Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Exodus 4:29
And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
Exodus 29-31. Execution of the commands given in Exo 3:16, Exo 4:2-9.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
All the elders – The Israelites retained their own national organization; their affairs were administered by their own elders, who called a public assembly Exo 4:31 to hear the message brought by Moses and Aaron.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Exo 4:29-30
Gathered together all the elders.
The first interview of Moses and Aaron with the elders of Israel, and the welcome they received
I. They acted upon the Divine suggestion. All Christian work should be undertaken according to the Divine suggestion, and in harmony with the Divine will. God generally tells men how to work as well as what to do. If we were left to mark out our own methods of toil, we should often involve both ourselves and the enterprise entrusted to us in great danger.
II. They spake according to the Divine dictation. Great workers require to be taught by God. In this consists their safety and success. A man who speaks to the world the messages of God will always be listened to.
III. They succeeded according to Divine intimation. Thus Moses and Aaron awakened–
1. Faith.
2. Hope.
3. Devotion–of Israel.
Moses had previously said that Israel would not believe him. We mistake our missions. We cannot form an estimate of success. If we act and speak according to the instruction of God we must succeed. (J. S. Exell, M. A.)
Lessons
1. Declaring of Gods will is suitably united to the assembling of His people.
2. Gods spokesmen made by Him are fittest to declare his mind to His people.
3. The words of Jehovah only, which He hath spoken to His servants, must be given to His assembly.
4. God may give His mind more immediately to one servant than to another (to Moses).
5. Gods stupendous works must be done, as well as His words spoken, to His people.
6. Gods congregation are the first subject to whom His words and works are sent. (G. Hughes, B. D.)
The gathering of the elders
The gathering of the elders of the children of Israel may point to no more than a family and tribal organization which was not known or used by the Egyptians for the purposes of government, but only used among the Israelites themselves for their religious and ritual teaching. But it would be contrary to most oriental experience to suppose so. It has been the custom of most eastern rulers, as of the Turks to-day, to recognize all proper governmental organizations among a subject people. It was even a large part of the wisdom of the politic Romans. The general government, indeed, extends its power to the individual, and is not slow to do so. But it is both convenient to have an opportunity for the respondent superior principle in law to work, and politic to have thus a hold upon the more generous feelings of the subject classes. The heads of the subject, tribe, or people are made responsible for, collection (or at least the payment) of tribute, and for the preservation of a certain law and order, and are the ready subjects of extortion on very slight pretences. On the other hand, their brethren of inferior order take pride in them, and serve them, and through them the general government, with much less driving. A pretty fair example of this in modern times can be seen in the Turkish recognition of the various religious bodies within its domains. Perhaps it is the best of modern illustrations. (Prof. Isaac H. Hall.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
All of them whom they could easily and quickly bring together, or all that were in those parts. Of those elders, see Exo 3:16; 24:1,9; Num 11:16.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
29-31. Moses and Aaron wenttowardsEgypt, Zipporah and her sons having been sent back. (Compare Ex18:2).
