Exodus 4:3 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And he said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent, and Moses ran from it.

NIV: The Lord said, "Throw it on the ground." Moses threw it on the ground and it became a snake, and he ran from it.

NASB: Then He said, 'Throw it on the ground.' So he threw it on the ground, and it turned into a serpent; and Moses fled from it.

CSB: "Throw it on the ground," he said. So Moses threw it on the ground, it became a snake, and he ran from it.

NLT: Throw it down on the ground,' the Lord told him. So Moses threw down the staff, and it turned into a snake! Moses jumped back.

KJV: And he said, Cast it on the ground. And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from before it.

NKJV: And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” So he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it.

When told to go represent God before the Egyptian king (Exodus 3:10), Moses expressed doubts (Exodus 3:11). Among those was a concern that no one would believe that he'd spoken with the real God (Exodus 4:1). Here the Lord gives Moses the first of several signs he can use to prove the divine power behind his message. This one involves Moses' walking staff.

Despite any doubts, Moses obeys when God tells him to throw the staff on the ground. It becomes a snake—and obviously a dangerous one as Moses immediately runs from it. Next, the Lord will tell Moses to grab the snake by the tail, at which time it turns back into a staff. In the Israelite mindset, serpents were associated with evil and death (Genesis 3:1–3). Even one of the tribes of Israel was described as "a serpent in the way" when predicting a dire future (Genesis 49:17).

Cobras were among the important religious symbols of ancient Egypt. When Moses shows this sign—using Aaron's staff instead—Pharaoh's advisors seem able to do the same. But Aaron's staff-serpent eats theirs (Exodus 7:8–13). This sign will also be crucial in convincing the elders of Israel that Moses has truly been sent by God (Exodus 4:30–31).

Exodus 4:1–9 continues the conversation between Moses and God. Moses doubts that anyone will believe his story. So, the Lord gives him signs such as transforming Moses' staff into a snake, afflicting and healing leprosy on his own hand, and turning water poured on the ground into blood. These prove God's power over animal life, human life, and nature itself.

While speaking with God in the form of a supernaturally burning bush, Moses expresses a lack of confidence. God gives Moses several miraculous signs so he can prove the source of his message. Moses is still unsure because of his poor speech. Though irritated, God appoints Moses' brother, Aaron, to be the spokesman while Moses relays the words of God. Moses returns to Egypt. Along the way, he nearly dies due to God's anger over some issue related to circumci-sion. After meeting his brother, Moses convinces the elders of Israel that his mission is genuine.

Moses, born an Israelite (Exodus 2:1) but raised by an Egyptian princess (Exodus 2:10) fled into exile after killing an abu-sive Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:14–15). Later, Moses meets God (Exodus 3:6) and receives the initial command to challenge Pharaoh for the freedom of the Israelites (Exodus 3:18–20). In this chapter, Moses makes excuses about his public speaking and nearly dies because of an uncircumcised son. Israel's elders believe Moses' story. But in the next chapter, Moses' early confrontation with Pharaoh goes poorly; the people are worked even hard-er (Exodus 5:5–9) and they begin to turn against Moses (Exodus 5:20–21).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.