Exodus 4:4 – “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Reach out your hand and take it by the tail.’ So Moses reached out and took hold of the snake and it turned back into a staff in his hand.”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 4:4, we see a continuation of God’s interaction with Moses at the burning bush. After the miraculous transformation of Moses’ staff into a snake, God instructs Moses to reach out and take the snake by the tail. This is a bold command because grabbing a snake by the tail is a dangerous act—most people would instinctively avoid it, knowing that the snake could easily strike. However, Moses obeys, and as soon as he grabs the snake, it transforms back into a staff in his hand.
This moment is crucial for several reasons. First, it demonstrates Moses’ growing trust in God. Despite his fear, Moses follows God’s command, showing his willingness to submit to God’s authority. Second, it shows that God is not just about demonstrating power through miracles, but also about teaching His followers to trust Him even when they are afraid. By turning the snake back into a staff, God reassures Moses that He is in control, even over the most intimidating circumstances.
Historical Context
This event occurs during Moses’ commissioning at the burning bush, where God is preparing him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses, who has been living as a shepherd in Midian, is initially reluctant and full of doubt about his ability to convince the Israelites and confront Pharaoh. God gives Moses several signs to demonstrate His power, starting with the transformation of the staff into a snake.
In the context of ancient Egypt, the serpent was a symbol of royal authority and divine power. The Pharaohs often associated themselves with the cobra, a creature that was both feared and revered. By turning the staff into a snake and then commanding Moses to take it by the tail, God is showing that His power supersedes that of Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods. It also serves to strengthen Moses’ confidence in his mission.
Theological Implications
Exodus 4:4 offers important theological insights. It illustrates that faith often requires us to act in ways that seem counterintuitive or even risky. Moses’ act of grabbing the snake by the tail is a vivid example of faith in action. It wasn’t just about believing in God’s power but also about trusting God enough to take action even when it seemed dangerous.
This verse also speaks to the nature of God’s leadership. God does not merely demonstrate His power through signs; He invites His followers to participate in those signs, often requiring them to take steps of faith. This act of participation is a critical aspect of faith—God wants us to be actively involved in His plans, trusting Him with our fears and uncertainties.
Literary Analysis
The structure of this verse is straightforward but powerful. The command from God, followed by Moses’ immediate action, creates a sense of tension and resolution. The detail that Moses is to grab the snake by the tail is significant because it highlights the danger involved, making Moses’ obedience even more noteworthy.
The transformation of the snake back into a staff once Moses grabs it serves as a narrative resolution, reinforcing the idea that obedience to God leads to stability and reassurance. The staff, which was once a symbol of Moses’ past as a shepherd, now becomes a symbol of divine power and authority.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other passages in the Bible echo the themes of obedience and faith in the face of fear:
- Genesis 22:2-3 – When God commands Abraham to sacrifice Isaac, Abraham’s immediate obedience, despite the immense emotional and moral challenge, reflects a similar trust in God’s commands.
- Joshua 3:13-16 – The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant had to step into the Jordan River before it parted, showing that sometimes obedience requires stepping into uncertainty.
- Matthew 14:29-31 – Peter walks on water at Jesus’ command, but begins to sink when fear overtakes his faith. This story parallels the need to trust God even when His commands seem daunting.
These passages reinforce the idea that faith involves action, often in the face of fear or uncertainty, and that God honors such faith.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:4 is a reminder that faith is not just about belief but also about action. It challenges us to consider how we respond when God asks us to step into situations that seem risky or frightening. Just as Moses had to trust God enough to grab the snake by the tail, we too are called to trust God with our fears and uncertainties.
This verse also encourages us to be active participants in God’s work. God could have turned the snake back into a staff without Moses’ involvement, but He chose to involve Moses in the miracle. This shows that God values our participation in His plans and that He often works through our actions to bring about His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:4 reflects God’s love in several ways. First, it shows that God is patient and understanding with our fears. He doesn’t chastise Moses for being afraid of the snake; instead, He guides Moses through that fear, showing him that He is trustworthy.
Second, God’s command to take the snake by the tail is not just about proving His power but about building Moses’ faith and trust. This shows God’s love and care in preparing Moses for the challenges ahead. God doesn’t just send us into difficult situations unprepared; He works with us to build the faith and courage we need to face them.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in that it foreshadows the way Jesus calls His followers to step out in faith. Just as Moses had to trust God with the snake, Jesus calls us to trust Him in the face of our own fears and uncertainties. In the Gospels, Jesus frequently asked His disciples to take steps of faith, often in situations that seemed risky or impossible, such as when Peter walked on water.
Moreover, the idea of turning fear into faith finds its ultimate expression in the resurrection of Jesus. The cross, a symbol of death and defeat, was transformed into a symbol of victory and life. Just as the snake was transformed back into a staff, the resurrection transforms our greatest fears into the foundation of our hope.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some situations in your life where God is asking you to take a step of faith, even if it feels risky?
- How does Moses’ obedience in this verse challenge your own willingness to trust God’s commands?
- Have you ever experienced a time when God turned something frightening or uncertain in your life into something that strengthened your faith?
- How does this verse encourage you to be an active participant in God’s work, even when you feel afraid?
- In what ways does this story deepen your understanding of how God prepares and equips His people for the challenges they face?
Exodus 4:4 reminds us that faith often requires action, even when it seems scary. It encourages us to trust God’s guidance, knowing that He is always in control and that His plans for us are good.