Exodus 4:13
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 4:13
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
Chapter Context
Exodus 4 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of righteousness, redemption, prayer. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 4:13
13 And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send.
Analysis
And he said, O my Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send (וַיֹּאמֶר בִּי אֲדֹנָי שְׁלַח־נָא בְּיַד־תִּשְׁלָח)—Moses' ultimate objection: send... by the hand of him whom thou wilt send—essentially, "send anyone but me!" This is no longer legitimate concern about ability but willful resistance. Moses has exhausted objections (credibility, v. 1; eloquence, v. 10) and now simply refuses. The Hebrew phrase (בְּיַד־תִּשְׁלָח, beyad-tishlach) is ambiguous, sometimes interpreted "send by the hand [of someone] you will send [in the future]," possibly alluding prophetically to the coming Messiah. Regardless, Moses' resistance provokes God's anger (v. 14)—patience has limits. God's sovereignty means He'll accomplish His purposes, with or without our enthusiastic cooperation, though He prefers willing servants.
Historical Context
This exchange shows Moses' profound transformation from the impulsive youth who killed the Egyptian (2:12) to the overly cautious shepherd afraid of leadership. Forty years of Midian humbled Moses, but now he needed balance—neither arrogant self-confidence nor paralyzing self-doubt, but God-dependent confidence. God's anger (v. 14) was pedagogical, not vindictive—teaching Moses that calling isn't negotiable.
Reflection
- When have you responded to God's clear call with 'send someone else,' and what were the consequences?
- How do you discern the difference between legitimate concerns about calling and sinful resistance to God's will?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H136 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 4:1, Jonah 1:3