God’s Reluctant Prophet: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Exodus 4

Executive Summary ✨

Exodus 4, a pivotal chapter in the liberation narrative, unveils God’s persistent call to Moses. Despite Moses’ profound feelings of inadequacy and fear, rooted in his self-perceived inabilities and potential rejection by the Israelites, God empowers him with miraculous signs and the promise of divine presence. The chapter showcases God’s compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment to His people, Israel. The provision of Aaron as a mouthpiece alleviates Moses’ concern about his speech impediment. Furthermore, the account of Zipporah circumcising her son highlights the importance of covenantal faithfulness. Exodus 4 culminates in Moses’ obedience, his return to Egypt, and the initial acceptance of his mission by the elders of Israel, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with Pharaoh. This chapter serves as a timeless reminder that God equips those He calls, transforming weakness into strength and fear into faith. We see, in essence, *God’s Call to Moses*, and what it means for us today.

Exodus 4 opens a window into the heart of God’s plan for Israel’s redemption. It’s not just a historical record, but a living testament to God’s persistent grace and empowering presence. Through meticulous verse-by-verse analysis, enriched by Coptic Orthodox tradition and Patristic insights, we’ll explore the profound spiritual lessons embedded within this transformative chapter, revealing *God’s Call to Moses* and its enduring relevance to our lives.

Commentary: Exodus 4, Verse by Verse

Verse 1: Doubt and Assurance

Hebrew: וַיַּעַן מֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר וְהֵן לֹא יַאֲמִינוּ לִי וְלֹא יִשְׁמְעוּ בְּקֹלִי כִּי יֹאמְרוּ לֹא נִרְאָה אֵלֶיךָ יְהוָה

KJV: And Moses answered and said, But, behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice: for they will say, The Lord hath not appeared unto thee.

NKJV: Then Moses answered and said, “But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice; suppose they say, ‘The Lord has not appeared to you.’”

Moses’ initial response is one of profound doubt. After forty years in the wilderness, he feels inadequate and anticipates rejection. This doubt isn’t presented as disobedience but as genuine concern. He fears the Israelites, burdened by oppression, will dismiss him as a false prophet. This resonates with the human experience of grappling with inadequacy when faced with a daunting task. The doubt mirrors the struggles of the prophets, who are aware of their unworthiness and the weight of the calling. The Israelites also may not believe in Moses’ ability to deliver them from the bonds of Egyptian slavery. If you are a budding entrepreneur and looking for hosting, check out web hosting at dohost.us.

Spiritual Application: Recognize your own feelings of inadequacy when God calls you to a task. Present them to Him honestly, knowing that He is aware of your limitations and will provide the necessary strength and guidance. Remember, doubt can be a stepping stone to deeper faith when surrendered to God.

Verses 2-5: The Staff and the Serpent 🐍

Hebrew: וַיֹּאמֶר אֵלָיו יְהוָה מַה־זֶּה בְיָדֶךָ וַיֹּאמֶר מַטֶּה

KJV: And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.

NKJV: So the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A rod.”

God initiates a dialogue by asking a seemingly simple question: “What is that in your hand?” Moses replies, “A rod.” This ordinary shepherd’s staff becomes the instrument of God’s power. The transformation of the staff into a serpent and back again is a visual demonstration of God’s authority over nature and a foreshadowing of His power to overcome Pharaoh’s might. The serpent, often associated with evil (Genesis 3), is subdued and controlled by God, signifying His victory over the forces of darkness. Consider the symbolism of transformation – something mundane, even associated with a humble shepherd’s life, transformed into a sign of divine power.

Patristic Insight: St. Gregory of Nyssa (Γρηγόριος Νυσσηνός) in Vita Moysis (Βίος Μωυσέως) writes about Moses’ staff as a symbol of divine authority: “Ἡ ῥάβδος γὰρ ἦν τὸ σύμβολον τῆς θείας ἐξουσίας, δι’ ἧς πάντα ἐδύνατο ὁ Μωϋσῆς.” (“For the staff was the symbol of divine authority, through which Moses was able to do all things.”)

