“And the Lord said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod.”
This verse is a part of the narrative where God appeared to Moses at the burning bush and commissioned him to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Moses had expressed doubt and raised concerns about his ability to fulfill this task. In response, God asked Moses a question to initiate a demonstration of His power and to reassure Moses of His presence and assistance.
Context and Background: Exodus 4:2 occurs in the larger context of Exodus chapter 3 and 4. Moses had encountered the burning bush, through which God spoke to him and revealed His divine plan to rescue the Israelites. Moses initially hesitated to accept this assignment due to his own feelings of inadequacy and uncertainty.
What is that in thine hand?: God’s question to Moses, “What is that in thine hand?” draws attention to the ordinary object Moses was holding-a rod or staff. The staff was a common tool in Moses’ occupation as a shepherd and symbolized his authority and role in tending the flock.
The significance of the rod: The rod in Moses’ hand would later become an instrument of God’s power, performing miraculous signs before Pharaoh and the people of Egypt. God intended to use this staff as a visible demonstration of His authority and to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh that Moses was acting under God’s command.
A demonstration of God’s power: By asking Moses about the rod, God was setting the stage for a powerful display of His divine might. He instructed Moses to cast the rod on the ground, and it instantly transformed into a serpent. This miraculous transformation would serve as evidence of God’s presence and enable Moses to perform signs and wonders before Pharaoh.
Symbolism and spiritual lessons:
- God’s use of the ordinary: Through this interaction, we learn that God can take something ordinary and use it for extraordinary purposes. He often uses what we already have in our hands to accomplish His plans. We should not underestimate the value of what seems insignificant or ordinary in our lives, as God can use it for His glory.
- Trusting in God’s power: God’s question to Moses also challenged him to trust in the power of God rather than relying on his own abilities. Similarly, we are reminded that when God calls us to a task or a mission, we should not focus on our limitations but rather place our trust in God’s strength and guidance.
- God’s provision and enablement: God’s question and subsequent miracles demonstrated His willingness to provide Moses with the necessary tools and abilities to fulfill his role. This teaches us that when God calls us, He equips us and empowers us to accomplish what He has asked of us.
- The authority of God’s chosen servant: The transformation of the rod into a serpent and back into a rod again established Moses’ authority as God’s chosen instrument. It signified that Moses was not acting on his own but was carrying out God’s will. This highlights the importance of recognizing and respecting the authority that God has placed upon His chosen servants.
In summary, Exodus 4:2 showcases God’s power and His ability to use the ordinary to accomplish the extraordinary. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s provision, recognizing His authority, and stepping out in faith, even when we may feel inadequate or uncertain.
