‏ Exodus 4

* God gives Moses power to work miracles. (1-9) Moses is loth to

be sent, Aaron is to assist him. (10-17) Moses leaves Midian,

God's message to Pharaoh. (18-23) God's displeasure against

Moses, Aaron meets him, The people believe them. (24-31)

1-9 Moses objects, that the people would not take his word,

unless he showed them some sign. God gives him power to work

miracles. But those who are now employed to deliver God's

messages to men, need not the power to work miracles: their

character and their doctrines are to be tried by that word of

God to which they appeal. These miracles especially referred to

the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ. It belonged to Him only,

to cast the power of the devil out of the soul, and to heal the

soul of the leprosy of sin; and so it was for Him first to cast

the devil out of the body, and to heal the leprosy of the body. 10-17 Moses continued backward to the work God designed him

for; there was much of cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in

him. We must not judge of men by the readiness of their

discourse. A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be with a

slow tongue. God sometimes makes choice of those as his

messengers, who have the least of the advantages of art or

nature, that his grace in them may appear the more glorious.

Christ's disciples were no orators, till the Holy Spirit made

them such. God condescends to answer the excuse of Moses. Even

self-diffidence, when it hinders us from duty, or clogs us in

duty, is very displeasing to the Lord. But while we blame Moses

for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own

hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less

perilous. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses,

would make one completely fit for this errand. God promises, I

will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who

could speak well, yet could not speak to purpose, unless God

gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of

Divine grace, the best gifts will fail. 18-23 After God had appeared in the bush, he often spake to

Moses. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and

cries of the oppressed Israelites; and now God, in the way of

righteous judgment, hardens his heart against the teaching of

the miracles, and the terror of the plagues. But whether Pharaoh

will hear, or whether he will forbear, Moses must tell him, Thus

saith the Lord. He must demand a discharge for Israel, Let my

son go; not only my servant, whom thou hast no right to detain,

but my son. It is my son that serves me, and therefore must be

spared, must be pleaded for. In case of refusal I will slay thy

son, even thy first-born. As men deal with God's people, let

them expect so to be dealt with. 24-31 God met Moses in anger. The Lord threatened him with

death or sent sickness upon him, as the punishment of his having

neglected to circumcise his son. When God discovers to us what

is amiss in our lives, we must give all diligence to amend it

speedily. This is the voice of every rod; it calls us to return

to Him that smites us. God sent Aaron to meet Moses. The more

they saw of God's bringing them together, the more pleasant

their interview was. The elders of Israel met them in faith, and

were ready to obey them. It often happens, that less difficulty

is found than was expected, in such undertakings as are

according to the will of God, and for his glory. Let us but

arise and try at our proper work, the Lord will be with us and

prosper us. If Israel welcomed the tidings of their deliverance,

and worshipped the Lord, how should we welcome the glad tidings

of redemption, embrace it in faith, and adore the Redeemer!