gathered . . . all theeldersAaron was spokesman, and Moses performed the appointedmiraclesthrough which “the people” (that is, the elders)believed (1Ki 17:24; Jos 3:2)and received the joyful tidings of the errand on which Moses had comewith devout thanksgiving. Formerly they had slighted the message andrejected the messenger. Formerly Moses had gone in his own strength;now he goes leaning on God, and strong only through faith in Him whohad sent him. Israel also had been taught a useful lesson, and it wasgood for both that they had been afflicted.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Moses and Aaron went,…. Set forward for Egypt: and being come thither,
gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel; the heads of tribes and families, as many as they could conveniently get together in one place; probably in the metropolis of the kingdom, where Pharaoh’s palace was, since we quickly hear of their going in to him.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Verses 29-31:
Israel apparently retained a measure of self-government under the Egyptian rule. The “elders” were likely the hereditary heads of the families. They responded to the invitation of Aaron and Moses, and gathered to hear what these two men had to say. Aaron was the spokesman. Verse 30 implies that Moses performed the signs as God had instructed (verses 1-9). The elders were convinced by these signs and by the message Aaron delivered, of the validity of Moses’ commission. They bowed before the Lord in reverence, that He was mindful of them, and that He had at last sent a deliverer.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
29. And Moses and Aaron went. We are here briefly told how faithfully and religiously the two brothers executed the commands of God. They gather together the elders of the people, because the mighty multitude, as we are told they were, could not be collected in one place. Besides, God wished not to contend by means of the tumultuous and confused clamor of a mob, but with the miracles, which calmly breathed forth his divine power. But it is again worthy of observation, that Aaron is substituted to speak in the place of Moses. For if slowness of speech prevented Moses from doing so, why is not God’s discourse directed to Aaron? Wherefore is this circuitous proceeding, that he promulgates to the people not what he himself heard directly, but received indirectly through his brother, except that this mode is agreeable to God for the purpose of proving their faith? For while by this proof the humility and modesty of Aaron were exhibited, since he objected not to depend on his brother’s mouth, so also the tractableness of the elders appears in suffering the commands of God to be thus passed to them from hand to hand, and in not scrupulously inquiring why God did not directly address themselves, or thunder from on high. They were, (64) however, aided by the miracles, because they were so stupified by their miseries that otherwise simple preaching would have had no weight with them.
(64) “Cependant Dieu ait supplee a leur infirmite par l’aide des miracles;” still God helped their infirmity by the assistance of the miracles. — Fr.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Exo. 4:29-31
THE FIRST INTERVIEW OF MOSES AND AARON WITH THE ELDERS OF ISRAEL, AND THE WELCOME THEY RECEIVED
I. They acted upon the Divine suggestion. And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the Elders of the Children of Israel. This is what God told them to do. All Christian work should be undertaken according to the Divine suggestion, and in harmony with the Divine will. God generally tells men how to work as well as what to do. If we were left to mark out our own methods of toil, we should often involve both ourselves and the enterprise entrusted to us in great danger.
II. They spake according to the Divine dictation. And Aaron spake all the words which the Lord had spoken unto Moses. In a great mission the sayings of a man are as important as his doings: hence these must be divinely directed Great workers require to be taught by God. In this consists their safety and success. A man who speaks to the world the messages of God will always be listened to.
III. They succeeded according to Divine intimation. And the people believed: and when they heard that the Lord had visited the Children of Israel, and that he had looked upon their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped. Thus Moses and Aaron awakened the
(1). Faith;
(2). Hope;
(3). Directionof Israel. Moses had previously said that Israel would not believe him. We mistake our missions. We cannot form an estimate of success. If we act and speak according to the instruction of God, we must succeed.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Exo. 4:29. The declaring of Gods will is suitably united to the assembling of His people.
Gods spokesmen made by Him are the best to declare His mind to His people.
God may unfold His mind more fully to one servant than to another.
Exo. 4:30-31. The faith of the people should closely follow upon the word of God ministered, and by His works confirmed.
All professed believers receive not Gods word with the same faith.
Gods gracious visitation of His Church, and providential sight of its afflictions are made known by His servants, and are welcome to them.
The tidings of Gods visiting love and redeeming providence must affect Gods Israel.
Worship is the most suitable return to God for His redemption.
HUMAN AND DIVINE ATTITUDES
I. The attitudes predicated of the people:
1. Their belief.
2. Their reference.
3. Their devotion.
II. The attitudes predicated of God:
1. He saw the affliction of Israel.
2. Visited Israel.
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
THE RETURN TO EGYPT.
