Exodus 4:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: And the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the people of Israel and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed their heads and worshiped.

NIV: and they believed. And when they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

NASB: So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord was concerned about the sons of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed low and worshiped.

CSB: The people believed, and when they heard that the Lord had paid attention to them and that he had seen their misery, they knelt low and worshiped.

NLT: Then the people of Israel were convinced that the Lord had sent Moses and Aaron. When they heard that the Lord was concerned about them and had seen their misery, they bowed down and worshiped.

KJV: And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped.

NKJV: So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped.

Israel's leaders saw signs from Moses and Aaron (Exodus 4:29–30). They heard the message which had been given to Moses by the Lord (Exodus 3:4–6, 10; 4:21–23). They respond with belief and celebration. Bowing one's head is a sign of submission and respect. Israel is reverently praising the Lord because of this wonderful news.

Their joy comes from realizing that God had "visited" them. This doesn't mean a physical arrival; in this context, it means that the Lord has sent word and is expected to act. When Joseph died he said that "God will visit," and made his family promise to carry his bones out of Egypt and into Canaan (Genesis 50:24–25). The people also take comfort in knowing that their suffering has not gone unnoticed (Exodus 1:13–14, 22). They were not abandoned or forgotten. Their God was preparing to make good on His promises (Genesis 12:7; 15:13).

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.