Exodus 4:17
And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
Original Language Analysis
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
1 of 10
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַמַּטֶּ֥ה
this rod
H4294
הַמַּטֶּ֥ה
this rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
2 of 10
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
הַזֶּ֖ה
H2088
תִּקַּ֣ח
And thou shalt take
H3947
תִּקַּ֣ח
And thou shalt take
Strong's:
H3947
Word #:
4 of 10
to take (in the widest variety of applications)
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
in thine hand
H3027
בְּיָדֶ֑ךָ
in thine hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
5 of 10
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 10
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
wherewith thou shalt do
H6213
תַּֽעֲשֶׂה
wherewith thou shalt do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
7 of 10
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Historical Context
The rod became Moses' signature symbol, recognized throughout Israel's history (Psalm 23:4's "rod and staff"). While Egyptian magicians also used rods (7:11-12), Moses' rod demonstrated superior divine power (7:12, rod swallowing theirs). The rod's transformation from shepherding tool to miracle-working instrument teaches that God consecrates ordinary implements for extraordinary purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'rod in your hand'—ordinary skill, tool, or resource—might God want to consecrate for miraculous purposes?
- How does the rod teach that spiritual authority operates through obedient use of God-given means, not inherent power in objects or individuals?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs (וְאֶת־הַמַּטֶּה הַזֶּה תִּקַּח בְּיָדֶךָ אֲשֶׁר תַּעֲשֶׂה־בּוֹ אֶת־הָאֹתֹת)—This rod (הַמַּטֶּה הַזֶּה)—the shepherd's staff now becomes the rod of God (4:20), instrument of miracles. Wherewith thou shalt do signs—God empowers the ordinary tool. The rod will: turn to serpent and back (4:2-4), turn water to blood (4:9), bring plagues (7:17, 20), part the Red Sea (14:16), bring water from rock (17:5-6). The rod symbolizes God's authority exercised through human obedience. It's not magic (power in the object) but sign (power from God through obedient use). Moses must learn to wield God's authority humbly, recognizing the power source.