Exodus 4:28 – “Then Moses told Aaron everything the Lord had sent him to say, and also about all the signs he had commanded him to perform.”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 4:28, we see Moses sharing with his brother Aaron everything that God had revealed to him. This includes both the message that Moses was to deliver to Pharaoh and the Israelites and the miraculous signs that God had commanded him to perform as proof of his divine commission. This moment is significant because it solidifies the partnership between Moses and Aaron as they prepare to confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt.
This verse highlights Moses’ obedience in relaying God’s instructions exactly as they were given to him. It also shows the trust and unity between the two brothers, as Aaron accepts Moses’ words and prepares to join him in the mission. The sharing of the signs that Moses was to perform—such as turning the staff into a serpent and causing his hand to become leprous and then healed—adds weight to the message they were to deliver, demonstrating that their mission was backed by God’s power.
Historical Context
The context of this verse is set within the broader narrative of Moses’ calling to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. After encountering God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb, Moses was given specific instructions and signs to perform before Pharaoh to convince him to release the Israelites. However, Moses was hesitant, particularly about his speaking ability, so God appointed Aaron to be his spokesman.
Aaron, who had been living in Egypt, was directed by God to meet Moses in the wilderness. Their reunion marks the beginning of their collaborative effort to confront Pharaoh and secure the freedom of the Israelites. By sharing everything that God had revealed to him, Moses was preparing Aaron for the crucial role he would play in the coming events.
Theological Implications
Theologically, Exodus 4:28 underscores the importance of faithful communication of God’s message. Moses did not withhold any part of what God had told him but conveyed everything to Aaron. This reflects the responsibility of God’s messengers to faithfully deliver His word, without adding to or subtracting from it.
The verse also highlights the importance of divine signs in confirming God’s message. The signs that Moses was commanded to perform were not just for Pharaoh’s benefit but also served to reassure Aaron and the Israelites that God was truly with them. This demonstrates that God often provides confirmation of His word through signs and wonders, particularly when He is calling His people to significant tasks.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 4:28 serves as a transitional verse that moves the narrative from Moses’ personal encounter with God to the broader mission involving Aaron and the Israelites. The verse is concise but packed with meaning, emphasizing the thoroughness with which Moses shared God’s instructions with Aaron. The structure of the verse, with its focus on both the message and the signs, highlights the comprehensive nature of God’s communication and the seriousness of the mission.
The verse also emphasizes the unity between Moses and Aaron, which is critical for the success of their mission. Their partnership is rooted in a shared understanding of God’s will and a commitment to carry out His commands together. This unity is a key theme that will continue to play out as they confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible provide further insight into the themes present in Exodus 4:28:
- Exodus 7:1-3 – These verses describe the beginning of Moses and Aaron’s confrontation with Pharaoh, where they perform the signs God had commanded. This reinforces the importance of the signs in validating their message.
- Deuteronomy 18:18 – God promises to raise up a prophet like Moses, who will speak God’s words faithfully. This highlights the ongoing importance of faithful communication of God’s message.
- Acts 4:29-30 – The early Christians pray for boldness to speak God’s word, along with signs and wonders to confirm the message. This reflects the pattern seen with Moses and Aaron, where the message is accompanied by divine signs.
These cross-references underscore the consistency of God’s pattern of confirming His word through signs and the importance of faithfully delivering His message.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:28 is a reminder of the importance of faithfully sharing God’s word with others. Just as Moses conveyed everything God had told him to Aaron, we too are called to communicate God’s message accurately and completely, whether through teaching, evangelism, or personal witness. The verse challenges us to be diligent in understanding God’s word so that we can share it faithfully with those around us.
This verse also encourages us to trust in God’s provision of confirmation. When God calls us to a task, He often provides signs or assurances to confirm His word and to strengthen our faith. We should be attentive to these confirmations and allow them to bolster our confidence as we step out in obedience.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:28 reflects God’s love in the way He prepares and equips His servants for the tasks He calls them to. By giving Moses clear instructions and signs to perform, God was ensuring that Moses and Aaron were fully equipped to carry out their mission. This preparation is an expression of God’s care and concern for His people, ensuring that they are not left to figure things out on their own but are provided with everything they need to succeed.
God’s love is also evident in His provision of partnership. Moses was not sent alone; Aaron was brought alongside him to share in the mission. This partnership reflects God’s understanding of our need for support and companionship as we carry out His work.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the theme of faithfully delivering God’s message. Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s word, the one who perfectly communicates the Father’s will to humanity (John 1:14, Hebrews 1:1-2). Just as Moses faithfully shared God’s message with Aaron, Jesus faithfully revealed God’s truth to the world, accompanied by signs and wonders that confirmed His divine authority.
Additionally, the partnership between Moses and Aaron can be seen as a foreshadowing of the way Jesus sent His disciples out in pairs (Mark 6:7) to preach the gospel and perform signs in His name. This pattern of sending out messengers in partnership, with divine confirmation of their message, is continued in the ministry of the Church.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you ensure that you are faithfully sharing God’s word with those around you, just as Moses did with Aaron?
- What are some ways that God has provided confirmation of His calling in your life? How can these confirmations strengthen your faith?
- How does the partnership between Moses and Aaron inspire you to value teamwork and support in your own ministry or work?
- In what ways does this verse deepen your understanding of God’s care and provision in preparing you for the tasks He calls you to?
- How can the example of Moses and Aaron encourage you to be bold in sharing God’s message, trusting in His power to confirm His word through signs and wonders?
Exodus 4:28 reminds us of the importance of faithfully communicating God’s word and trusting in His provision and confirmation. It challenges us to be diligent in understanding and sharing God’s message and encourages us to value the partnerships and support that God provides as we carry out His work. Just as Moses and Aaron were equipped and sent out to deliver Israel, we too are called to be faithful messengers of God’s truth, trusting in His guidance and power.