“And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.”
This verse is part of the account of Moses’ call and commission by God to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. To understand the significance of this verse, it’s essential to explore its context.
The context of Exodus 4:19 begins with Moses encountering God at the burning bush in Midian (Exodus 3). God reveals His divine plan to Moses, informing him that He has seen the affliction of the Israelites in Egypt and has chosen Moses to lead His people out of slavery (Exodus 3:7-10). Moses expresses his concerns and doubts, questioning his own ability and asking for a sign from God.
In response to Moses’ hesitations, God provides him with various signs to demonstrate His power, including turning Moses’ staff into a serpent and healing Moses’ hand from leprosy (Exodus 4:2-8). However, Moses remains reluctant and continues to express his insecurities, even suggesting that someone else should be chosen for the task (Exodus 4:10-13).
It is at this point that Exodus 4:19 comes into play. The verse says, “And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.” Here, God reaffirms His call to Moses, instructing him to go back to Egypt. The phrase “all the men are dead which sought thy life” is a crucial detail that highlights the changed circumstances since Moses had fled Egypt years earlier.
This verse reveals that the people who had previously sought to kill Moses were no longer a threat to him. God assures Moses that the danger he once faced in Egypt has passed. This reassurance aims to encourage Moses, emphasizing that it is now safe for him to return to Egypt and carry out the task that God has assigned to him.
By mentioning that Moses’ pursuers are no longer alive, God removes one of Moses’ fears and obstacles. God’s words demonstrate His providence and protection over Moses, assuring him that He has cleared the way for his mission.
The significance of this verse extends beyond Moses’ personal safety. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and ability to orchestrate events for the accomplishment of His purposes. It conveys the message that when God calls His people to a task, He equips and protects them, removing hindrances along the way.
As believers, we can draw several lessons from Exodus 4:19. It encourages us to trust in God’s guidance and provision, even when we face challenges or feel inadequate for the tasks He assigns us. We can find comfort in knowing that God goes before us, removing obstacles and working in ways we may not fully comprehend. It reminds us to rely on God’s strength and not solely on our own abilities.
In summary, Exodus 4:19 reassures Moses of his safety and renews his call to go back to Egypt. It showcases God’s faithfulness and protection, reminding us to trust in His guidance and provision as we fulfill the tasks He has given us.