Spiritual Application: God can use the ordinary things in your life – your talents, your possessions, your experiences – for extraordinary purposes. Offer what you have to Him, trusting that He can transform them into instruments of His grace. Don’t underestimate the power of the seemingly insignificant when placed in God’s hands.

Verses 6-8: The Leprous Hand 🖐️

Hebrew: וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה לוֹ עוֹד הָבֵא נָא יָדְךָ בְּחֵיקֶךָ וַיָּבֵא יָדוֹ בְּחֵיקוֹ וַיֹּצִאָהּ וְהִנֵּה יָדֹו מְצֹרַעַת כַּשָּׁלֶג

KJV: And the Lord said furthermore unto him, Put now thine hand into thy bosom. And he put his hand into his bosom: and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous as snow.

NKJV: Then the Lord said furthermore to him, “Now put your hand in your bosom.” And he put his hand in his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, like snow.

The second sign, the leprous hand, is even more startling. Leprosy was a dreaded disease, symbolizing defilement and separation. The temporary infliction and miraculous healing of leprosy demonstrate God’s power over disease and purification. This act further reinforces the idea that God has the power to both afflict and heal. The whiteness of the leprosy “as snow” highlights its starkness and undeniable presence.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that sin, like leprosy, separates us from God. Just as God cleansed Moses’ hand, He offers cleansing and healing from the defilement of sin through repentance and faith in Christ. Embrace the transformative power of forgiveness and restoration.

Verses 9-17: Aaron, Your Mouthpiece 🗣️

Hebrew: וְהָיָה הוּא יִהְיֶה־לְּךָ לְפֶה וְאַתָּה תִּהְיֶה־לּוֹ לֵאלֹהִים

KJV: And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people: and he shall be, even he shall be to thee instead of a mouth, and thou shalt be to him instead of God.

NKJV: So he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he himself shall be as a mouth for you, and you shall be to him as God.

Moses expresses his lack of eloquence (“I am slow of speech and slow of tongue”). God, in His understanding, provides Aaron, Moses’ brother, to be his mouthpiece. This doesn’t diminish Moses’ role but acknowledges his limitations and provides support. The statement, “you shall be to him as God,” highlights Moses’ authority as God’s appointed representative. It underscores the chain of command: God speaks to Moses, Moses instructs Aaron, and Aaron speaks to the people.

Spiritual Application: Acknowledge your weaknesses and be open to receiving help from others. God often provides support through the gifts and talents of those around you. Embrace collaboration and recognize the value of diverse perspectives in fulfilling God’s purposes. Remember, the Church is the Body of Christ, and each member has a vital role to play.

Verses 18-20: Returning to Egypt ✈️

Hebrew: וַיָּשָׁב מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יֶתֶר חֹתְנוֹ וַיֹּאמֶר לוֹ אֵלְכָה נָּא וְאָשׁוּבָה אֶל־אַחַי אֲשֶׁר־בְּמִצְרַיִם וְאֶרְאֶה הַעוֹדָם חַיִּים וַיֹּאמֶר יִתְרוֹ לְמֹשֶׁה לֵךְ לְשָׁלוֹם

KJV: And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

NKJV: So Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law, and said to him, “Please let me go and return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”

Moses seeks permission from his father-in-law, Jethro, demonstrating respect for authority. He expresses his desire to return to his brethren in Egypt, showing his concern for their well-being. Jethro’s blessing (“Go in peace”) provides assurance and encouragement for Moses’ journey. This scene highlights the importance of seeking counsel and support from wise individuals before undertaking significant tasks.

Spiritual Application: Seek wisdom and counsel from trusted spiritual mentors and advisors. Value their insights and blessings as you navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. Maintain respectful relationships with those in authority.

