Exodus 4:29
And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
Original Language Analysis
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
H1980
וַיֵּ֥לֶךְ
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
1 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
וַיַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ
and gathered together
H622
וַיַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ
and gathered together
Strong's:
H622
Word #:
4 of 9
to gather for any purpose; hence, to receive, take away, i.e., remove (destroy, leave behind, put up, restore, etc.)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Israel maintained tribal elders even during Egyptian slavery, preserving their social structure. These elders traced authority through patriarchal lines and clan leadership. Moses' respect for this existing framework helped unify Israel behind his leadership. Later, the elders would accompany Moses to Pharaoh (3:18), witness Sinai's theophany (24:1, 9-11), and serve as Israel's representative council.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Moses' working through existing elders teach about respecting established authority structures when initiating change or reform?
- What legitimate 'elders' or leaders should you partner with rather than bypass when pursuing God's vision?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel (וַיֵּלֶךְ מֹשֶׁה וְאַהֲרֹן וַיַּאַסְפוּ אֶת־כָּל־זִקְנֵי בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל)—Moses and Aaron's first action: convene the elders (זִקְנֵי, ziknei), Israel's leadership structure. Working through existing authority shows wisdom—Moses doesn't bypass established leaders but partners with them. Gathered together (וַיַּאַסְפוּ, vaya'asfu) suggests assembly for important announcement. The elders represent the tribes/clans; convincing them wins popular support. This approach (leadership-first, then people) establishes proper governmental structure that Moses will develop further (18:25-26, Numbers 11:16-17). God's deliverers work with, not against, existing legitimate authority structures.