(29) Moses and Aaron went.The two brothers returned together from the Sinaitic region to Egypt. No particulars of the journey are narrated, nor can we even tell what was the route which they followed. On their arrival, they at once set themselves to carry out the charge committed to them (Exo. 3:16). The Israelites in Egypt, though suffering under severe oppression, had an organisation of their own, jurisdiction attaching probably to the heads of tribes, or of chief families. (Comp. Num. 1:4-16.) These persons are here called elders, which the LXX. render , the senate. Moses and Aaron could have no power to convoke them; but they invited them to a conference, and the elders came.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
29-31. Gathered the elders This points to an organization of the people under chiefs of their own, and their reverent acceptance of Moses and Aaron shows that they had not forgotten the God and the covenant of their fathers, although their faith was by no means ready for the impending conflict .
Elders See note on Exo 6:13-19.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
EXPOSITION
Exo 4:29-31
Moses seems to have parted with Zipporah and his children in Horeb, and to have sent them back to Jethro (Exo 18:2), perhaps because they might have interfered with the work which he had to do, perhaps because he thought Egypt would be no pleasant residence for them during the coming struggle. He journeyed onward from Horeb with Aaron for his sole companion, and had abundant time for taking counsel with him, and exercising the influence over him which high intellect and education combined will always give to their possessor. The journey from Horeb to Goshen occupied probably some weeks. On arriving in Goshen, the two brothers, in obedience to the divine command (Exo 3:16), proceeded at once to “gather together all the elders of Israel”that is, all these who exercised local authority over their countrymen in the various districts which they inhabited. Through the mouth of Aaron, Moses declared all that had been revealed to him at the burning bush and subsequently, exhibiting at the same time the credentials which proved him an ambassador from God, i.e. the three miracles which he had been empowered to work at any moment (Exo 4:2-8). The elders, being themselves convinced, summoned an assembly of the people, as is implied though not expressed in Exo 4:30; and the people, having heard the words of Aaron and seen the signs, were also convinced, and bowing their heads, worshipped the God whose ambassadors had appeared before them.
Exo 4:29
On the elders of Israel, see note upon Exo 3:16. It is clear that the Israelitish nation, though in bondage to the Egyptians, had a certain internal organisation of its own, and possessed a set of native officers. These were probably the hereditary heads of families. Moses and Aaron could have no authority to gather these persons together; but they issued an invitation, and it was accepted. The “elders” came to the meeting.
Exo 4:30
Aaron spake. Aaron at once entered on his office of “spokesman” (Exo 4:16), declaring to the elders all God’s dealings with his brother. Aaron also, and not Moses, us we should have expected (Exo 4:17), did the signs, God, by allowing him to do them, sanctioning this delegation of power. On later occasions, we find Aaron more than once required by God to work the miracles. (See below, Exo 7:19; Exo 8:5, Exo 8:16.) In the sight of the people. It is not probable that the people were present at the first meeting of the elders; but the sacred historian, anxious to compress his narrative, and bent simply on conveying to us the fact of Aaron’s success with both elders and people, omits stages in the history which he supposes that any reader can supply, e.g. the doing of the signs in the sight of the elders, their belief in them, and their subsequent assembling of the people.
Exo 4:31
The people believed. This ready faith stands in strong contrast with the ordinary incredulous temper of the Israelitish people, who were “a faithless and stubborn generation”a generation that “believed not in God, and trusted not in his salvation” (Psa 78:22). It would seem that under the pressure of afflictionhaving, humanly speaking, no hopethe stubborn spirit of the people had given way, and they were content to look to Jehovah and accept his promises, and believe in his messengers, notwithstanding their natural scepticism. No doubt the novelty of miracles helped to produce this state of feeling; and the fact that they were not called upon at present for any active exertion made acquiescence in what Moses put before them easier. When they heard that the Lord had visitedi.e. when the message contained in Exo 3:16 was delivered to them. And that he had looked upon their affliction. Compare Exo 3:7. They bowed their heads. Rather “they bowed down” (Kalisch), or “inclined themselves.” And worshipped. Some understand an act of respect and ho-mage done to Moses and Aaron, in token of their acceptance by the people as leaders; but, though the words employed are sometimes used in this sense, the context is opposed to their having this sense in this place. “When the people heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel they bowed down and worshipped.” Whom? Surely, the Lord.
