Exodus 4:18 - Meaning and Application

Here, Moses first asks his father-in-law for leave to return to Egypt (Exodus 4:18). His father-in-law had been kind to him when Moses was a stranger, so Moses would not be rude and leave without notice. He also would not be unfair and leave his service without permission. Even those who are close to God and called to serve him still owe duty to their family and ordinary work in this world.

Moses said nothing, as far as we know, about the glorious way God had appeared to him. Such mercy is something to thank God for, not something to boast about before others.

God then gives Moses more encouragement and more direction for his work. After appearing in the bush to begin this close relationship, God seems to have spoken with Moses often afterward, and in a less overwhelming way. God first tells him that the danger is past. The men who had tried to kill Moses were all dead, so the coast was clear (Exodus 4:19). Moses may have been quietly afraid of falling into their hands, even if he did not say so. He talked instead about his weakness, his lack of worth, and his poor speech. God knows every hidden fear his people carry, and he knows how to strengthen them against it (Psalm 142:3).

God also tells Moses to work miracles not only before Israel's elders, but before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt (Exodus 4:21). Some people in Pharaoh's court may still have remembered Moses as the son of Pharaoh's daughter, the princess who raised him. They may have mocked him for leaving that life behind. But now Moses is sent back with greater power than the princess could ever have given him. His wonder-working staff gave him more honor than Egypt's royal scepter could have done. Those who give up worldly honor for God's sake will be repaid with the honor that comes from God, which is the truest honor.

God also prepares Moses for Pharaoh's stubbornness. Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the cries of the oppressed Israelites and shut up his pity. Now God, in righteous judgment, would harden Pharaoh's heart against the signs, miracles, and plagues. Ministers must expect that many will resist them, even when they use the strongest reasons and clearest arguments. We should not be surprised when some people will not be moved. Yet God remains the judge of that result.

Then God puts words in Moses' mouth for his message to Pharaoh (Exodus 4:22-23). God had already promised, "I will teach you what you are to say" (Exodus 4:12), and now he does so. Moses must speak in the name of the great LORD: "This is what the LORD says." This is the first time that phrase is used by a man, and later it becomes the common way the prophets speak. Whether Pharaoh listens or refuses, Moses must still deliver God's word.

Moses must also tell Pharaoh about Israel's special relation to God. Israel is not just a servant, nor a household slave. Israel is God's son, his firstborn, precious, honorable, and deeply loved. Pharaoh has no right to mistreat God's child in that way. Moses must then demand that Pharaoh let Israel go. God calls Israel "my son," and also "my firstborn," so Pharaoh must release them. God is careful for his own people, and he will plead their cause (Malachi 3:17).

If Pharaoh refuses, Moses must also warn him of judgment. God will kill Egypt's firstborn son, even Pharaoh's firstborn. People who deal harshly with God's people should expect God to deal with them in return. He will oppose the stubborn with stubbornness.

After God gave him this assurance that the men who had sought his life were dead, Moses immediately obeyed. He took his wife and his sons and set out for Egypt (Exodus 4:20). Though our sinful nature often objects to the service God calls us to, grace will win the fight and obey the heavenly vision.