Exodus 4:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people.

NIV: and Aaron told them everything the Lord had said to Moses. He also performed the signs before the people,

NASB: and Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. He then performed the signs in the sight of the people.

CSB: Aaron repeated everything the Lord had said to Moses and performed the signs before the people.

NLT: Aaron told them everything the Lord had told Moses, and Moses performed the miraculous signs as they watched.

KJV: And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.

NKJV: And Aaron spoke all the words which the Lord had spoken to Moses. Then he did the signs in the sight of the people.

As instructed (Exodus 4:19), Moses is returning to Egypt to deliver the Lord's message of freedom to Israel (Exodus 3:10). He is joined by his older brother, Aaron (Exodus 4:14). They arrange a meeting with the elders of Israel (Exodus 4:29). This is a crucial moment; if the national leaders reject this new message, it will be difficult for Moses and Aaron to reach the people.

Aaron acts here as the official speaker (Exodus 4:15–16). This is his primary role in his work alongside Moses. According to this verse, it seems he is also able to perform the miraculous signs granted by God. These are transforming a staff into a snake (Exodus 4:3–4), control over leprosy (Exodus 4:6–7), and changing water into blood (Exodus 4:9). Most likely, Aaron also explained Moses' encounter with the Lord at the burning bush (Exodus 3:4–6).

Fortunately, the elders—and the people who they represent—accept these proofs and celebrate with worship (Exodus 4:31). Moses and Aaron will then appear before Pharaoh, Egypt's king—as representatives of the nation of Israel (Exodus 5:1).

Exodus 4:27–31 recounts Moses' first encounter with the Israelites upon his return from exile. First he meets Aaron, sent to meet him in the wilderness by God. The two men gather Israel's leaders. The elders respond to Mo-ses' story and signs with belief. Knowing that the Lord is acting to remove their suffering, the men worship.

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.

Accessed 4/17/2025 5:37:04 PM