Exodus 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.”
Extended Explanation
Exodus 4:20 describes the moment when Moses, after receiving his commission from God, finally sets out on the journey back to Egypt. He takes his wife, Zipporah, and his sons, Gershom and Eliezer, along with him. The verse also mentions that Moses carries with him the “staff of God,” which is a crucial detail because this staff had been transformed from an ordinary shepherd’s tool into a symbol of God’s power and authority.
This verse captures a significant transition in Moses’ life—from a shepherd living in Midian to the leader chosen by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery. By taking his family along, Moses shows his commitment to the mission, indicating that this is not just a temporary visit but a complete shift in his life’s purpose. The mention of the staff of God highlights the divine empowerment Moses now carries with him as he embarks on this daunting task.
Historical Context
Historically, Moses had been living in Midian for forty years after fleeing Egypt, where he had killed an Egyptian who was oppressing an Israelite. During his time in Midian, Moses had married Zipporah, the daughter of Jethro, and had two sons. His life had been relatively peaceful, far removed from the tensions of Egypt.
However, God interrupts this peace, calling Moses to return to Egypt to lead the Israelites out of slavery. This journey back to Egypt marks the beginning of Moses’ public ministry and leadership role. The mention of the staff signifies the miracles that Moses will perform in Egypt, which will demonstrate God’s power to both the Israelites and the Egyptians.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 4:20 speaks to the themes of obedience, faith, and divine empowerment. Moses’ decision to take his family and start back to Egypt shows his obedience to God’s call, despite the risks and uncertainties that lay ahead. It takes significant faith to leave a stable life for an uncertain future, especially when returning to a place where he once faced danger.
The staff of God represents the authority and power given to Moses by God. It is a reminder that when God calls us to a task, He also equips us with the tools we need to fulfill it. The staff, an ordinary object, becomes a conduit of God’s extraordinary power, showing that God often uses simple things to accomplish His great purposes.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 4:20 serves as a pivotal moment in the narrative. The verse transitions the story from Moses’ time in Midian to his journey back to Egypt, setting the stage for the epic events that will follow. The mention of Moses taking his family with him adds a personal dimension to the story, showing that this mission affects not just Moses, but his entire household.
The phrase “the staff of God” is significant because it elevates the object from a simple tool to a symbol of divine intervention. This transformation of the staff parallels Moses’ own transformation from a shepherd to a leader and prophet. The verse uses simple, direct language to convey a deep sense of purpose and mission.
Biblical Cross-References
There are several other passages in the Bible that reflect similar themes of obedience, faith, and divine empowerment:
- Genesis 12:4 – Abram’s obedience in leaving his home in response to God’s call parallels Moses’ obedience in returning to Egypt. Both demonstrate faith in God’s promises.
- Exodus 17:9 – Moses uses the staff of God to bring victory to Israel in battle, showing the ongoing significance of the staff as a symbol of God’s power.
- Matthew 28:19-20 – Jesus’ Great Commission to His disciples to go and make disciples of all nations echoes the theme of being sent by God with divine authority, just as Moses was sent to Egypt.
These cross-references reinforce the idea that God’s call often requires leaving behind the familiar and stepping out in faith, trusting in His power and provision.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:20 is a reminder that obedience to God’s call often involves stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing new challenges. Just as Moses had to leave Midian and return to Egypt, we may be called to leave behind the familiar and step into situations that require faith and trust in God’s guidance.
This verse also encourages us to recognize that when God calls us, He equips us with what we need to fulfill His purposes. The “staff of God” in Moses’ hand is a symbol of the tools and resources God provides for us in our own journeys. It’s a reminder that we are not alone; God’s power is with us as we walk in obedience to His call.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:20 reflects God’s love in the way He guides and equips Moses for the task ahead. God doesn’t just send Moses back to Egypt empty-handed; He provides the staff as a symbol of His presence and power. This shows that God cares deeply about His servants and ensures they have what they need to succeed in the missions He gives them.
God’s love is also evident in the way He involves Moses’ family in the journey. By allowing Moses to bring his wife and sons, God demonstrates His understanding of the importance of family and community, even in the midst of carrying out His divine purposes.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of being sent by God with a specific mission. Just as Moses was sent to Egypt with the staff of God, Jesus was sent into the world with the authority of God to accomplish the work of salvation. The staff of God can be seen as a foreshadowing of the cross, an ordinary object that becomes the means through which God’s power is displayed.
Moreover, Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will, even to the point of death on the cross, parallels Moses’ obedience in returning to Egypt despite the risks. Both Moses and Jesus demonstrate that true obedience to God involves trust, sacrifice, and reliance on God’s power rather than human strength.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What comfort zones might God be calling you to leave behind in order to fulfill His purposes in your life?
- How does the “staff of God” in Moses’ hand encourage you to trust in the tools and resources God has given you for your journey?
- What steps of faith do you need to take in response to God’s call, even if it means leaving behind the familiar?
- How can you involve your family or community in your journey of faith, just as Moses brought his family with him?
- How does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s provision and love as you walk in obedience to His will?
Exodus 4:20 challenges us to step out in faith, trusting that God will guide and equip us as we follow His call. It reminds us that we are not alone on this journey; God’s power and presence go with us, just as they did with Moses as he returned to Egypt.