Exodus 4:20
And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
Original Language Analysis
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
וְאֶת
H853
וְאֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בָּנָ֗יו
and his sons
H1121
בָּנָ֗יו
and his sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
6 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙
and set
H7392
וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙
and set
Strong's:
H7392
Word #:
7 of 18
to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
8 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
וַיָּ֖שָׁב
and he returned
H7725
וַיָּ֖שָׁב
and he returned
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
10 of 18
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
15 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
מַטֵּ֥ה
the rod
H4294
מַטֵּ֥ה
the rod
Strong's:
H4294
Word #:
16 of 18
a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),
Cross References
Exodus 17:9And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand.Exodus 4:2And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.Numbers 20:11And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.
Historical Context
The rod of God becomes central to Exodus narrative: bringing plagues (7:17, 20; 9:23; 10:13), parting the Red Sea (14:16), bringing water from rock (17:5-6), and winning battles (17:9). Later tradition called it matteh ha'Elohim, recognizing its unique role in Israel's deliverance. Moses' humble donkey contrasts with Egypt's chariot power—God's power needs no impressive external trappings.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your 'rod'—ordinary tool or gifting—need to be reconceived as 'the rod of God' consecrated for His purposes?
- What does Moses' humble transport (donkey) despite wielding the rod of God teach about power dynamics in God's kingdom?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand (וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו וַיַּרְכִּבֵם עַל־הַחֲמֹר וַיָּשָׁב אֶל־אֶרֶץ מִצְרָיִם וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־מַטֵּה הָאֱלֹהִים בְּיָדוֹ)—Moses brings his wife and his sons (Zipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer—18:3-4). They travel by ass (donkey)—humble transport. The key phrase: Moses took the rod of God in his hand (מַטֵּה הָאֱלֹהִים, matteh ha'Elohim). What was his shepherd's staff (v. 2) is now the rod of God—consecrated for divine purposes. This rod will execute judgment and salvation, demonstrating that Moses returns not as fugitive refugee but as God's commissioned deliverer. The rod's new designation shows Moses' transformed identity and authority.