HOMILETICS
Exo 4:29-31
The blessing on obedience.
Moses and Aaron, on their return to Egypt in company, carried out exactly the Divine directions, doing neither less nor more. They summoned the elders as commanded (Exo 3:16); they delivered God’s message to them (ib.); they wrought the signs which they had been told to work (Exo 4:17); they severally kept to their appointed offices; and the result was complete success so far. The elders and people hearkened unto them, believed, gave in their unqualified assent and consent to all that was put before them. And this was according to the promise of God, “they shall hearken to thy voice” (Exo 3:18). Moses had disbelieved the promise, and exclaimed, “Behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice” (Exo 4:1); but Moses was now proved mistaken. “The foolishness of God is wiser than men” (1Co 1:25). God knew better than Moses; he was faithful; he kept his word. As Moses and Aaron had been true to him, and followed exactly his commands, so he proved himself true to them, and amply rewarded their obedience. Moses and Aaron were from this time the accepted leaders of the nation.
Exo 4:31
Worship the proper outcome of thankfulness.
Israel, down-trodden, oppressed, crushed beneath an intolerable tyranny, no sooner hears the promise of deliverance, than it displays its gratitude by “bowing the head and worshipping.” Many Christians talk of being thankful for God’s blessings vouchsafed to them, but never think of showing forth their thankfulness by any extra act of worship, or even any increased intensity in that portion of their ordinary worship which consists in thanksgiving. A sad sign this of modern lukewarmness, an indication that the “last times are drawing near, when “the love of many shall wax cold.” Time was when each national success was at once celebrated by a “Te Deum,” and when each blessing granted to an individual drew forth a special offering. The thankfulness that does not show itself in some such overt act must be a very poor thankfulness, a very weak and washed-out feeling.
HOMILIES BY J. ORR
Exo 4:27, Exo 4:28
A meeting of brothers.
1. By Divine appointment (cf. Exo 4:14).
2. In a sacred place.
3. As cooperators in a good work.
4. With affection.
5. To exchange experiences.J.O.
Exo 4:29-31
Preaching and faith.
I. THE WORD SPOKEN.
1. Should be the Word of God. The preacher is not set to deliver his own speculations, but to convey a message.
2. Should be exhibited with its appropriate evidence.
3. Should be declared to all.
II. THE WORD BELIEVED. The people
1. Appreciated the value of the word.
2. Believed the word.
3. Worshipped; a token of gratitude, submission, and obedience.J.O.
Fuente: The Complete Pulpit Commentary
Exo 4:2-9Exo 4:2-9 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Exo 4:29 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel:
Ver. 29. And Moses and Aaron. ] So Zerubbabel and Jehoshua; Paul and Barnabas; the other disciples “by two and two”; Mar 6:7 the two faithful witnesses; Rev 11:3 both for more authority, and for mutual help and comfort.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
children = sons.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
3. Moses and Aaron in Egypt
CHAPTERS 4:29-5:23 Before the Elders and Before Pharaoh
1. Before the elders of Israel (Exo 4:29-31)
2. Before Pharaoh, and his answer (Exo 5:1-4)
3. The increased oppression (Exo 5:5-19)
4. Israel s complaint and Moses prayer (Exo 5:20-23)
The people were willing and believed. Notice they believed after the signs were done. Faith was followed by worship. It is almost a constitutional thing with the Jew to see first and then believe. Compare with Joh 20:26-29.
Then the messengers of God appeared before Pharaoh. This must have been in his capital Zoan (Psa 78:43). Jehovah made of Pharaoh seven demands. They are found in Exo 5:1; Exo 7:16; Exo 8:1; Exo 8:20; Exo 9:1; Exo 9:13; Exo 10:3. Satans power now becomes more fully manifested. Israel is Jehovahs people and He must have His chosen ones out of Egypt and fully delivered. The objects of his love and grace must be completely freed from the miserable slavery of sin and Satan. The typical application as to mans condition as a sinner is so well known that we need not to follow it in detail.