Verses 21-23: God’s Hardening of Pharaoh’s Heart ❤️‍🔥

Hebrew: וַיֹּאמֶר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה בְּלֶכְתְּךָ לָשׁוּב מִצְרַיְמָה רְאֵה כָּל־הַמֹּפְתִים אֲשֶׁר־שַׂמְתִּי בְיָדֶךָ וַעֲשִׂיתָם לִפְנֵי פַרְעֹה וַאֲנִי אֲחַזֵּק אֶת־לִבּוֹ וְלֹא יְשַׁלַּח אֶת־הָעָם

KJV: And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

NKJV: And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh which I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.

God forewarns Moses that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart, a complex and often debated theological concept. It doesn’t imply that God forces Pharaoh into sin but rather that He allows Pharaoh’s own hardened will to manifest. This hardening serves to demonstrate God’s power and glory through the subsequent plagues. The plagues act as both judgments and opportunities for Pharaoh to repent and acknowledge God’s sovereignty. The hardening can be seen as a consequence of Pharaoh’s initial rejection of God’s will, rather than an arbitrary act of divine interference.

Spiritual Application: Recognize that God sometimes allows trials and opposition in our lives to test our faith and reveal His glory. Don’t be discouraged by resistance, but trust that God is working all things together for good. Be mindful of your own heart and avoid hardening it to God’s will through pride and stubbornness.

Verses 24-26: Zipporah and the Circumcision 🔪

Hebrew: וַיְהִי בַדֶּרֶךְ בַּמָּלוֹן וַיִּפְגְּשֵׁהוּ יְהוָה וַיְבַקֵּשׁ הֲמִיתוֹ

KJV: And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.

NKJV: And it happened on the way, at the encampment, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him.

This passage is one of the most perplexing in Exodus. God seeks to kill Moses (or possibly his son) due to the neglect of circumcision, a vital sign of the covenant with Abraham. Zipporah, Moses’ wife, performs the circumcision, saving her son’s life and appeasing God’s wrath. This incident underscores the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the seriousness of neglecting covenantal obligations. It highlights the role of women in upholding religious traditions. The “bloody husband” phrase is interpreted as referring to the blood of the circumcision, signifying the covenant relationship.

Patristic Insight: Origen (Ωριγένης) in *Homiliae in Exodum* (Ομιλίες στην Έξοδο) sees this event as a representation of the need for inner circumcision, the cutting away of sinful desires. “Circumcisio cordis necessaria est, non carnis.” (“The circumcision of the heart is necessary, not of the flesh.”)

Spiritual Application: Examine your own commitment to God’s commands and covenants. Identify areas where you may be neglecting your spiritual responsibilities and seek to rectify them. Understand that obedience, though sometimes challenging, is essential for maintaining a right relationship with God.

Verses 27-31: The People Believe 🙏

Hebrew: וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן וַיַּאַסְפוּ אֶת־כָּל־זִקְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל

KJV: And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:

NKJV: So Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel.

Moses and Aaron gather the elders of Israel and perform the signs that God commanded. The people believe, bow their heads, and worship. This marks a turning point in the narrative. The initial doubt is replaced by faith and hope. The signs validate Moses’ divine commission and inspire confidence in God’s promise of deliverance. This moment of unity and worship strengthens the Israelites for the challenges ahead.

Spiritual Application: Seek opportunities to share your faith with others through words and deeds. Trust that God can use your testimony to inspire belief and hope in those around you. Cultivate a spirit of worship and gratitude for God’s faithfulness.

Subtopic Sections

Understanding Moses’ Reluctance 🤔

Moses’ initial reluctance to accept God’s call reveals key aspects of human nature and God’s character. It is important to understand the nuances behind this reluctance.

