Exodus 4:18-31

4:18-23 | After 40 years, Moses was still bound to his father-in-law and adoptive father, Jethro (3:1). So for Moses to return to Egypt and freely accomplish God’s purpose, he needed to be released from his familial responsibilities. Jethro’s kindness was seen in the words Go in peace. This was also a confirmation of the Lord’s will to Moses.

4:20 | Moses’ shepherding stick became the rod of God. When we serve God, whatever is ours may become His to use for His glory.

4:22-23 | For the Lord to call Israel, My son, My firstborn (Hosea 11:1; Jer. 31:9) would have offended Pharaoh (likely Amenhotep II), who viewed himself as the favored son of the Egyptian gods.

4:24-26 | When a person says yes to God’s service, the Lord will often begin to reveal neglected areas of obedience. Moses’ failure to circumcise his second son Eliezer according to the Lord’s covenant with Abraham forced a disgusted Zipporah to save her husband’s life by circumcising the baby herself.

4:27-31 | During their reunion on the mountain of God (Mount Horeb), the same location where the Lord first called Moses to deliver Israel from Egypt, the biological brothers became brothers in the ministry.