Exodus 4:20
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 4:20
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 4 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, truth, salvation. 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 illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. 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 4:20
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim) H430 - God (plural of majesty)
Cross-References
- References God: Exodus 17:9
- References Moses: Numbers 20:11
- Parallel theme: Exodus 4:2