• Humility vs. Self-Doubt: Moses’ reluctance wasn’t rooted in arrogance but in genuine humility and self-doubt. He recognized his limitations and felt unworthy of the task.
• Fear of Failure: He feared rejection by the Israelites and the potential consequences of failure. This fear is a common human experience when faced with daunting challenges.
• God’s Patience and Empowerment: God’s patient response to Moses’ objections demonstrates His understanding and compassion. He doesn’t condemn Moses but empowers him with signs and promises of support.
• The Importance of Trust: Moses’ eventual acceptance of God’s call highlights the importance of trusting in God’s plan, even when it seems impossible.
• Overcoming Obstacles: The story reminds us that God often calls us to tasks that are beyond our natural abilities, forcing us to rely on His strength and grace.
• Our Imperfections: God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect will. Moses’ imperfections did not disqualify him from serving God.

The Significance of the Signs 💡

The signs that God gives Moses are not mere displays of power but serve specific purposes within the narrative. They are designed to demonstrate God’s power and authority and provide reassurance to both Moses and the Israelites.

• Proof of Divine Commission: The signs validate Moses’ claim to be God’s messenger, convincing the Israelites that he is divinely appointed.
• Foreshadowing of Deliverance: The transformation of the staff into a serpent foreshadows God’s victory over Pharaoh and the forces of evil.
• Symbolic Representations: The leprous hand symbolizes the defilement of sin and God’s power to cleanse and heal.
• Empowerment for Moses: The signs empower Moses to overcome his fear and self-doubt, giving him confidence to confront Pharaoh.
• Evidence of God’s Power: The signs serve as undeniable evidence of God’s power and sovereignty, challenging the false gods of Egypt.
• Testimony to God’s Love: Ultimately, the signs testify to God’s love and compassion for His people, motivating Him to deliver them from oppression.

FAQ ❓

Let’s address some frequently asked questions about this pivotal chapter:

• Why did God harden Pharaoh’s heart? God’s hardening of Pharaoh’s heart wasn’t an act of coercion but rather a consequence of Pharaoh’s own stubbornness and rejection of God’s will. God allowed Pharaoh’s heart to remain hardened, providing opportunities to demonstrate His power and glory through the plagues.
• What is the significance of Zipporah’s actions? Zipporah’s act of circumcising her son highlights the importance of obedience to God’s commands and the role of women in upholding religious traditions. Her prompt action averted divine judgment and reaffirmed the covenant relationship with God.
• Why was Moses so reluctant to accept God’s call? Moses’ reluctance stemmed from genuine humility and self-doubt. He recognized his limitations and feared rejection by the Israelites. His reluctance underscores the human experience of grappling with inadequacy when faced with daunting tasks.
• How can we apply the lessons of Exodus 4 to our lives today? We can learn to acknowledge our weaknesses, trust in God’s empowering presence, seek wisdom and counsel from others, and remain obedient to God’s commands, even when they are challenging. Remember that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.

Conclusion 🕊️

Exodus 4, *God’s Call to Moses*, is a rich tapestry of divine calling, human doubt, and empowering grace. It unveils the complexities of leadership, the significance of obedience, and the unwavering commitment of God to His people. Moses’ initial reluctance, coupled with God’s persistent encouragement and empowerment, offers a timeless lesson in faith and dependence. The miraculous signs serve as visual reminders of God’s power to transform the ordinary and overcome the impossible. The incident with Zipporah underscores the importance of covenantal faithfulness and the consequences of neglecting spiritual responsibilities. The chapter culminates in the Israelites’ belief and worship, setting the stage for the dramatic confrontation with Pharaoh. This chapter encourages us to embrace our weaknesses and to rely on God’s strength to fulfill His purposes. It reassures us that He equips those He calls and that His grace is sufficient for every challenge we face. May we all, like Moses, heed God’s call and step out in faith, trusting in His unwavering love and guidance.

Tags

Exodus, Moses, God’s call, Zipporah, Pharaoh, Plagues, Doubt, Faith, Coptic Orthodox, Old Testament

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Explore Exodus 4 verse-by-verse through a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover spiritual insights on *God’s Call to Moses*, doubt, faith, and obedience.