Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, "Go back to Egypt, for all the men who sought to kill you are dead." Now the LORD had saidThis phrase indicates divine communication, emphasizing the personal relationship between God and Moses. The Hebrew word for "LORD" is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which underscores His eternal and unchanging nature. This divine name is a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His intimate involvement in the lives of His people. The phrase "had said" suggests a prior command, indicating that God's plans are deliberate and purposeful. to Moses in Midian Go back to Egypt for all the men who were seeking your life are dead Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God of Israel, who speaks directly to Moses, guiding and protecting him. 2. Moses The chosen leader of the Israelites, who is in Midian at this time, having fled from Egypt after killing an Egyptian. 3. Midian A region where Moses fled after leaving Egypt, and where he encountered God in the burning bush. 4. Egypt The land where the Israelites are enslaved and where Moses is being sent back to lead them out. 5. The men who were seeking Moses' life These were likely Egyptian authorities or individuals who wanted to punish Moses for killing an Egyptian. Teaching Points Divine Timing and ProtectionGod’s timing is perfect. He knows when it is safe for Moses to return to Egypt. We can trust God’s timing in our own lives, knowing He sees the bigger picture. God’s Sovereignty The death of those who sought Moses' life shows God's control over circumstances. We can rest in the assurance that God is sovereign over our lives and situations. Obedience to God’s Call Moses is called to return to a place of danger, yet he obeys. We are called to trust and obey God, even when it leads us into challenging situations. Preparation in the Wilderness Moses' time in Midian was a period of preparation. God often uses seasons of waiting and wilderness experiences to prepare us for His purposes. Fear and Faith Moses had reason to fear returning to Egypt, yet God’s assurance allowed him to act in faith. We are encouraged to overcome fear with faith in God’s promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does understanding God’s timing in Moses’ life encourage you in your current circumstances?2. In what ways can you see God’s sovereignty at work in your life, especially in situations that seem out of control? 3. What are some areas where God is calling you to step out in obedience, despite potential risks or fears? 4. Reflect on a "wilderness" period in your life. How might God have been preparing you during that time? 5. How can you cultivate a faith that overcomes fear, drawing from Moses’ example and other biblical figures? Connections to Other Scriptures Exodus 2:15This verse provides context for why Moses fled to Midian, as Pharaoh sought to kill him after he killed an Egyptian. Matthew 2:20 Similar to Moses, Joseph is told by an angel that those who sought the child's life are dead, indicating divine protection and timing. Acts 7:29-30 Stephen recounts Moses' flight to Midian and his 40-year stay there, emphasizing God's preparation and timing in Moses' life.
People Aaron, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, ZipporahPlaces Egypt, Horeb, Midian, Nile RiverTopics Attempting, Dead, Died, Egypt, Kill, Midian, Mid'ian, Return, Seek, Seeking, Sought, Turn, WantedDictionary of Bible Themes Exodus 4:17Library 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 -- --! May the Twelfth Mouth and Matter A Bundle of Myrrh is My Well-Beloved unto Me; He Shall Abide Between My Breasts. Preaching (I. ). To the Saddest of the Sad The Sweet Uses of Adversity "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. The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture. The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6. Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes A Canticle of Love Exodus Links Exodus 4:19 NIVExodus 4:19 NLT Exodus 4:19 ESV Exodus 4:19 NASB Exodus 4:19 KJV Exodus 4:19 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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