Exodus Chapter 4 · Verse 14
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
Original Language Analysis
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
H2734
וַיִּֽחַר
was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 22
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַ֨ף
And the anger
H639
אַ֨ף
And the anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 22
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֜ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
3 of 22
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
הֲלֹ֨א
H3808
הֲלֹ֨א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 22
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אָחִ֙יךָ֙
thy brother
H251
אָחִ֙יךָ֙
thy brother
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
8 of 22
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
יָדַ֕עְתִּי
I know
H3045
יָדַ֕עְתִּי
I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
10 of 22
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
11 of 22
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְדַבֵּ֖ר
that he can speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֖ר
that he can speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
12 of 22
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְדַבֵּ֖ר
that he can speak
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֖ר
that he can speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
13 of 22
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
ה֑וּא
H1931
ה֑וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
14 of 22
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
וְגַ֤ם
H1571
וְגַ֤ם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
הוּא֙
H1931
הוּא֙
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
17 of 22
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
יֹצֵ֣א
And also behold he cometh forth
H3318
יֹצֵ֣א
And also behold he cometh forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
18 of 22
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָ
to meet
H7125
לִקְרָאתֶ֔ךָ
to meet
Strong's:
H7125
Word #:
19 of 22
an encountering, accidental, friendly or hostile (also adverbially, opposite)
Historical Context
Aaron was likely still in Egypt during Moses' Midian sojourn. How God orchestrated Aaron's departure to meet Moses shows divine providence. Aaron's eloquence proved useful initially (4:30) but later contributed to disaster (32:1-6, 21-24). Moses' refusal to trust God fully had consequences—leadership shared with Aaron complicated matters. This teaches that resisting God's best plan results in workable but suboptimal alternatives.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's anger at Moses' resistance challenge you to obey promptly rather than negotiate with God?
- What 'Aaron arrangements' in your life exist because you insisted on accommodations rather than trusting God's original plan?
Analysis & Commentary
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart (וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה בְּמֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר הֲלֹא אַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ הַלֵּוִי יָדַעְתִּי כִּי־דַבֵּר יְדַבֵּר הוּא וְגַם הִנֵּה־הוּא יֹצֵא לִקְרָאתֶךָ וְרָאֲךָ וְשָׂמַח בְּלִבּוֹ)—The anger of the LORD was kindled (וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה)—God's displeasure at Moses' resistance. God accommodates weakness but opposes rebellion. Aaron the Levite thy brother—God provides a spokesman. He can speak well (דַבֵּר יְדַבֵּר, emphatic: "speaking he will speak"). Aaron becomes Moses' "prophet" to Pharaoh (7:1). He will be glad in his heart (וְשָׂמַח בְּלִבּוֹ)—true fraternal support, though later Aaron will fail (golden calf, Exodus 32). Moses' reluctance costs him something—Aaron's involvement creates complications. God's first choice was Moses alone; accommodation brings mixed results.