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    Exodus 4 (KJV)

    Read Exodus chapter 4 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Exodus 4

    Deep Verse Commentaries in This Chapter

    Exodus 4:11

    "And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or wh…"

    Exodus 4:12

    "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach th…"

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    Exodus 4 Summary

    Exodus 4 records Moses' continued objections to God's call and God's patient but firm responses. Moses protests that no one will believe him, so God gives three signs: a staff that becomes a serpent, a hand that becomes leprous, and water turned to blood. When Moses complains about his poor speaking ability, God appoints Aaron as his spokesperson.

    The chapter also contains the mysterious and troubling incident at the lodging place where God nearly kills Moses, apparently because he had not circumcised his son. Zipporah intervenes, performing the circumcision herself. Moses and Aaron then return to Egypt, gather the Israelite elders, perform the signs, and the people believe and worship.

    Key Themes

    Moses' objectionsGod's signs and patienceAaron as spokesmanCircumcision crisisObedience despite fear

    Key Verses in Exodus 4

    "And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD?"

    — Exodus 4:11

    God's answer to inadequacy: He made you, and He will equip you.

    "And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod."

    — Exodus 4:2

    God uses what you already have — a simple shepherd's staff becomes the instrument of miracles.

    "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

    — Exodus 4:12

    God doesn't just send — He accompanies and provides the words.

    Life Application

    Moses' objections mirror our own: I'm not qualified, no one will listen, someone else would be better. God's response is consistent: I made you, I'll equip you, now go. This chapter teaches that God doesn't call the qualified — He qualifies the called. What's in your hand that God could use if you'd stop making excuses?

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why did God almost kill Moses?

    The exact reason is debated, but the text connects it to circumcision — the sign of God's covenant with Abraham. Moses had apparently neglected this for his son, and entering God's service required complete covenant obedience. Zipporah's intervention saved Moses' life.

    What were the three signs God gave Moses?

    God turned Moses' staff into a serpent and back, made his hand leprous then healed it, and promised that water from the Nile would become blood on dry ground. These signs authenticated Moses' divine commission before the Israelite elders.

    Read the full summary of Exodus

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