“And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the LORD met him, and sought to kill him.”
This verse appears in the context of Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. God had called Moses to deliver the Israelites from bondage in Egypt. However, Moses expressed doubts and concerns about his ability to fulfill this monumental task. In response, God assured Moses of His presence and power by performing miraculous signs, such as turning Moses’ staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then healing it.
Afterward, Moses still hesitated and asked God to send someone else. It is at this point, during Moses’ journey back to Egypt, that the incident described in Exodus 4:24 occurs. The verse tells us that the Lord met Moses at an inn and sought to kill him.
This passage is somewhat puzzling and has been the subject of various interpretations and debates among scholars. The brevity of the verse and its lack of specific details make it difficult to fully understand the context and meaning. However, let’s explore some possible interpretations:
Divine Intervention: Some scholars suggest that God’s intention to kill Moses was a divine act of judgment or correction. They argue that Moses might have neglected to circumcise his son in obedience to God’s covenant (Genesis 17:10-14), and this neglect led to God’s response. In this view, God’s action served as a severe warning to Moses about the importance of obedience.
Angelic Encounter: Another interpretation proposes that it was not the Lord Himself but an angel who sought to kill Moses. The Hebrew term used for “the LORD” in this verse can also be translated as “the Angel of the Lord.” This interpretation suggests that the angelic figure encountered Moses at the inn and threatened his life. It aligns with the idea that divine messengers sometimes acted as agents of judgment or testing.
Symbolic Representation: Some scholars consider this incident as symbolic rather than literal. They argue that it represents a spiritual battle or struggle that Moses experienced internally. The encounter could symbolize Moses’ own doubts, fears, or inner conflicts regarding his mission, as well as the need for complete dedication to God’s call.
It is important to note that the verse itself does not provide explicit details or explanations, leaving room for interpretation. The passage raises intriguing questions and encourages deeper reflection on Moses’ journey, obedience, and faith.
In conclusion, Exodus 4:24 remains a mysterious and debated verse within biblical scholarship. While we can explore different interpretations, it is vital to approach it with humility and acknowledge the limited information provided. The focus of the Exodus narrative ultimately lies in God’s calling of Moses, His faithfulness, and His power to deliver His people from bondage.
