Exodus 4:30
And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.
Original Language Analysis
דִּבֶּ֥ר
had spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
had spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵ֚ת
H853
אֵ֚ת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 14
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 #:
4 of 14
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
all the words
H1697
הַדְּבָרִ֔ים
all the words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
5 of 14
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
6 of 14
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
דִּבֶּ֥ר
had spoken
H1696
דִּבֶּ֥ר
had spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
7 of 14
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֖ה
which the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
8 of 14
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and did
H6213
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and did
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
11 of 14
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
הָֽאֹתֹ֖ת
the signs
H226
הָֽאֹתֹ֖ת
the signs
Strong's:
H226
Word #:
12 of 14
a signal (literally or figuratively), as a flag, beacon, monument, omen, prodigy, evidence, etc
Historical Context
Public demonstration of signs convinced Israel's elders and people (v. 31). This contrasts with later skepticism during wilderness trials (Exodus 16:2-3, 17:2-3, Numbers 14:2-4), showing that signs produce initial faith but ongoing trust requires character formation. The Moses-Aaron presentation combined word (Aaron's explanation) and power (signs), anticipating the gospel pattern of proclamation and demonstration (Romans 15:18-19).
Questions for Reflection
- How does the combination of words (Aaron) and signs (Moses) teach about the partnership of proclamation and demonstration in effective ministry?
- What does Israel's positive response teach about God's faithfulness to provide sufficient evidence for genuine faith?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people (וַיְדַבֵּר אַהֲרֹן אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּר יְהוָה אֶל־מֹשֶׁה וַיַּעַשׂ הָאֹתֹת לְעֵינֵי הָעָם)—Aaron fulfills his role as spokesman: spake all the words (וַיְדַבֵּר אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים). And did the signs in the sight of the people—unclear whether Aaron or Moses performed signs; probably Moses performed while Aaron explained. The signs work as intended—rod to serpent, leprous hand, etc. In the sight of the people (לְעֵינֵי הָעָם) means public demonstration, witnessed by many. God's concern (4:1) that Israel wouldn't believe proves unfounded—when properly presented with divine credentials, faith follows. The partnership functions: Moses provides revelation and power; Aaron provides articulation.