Exodus:4

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* Verse 1-9 - Moses objects , that the people would not take his word , unless he showed them some sign . God gives him power to work miracles . But those who are now employed to deliver God 's messages to men , need not the power to work miracles : their character and their doctrines are to be tried by that word of God to which they appeal . These miracles especially referred to the miracles of the Lord Jesus Christ . It belonged to Him only , to cast the power of the devil out of the soul , and to heal the soul of the leprosy of sin ; and so it was for Him first to cast the devil out of the body , and to heal the leprosy of the body . * Verse 10-17 - Moses continued backward to the work God designed him for ; there was much of cowardice , slothfulness , and unbelief in him . We must not judge of men by the readiness of their discourse . A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be with a slow tongue . God sometimes makes choice of those as his messengers , who have the least of the advantages of art or nature , that his grace in them may appear the more glorious . Christ 's disciples were no orators , till the Holy Spirit made them such . God condescends to answer the excuse of Moses . Even self-diffidence , when it hinders us from duty , or clogs us in duty , is very displeasing to the Lord . But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service , let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy , and less perilous . The tongue of Aaron , with the head and heart of Moses , would make one completely fit for this errand . God promises , I will be with thy mouth , and with his mouth . Even Aaron , who could speak well , yet could not speak to purpose , unless God gave constant teaching and help ; for without the constant aid of Divine grace , the best gifts will fail . * Verse 18-23 - After God had appeared in the bush , he often spake to Moses . Pharaoh had hardened his own heart against the groans and cries of the oppressed Israelites ; and now God , in the way of righteous judgment , hardens his heart against the teaching of the miracles , and the terror of the plagues . But whether Pharaoh will hear , or whether he will forbear , Moses must tell him , Thus saith the Lord . He must demand a discharge for Israel , Let my son go ; not only my servant , whom thou hast no right to detain , but my son . It is my son that serves me , and therefore must be spared , must be pleaded for . In case of refusal I will slay thy son , even thy first-born . As men deal with God 's people , let them expect so to be dealt with . * Verse 24-31 - God met Moses in anger . The Lord threatened him with death or sent sickness upon him , as the punishment of his having neglected to circumcise his son . When God discovers to us what is amiss in our lives , we must give all diligence to amend it speedily . This is the voice of every rod ; it calls us to return to Him that smites us . God sent Aaron to meet Moses . The more they saw of God 's bringing them together , the more pleasant their interview was . The elders of Israel met them in faith , and were ready to obey them . It often happens , that less difficulty is found than was expected , in such undertakings as are according to the will of God , and for his glory . Let us but arise and try at our proper work , the Lord will be with us and prosper us . If Israel welcomed the tidings of their deliverance , and worshipped the Lord , how should we welcome the glad tidings of redemption , embrace it in faith , and adore the Redeemer ! **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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