Background and Context

Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. This pivotal moment in biblical history is recorded in the Book of Exodus, where Moses, having fled Egypt years earlier after killing an Egyptian, encounters God in the form of a burning bush on Mount Horeb. God commissions Moses to return to Egypt and demand the release of the Israelites from Pharaoh's oppressive rule.

Divine Encounter and Commission

In Exodus 3, Moses encounters God, who reveals Himself as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God expresses His awareness of the Israelites' suffering and His intention to deliver them. He appoints Moses as the leader to bring His people out of Egypt. Despite Moses' initial reluctance and self-doubt, God reassures him, promising divine assistance and signs to validate his mission.

Exodus 3:10-12 states: "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" And God said, "I will surely be with you, and this will be the sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you will worship God on this mountain."

Signs and Wonders

To bolster Moses' confidence and to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh of his divine mandate, God provides Moses with miraculous signs. These include the transformation of his staff into a serpent, the affliction and healing of his hand with leprosy, and the turning of water from the Nile into blood. These signs are intended to demonstrate God's power and authenticate Moses' leadership.

Moses' Reluctance and God's Assurance

Despite the divine signs, Moses expresses concern about his speaking abilities, fearing that he is not eloquent enough to confront Pharaoh. God responds by appointing Aaron, Moses' brother, as his spokesperson. This partnership underscores God's provision and the importance of obedience to divine calling, regardless of personal limitations.

Exodus 4:10-12 records: "But Moses replied to the LORD, 'Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant—for I am slow of speech and tongue.' And the LORD said to him, 'Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, sighted or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.'"

Return to Egypt

With God's assurances and Aaron's support, Moses prepares to return to Egypt. He receives Jethro's blessing, his father-in-law, to leave Midian and return to his people. Moses takes his wife and sons, setting out on the journey back to Egypt, carrying the staff of God as a symbol of divine authority.

Exodus 4:18-20 describes this departure: "Then Moses went back to his father-in-law Jethro and said to him, 'Please let me return to my brothers in Egypt to see if they are still alive.' 'Go in peace,' Jethro replied. Now the LORD had said to Moses in Midian, 'Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.' So Moses took his wife and sons, put them on a donkey, and started back to the land of Egypt. And he took the staff of God in his hand."

Significance

Moses' departure for Egypt marks the beginning of a monumental chapter in Israelite history. His obedience to God's call sets the stage for the Exodus, a defining event that shapes the identity and faith of the Israelite nation. Through Moses, God demonstrates His power, faithfulness, and commitment to His covenant promises, ultimately leading His people toward freedom and the Promised Land.