Pharaohs attitude is that of defiance, though he spoke the truth when he said, I know not Jehovah. The threat of coming judgments is disbelieved. His answer was increased burdens marked by the most awful cruelty. It was Satans rage through Pharaoh in anticipation of Jehovahs intervention in the redemption of His people. As far as Israel is concerned this will yet be repeated during the great tribulation. Then Satans wrath will be great, for he knows his time is short and the Lord will deliver the remnant of Israel (Rev 12:12-17). It is the same in the individual experience. Satan will not let his victims go. When sin and the power of the flesh is felt, then comes the conflict and Satans rage.
What discouragement for the poor slaves in Egypt ! They had rejoiced in faith and worshipped because Jehovahs servants had announced deliverance, and now a darker night had settled upon them; but it was only the harbinger of the glad dawn of the redemption. They murmured while Moses, deeply perplexed, turned to the Lord in prayer. Moses was a great man of prayer. He cast his burden upon the Lord.
Fuente: Gaebelein’s Annotated Bible (Commentary)
Exo 3:16, Exo 24:1, Exo 24:11
Reciprocal: Exo 6:12 – children Exo 7:3 – And I Exo 19:7 – and laid Num 11:16 – seventy
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
MOSES AND AARON IN EGYPT
BEFORE ISRAEL (Exo 4:29-31)
What is the first step taken by Moses and Aaron on their return (Exo 4:29)? What signs are referred to in Exo 4:30 (compare Exo 4:1-9)? How did the people receive their message (Exo 4:31)? What effect was produced on the people by Gods compassion?
BEFORE PHARAOH (Exo 5:1-23)
How does Moses limit his demand (compare Exo 5:1 with Exo 3:18)? Do you think it was necessary to tell Pharaoh the complete purpose of God with reference to His people? In replying to this question, however, it is well to know that a a three days journey would take them clear out of Egypt, and that therefore there was no deceit in what Moses said. And by making this smallest demand upon Pharaoh did it not give him the least possible occasion to harden his heart?
How does he express his contempt of the demand (Exo 5:2)? What charge does he lay against Gods messages (Exo 5:4)? What new hardships are imposed on Israel (Exo 5:5-14)?
By whom are the messengers now reproached (Exo 5:19-21)? These officers seem to have been Israelites placed over their brethren in subordination to the Egyptian taskmasters. Their Hebrew name, shoterim, refers to managers who kept account of matters under their charge. What is the effect of this reproach on Moses, and how is his dejection expressed (Exo 5:22-23)?
BEFORE THE LORD (Exo 6:1-13)
We receive a stirring impression of the encouragement this interview must have brought to Moses if we consider the several declarations of God about Himself and His purposes thus (Exo 6:1-8):
I am the Lord.
I appeared unto Abraham, unto Isaac and unto Jacob.
I have established My covenant with them to give them the land of Canaan. I have heard the groaning of the children of Israel.
I have remembered My covenant.
I will bring you out from under the burden of the Egyptians. I will redeem you with a stretched out arm.
I will take you to Me for a people. I will be to you a God.
I will bring you in unto the land. I will give it you for an heritage. I am the Lord.
What do you suppose God means in Exo 6:3? Of course the literal name Jehovah was known to the fathers, but its complete import was unknown. The name denotes not only the eternal existence of God but that unchangeable truth and omnipotent power which give fulfillment to His promises. The fathers had received the promises but had not yet enjoyed them. Now, however, God was about to do what He had decreed, and the following verses which speak of this are explanatory of the name. It were as though He said, I am Jehovah, for I am now to do what I have declared to be My purpose. Compare, for further illustration of this name, Exo 7:5 and Eze 28:22.
How is the renewal of Moses message received by the people, and why (Exo 6:9)?
GENEALOGICAL RECORD (Exo 6:14-27)
The design of this record just here is to establish the lineage of Moses and Aaron because of their prominence and importance in the coming history of the nation (Exo 6:26-27).