Exodus 4:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 4:14
14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
Chapter Context
Exodus 4 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, grace, discipleship. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 4:14
14 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart.
Analysis
And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart (וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה בְּמֹשֶׁה וַיֹּאמֶר הֲלֹא אַהֲרֹן אָחִיךָ הַלֵּוִי יָדַעְתִּי כִּי־דַבֵּר יְדַבֵּר הוּא וְגַם הִנֵּה־הוּא יֹצֵא לִקְרָאתֶךָ וְרָאֲךָ וְשָׂמַח בְּלִבּוֹ)—The anger of the LORD was kindled (וַיִּחַר־אַף יְהוָה)—God's displeasure at Moses' resistance. God accommodates weakness but opposes rebellion. Aaron the Levite thy brother—God provides a spokesman. He can speak well (דַבֵּר יְדַבֵּר, emphatic: "speaking he will speak"). Aaron becomes Moses' "prophet" to Pharaoh (7:1). He will be glad in his heart (וְשָׂמַח בְּלִבּוֹ)—true fraternal support, though later Aaron will fail (golden calf, Exodus 32). Moses' reluctance costs him something—Aaron's involvement creates complications. God's first choice was Moses alone; accommodation brings mixed results.
Historical Context
Aaron was likely still in Egypt during Moses' Midian sojourn. How God orchestrated Aaron's departure to meet Moses shows divine providence. Aaron's eloquence proved useful initially (4:30) but later contributed to disaster (32:1-6, 21-24). Moses' refusal to trust God fully had consequences—leadership shared with Aaron complicated matters. This teaches that resisting God's best plan results in workable but suboptimal alternatives.
Reflection
- How does God's anger at Moses' resistance challenge you to obey promptly rather than negotiate with God?
- What 'Aaron arrangements' in your life exist because you insisted on accommodations rather than trusting God's original plan?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 4:27
- Parallel theme: 1 Chronicles 21:7