Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, "Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. Then the anger of the LORD burned against MosesThis phrase highlights a significant moment in the narrative where God's patience with Moses reaches a limit. The Hebrew word for "anger" here is "אַף" (aph), which can also mean "nostrils" or "face," indicating a physical manifestation of anger, such as flaring nostrils. This anthropomorphic expression emphasizes the intensity of God's displeasure. Historically, this moment underscores the seriousness of Moses' repeated hesitations and excuses. In a broader scriptural context, it serves as a reminder of God's righteous anger towards disobedience and lack of faith, yet it also sets the stage for His continued grace and provision. and He said
This phrase introduces God's direct communication with Moses. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar) is used, which is a common term for speaking or saying. It signifies the authoritative and personal nature of God's interaction with Moses. In the biblical narrative, God's speech is a powerful tool for instruction, correction, and revelation. This moment is pivotal as it transitions from God's anger to His solution, demonstrating His commitment to His plans and His people. “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother?
Here, God introduces Aaron, Moses' brother, into the narrative. The mention of "Aaron the Levite" is significant because it highlights Aaron's tribal affiliation, which is crucial for his future role as the high priest. The Levites were set apart for religious duties, and Aaron's introduction here foreshadows his leadership in the priesthood. This phrase also emphasizes the familial relationship, suggesting that God often uses family ties to accomplish His purposes, reinforcing the theme of community and support within God's plans. I know that he can speak well
God acknowledges Aaron's ability to speak, contrasting with Moses' self-professed inadequacy. The Hebrew word for "know" is "יָדַע" (yada), which implies an intimate understanding. God's knowledge of Aaron's abilities reassures Moses that God has already prepared a solution to his concerns. This phrase highlights God's omniscience and His provision for our weaknesses. It serves as an encouragement that God equips those He calls, often using the strengths of others to complement our weaknesses. And he is now on his way to meet you
This statement reveals God's orchestration of events. The phrase indicates that Aaron is already en route, demonstrating God's proactive involvement in His plans. The immediacy of Aaron's journey underscores God's sovereignty and His ability to align circumstances for His purposes. It reassures Moses that God is actively working behind the scenes, preparing the way even before Moses fully understands or accepts his role. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart
This phrase speaks to the emotional aspect of Aaron's meeting with Moses. The Hebrew word for "glad" is "שָׂמַח" (samach), which conveys joy and delight. This anticipated joy highlights the positive relationship between the brothers and the supportive role Aaron will play. It also reflects the joy that comes from fulfilling God's purposes and being united in His work. This assurance of Aaron's gladness serves to encourage Moses, reminding him of the relational support he will have in his mission. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who is speaking to Moses and expressing His anger due to Moses' reluctance. 2. MosesThe central figure in this passage, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, yet hesitant and doubtful of his abilities. 3. Aaron the LeviteMoses' brother, who is appointed by God to be Moses' spokesperson due to his eloquence and willingness. 4. The Burning Anger of the LORDThis event highlights God's response to Moses' repeated objections and lack of faith in God's plan. 5. The Meeting of Moses and AaronA significant event where Aaron is divinely appointed to assist Moses, demonstrating God's provision and support. Teaching Points God's Patience and ProvisionDespite Moses' reluctance, God provides Aaron as a helper, demonstrating His patience and provision for our weaknesses. The Importance of ObedienceMoses' hesitance serves as a reminder of the importance of trusting and obeying God's call, even when we feel inadequate. God's Sovereignty in Choosing LeadersGod chooses whom He wills for His purposes, equipping them with the necessary support, as seen in His choice of Moses and Aaron. The Role of Community in MinistryAaron's role highlights the importance of community and partnership in fulfilling God's mission. God's Anger and MercyWhile God's anger is kindled, His response is merciful, providing a solution rather than punishment, which reflects His character. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's provision of Aaron as a spokesperson for Moses demonstrate His understanding of our human limitations? 2. In what ways can we see God's patience in our own lives when we are hesitant to follow His call? 3. How does the relationship between Moses and Aaron illustrate the importance of community and support in ministry? 4. What can we learn from Moses' initial reluctance about the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan? 5. How does the concept of God's anger in this passage challenge or affirm your understanding of His character, and how does it relate to His mercy? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 3:10-12This passage provides context for God's initial call to Moses, highlighting Moses' hesitance and God's assurance of His presence. Numbers 12:1-8This passage further explores the relationship between Moses and Aaron, showing Aaron's role and God's defense of Moses' unique position. 1 Samuel 15:22-23This scripture emphasizes the importance of obedience to God, contrasting with Moses' initial reluctance. Hebrews 3:1-6This New Testament passage reflects on Moses' faithfulness as a servant in God's house, despite his initial doubts. People Aaron, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Horeb, Midian, Nile RiverTopics Aaron, Already, Anger, Angry, Behold, Brother, Burned, Burneth, Fluently, Forth, Glad, Heart, Kindled, Levite, Meet, Moreover, Rejoiced, Sees, Speak, Speaketh, Speaks, TalkingDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 4:14 5014 heart, human Exodus 4:10-14 6218 provoking God Exodus 4:10-15 5949 shyness Exodus 4:14-16 5072 Aaron, spokesman Library January 13. "Thou Shalt be to Him Instead of God" (Ex. Iv. 16).
"Thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Ex. iv. 16). Such was God's promise to Moses, and such the high character that Moses was to assume toward Aaron, his brother. May it not suggest a high and glorious place that each of us may occupy toward all whom we meet, instead of God? What a dignity and glory it would give our lives, could we uniformly realize this high calling! How it would lead us to act toward our fellow-men! God can always be depended upon. God is without variableness or shadow of turning. …
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth May the Eleventh but -- --!
"And Moses answered and said, But----" --EXODUS iv. 1-9. We know that "but." God has heard it from our lips a thousand times. It is the response of unbelief to the divine call. It is the reply of fear to the divine command. It is the suggestion that the resources are inadequate. It is a hint that God may not have looked all round. He has overlooked something which our own eyes have seen. The human "buts" in the Scriptural stories make an appalling record. "Lord, I will follow Thee, but----" There …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year May the Twelfth Mouth and Matter
"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth." --EXODUS iv. 10-17. And what a promise that is for anyone who is commissioned to proclaim the King's decrees. Here can teachers and preachers find their strength. God will be with their mouths. He will control their speech, and order their words like troops. He does not promise to make us eloquent, but to endow our words with the "demonstration of power." "And I will teach thee what thou shall say." The Lord will not only be with our mouths, …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year A Bundle of Myrrh is My Well-Beloved unto Me; He Shall Abide Between My Breasts.
When the Bride, or rather the lover (for she is not yet a bride), has found her Bridegroom, she is so transported with joy, that she is eager to be instantly united to Him. But the union of perpetual enjoyment is not yet arrived. He is mine, she says, I cannot doubt that He gives Himself to me this moment, since I feel it, but He is to me, as it were, a bundle of myrrh. He is not yet a Bridegroom whom I may embrace in the nuptial bed, but a bundle of crosses, pains and mortifications; a bloody husband …
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon Preaching (I. ).
Earthen vessels, frail and slight, Yet the golden Lamp we bear; Master, break us, that the light So may fire the murky air; Skill and wisdom none we claim, Only seek to lift Thy Name. I have on purpose reserved the subject of Preaching for our closing pages. Preaching is, from many points of view, the goal and summing up of all other parts and works of the Ministry. What we have said already about the Clergyman's life and labour, in secret, in society, in the parish; what we have said about his …
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren To the Saddest of the Sad
I often wonder what those preachers do who feel called to make up their message as they go on; for if they fail, their failure must be attributed in great measure to their want of ability to make up a moving tale. They have to spread their sails to the breeze of the age, and to pick up a gospel that comes floating down to them on the stream of time, altering every week in the year; and they must have an endless task to catch this new idea, or, as they put it, to keep abreast of the age. Unless, indeed, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888 The Sweet Uses of Adversity
Now, I propose to address myself to the two classes of persons who are making use of this question. First, I shall speak to the tried saint; and then I shall speak to the seeking sinner, who has been seeking peace and pardon through Christ, but who has not as yet found it, but, on the contrary, has been buffeted by the law, and driven away from the mercy-seat in despair. I. First, then, to THE CHILD OF GOD. I have--I know I have--in this great assembly, some who have come to Job's position. They …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859 "For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live.
Rom. viii. s 13, 14.--"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The life and being of many things consists in union,--separate them, and they remain not the same, or they lose their virtue. It is much more thus in Christianity, the power and life of it consists in the union of these things that God hath conjoined, so that if any man pretend to …
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the …
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers. …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant). …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah A Canticle of Love
It is not only when He is about to send me some trial that Our Lord gives me warning and awakens my desire for it. For years I had cherished a longing which seemed impossible of realisation--to have a brother a Priest. I often used to think that if my little brothers had not gone to Heaven, I should have had the happiness of seeing them at the Altar. I greatly regretted being deprived of this joy. Yet God went beyond my dream; I only asked for one brother who would remember me each day at the Holy …
Therese Martin (of Lisieux)—The Story of a Soul Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage, …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Exodus 4:14 NIVExodus 4:14 NLTExodus 4:14 ESVExodus 4:14 NASBExodus 4:14 KJV
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