. This shows that God is not indifferent to our concerns but is deeply compassionate and attentive to our needs.
God’s love is also evident in the way He prepares the way for Moses’ mission. By removing the threat against Moses, God demonstrates His commitment to ensuring Moses’ safety and success. This reflects the broader theme of God’s love and care for His people as they walk in obedience to His will.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of divine protection and timing in fulfilling God’s mission. Just as God protected Moses and ensured the right timing for his return to Egypt, God also protected Jesus and guided the events of His life according to His perfect plan. For example, when Herod sought to kill Jesus as a child, God protected Him by sending the family to Egypt and then calling them back after Herod’s death (Matthew 2:13-20).
Moreover, Jesus’ entire ministry was marked by a divine sense of timing. He often spoke of “His hour” not yet coming (John 2:4; 7:30) until the appointed time when He would fulfill His mission on the cross. This connection emphasizes that God’s timing is crucial in His redemptive plan, both in the life of Moses and in the life of Jesus.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What fears or concerns are holding you back from fully embracing God’s calling in your life?
- How does God’s reassurance to Moses in this verse encourage you to trust in His timing and protection?
- What steps can you take to let go of past fears and move forward in faith, trusting that God has prepared the way for you?
- In what ways have you experienced God’s perfect timing in your own life, especially in situations where you faced obstacles or dangers?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s love and care for you as you walk in obedience to His will?
Exodus 4:19 reminds us that God is always in control, preparing the way and removing obstacles as He calls us to follow Him. It encourages us to trust in His timing and protection, knowing that He is deeply concerned with both our safety and the success of the mission He has given us.