Why did Moses ask Jethro’s permission before going back to Egypt?

Moses asked Jethro, his father-in-law, for permission because he was living under Jethro’s roof and working with his family. Even though God had called Moses to a great task, Moses still honored the relationship and showed respect. This teaches that following God’s call does not cancel basic duties toward family and those who care for us. Moses’ honest request and Jethro’s “Go in peace” show a good pattern: walk in God’s will while staying honest and respectful in everyday responsibilities.

What does it mean that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart in this passage?

God tells Moses that He will harden Pharaoh’s heart so that Pharaoh will not let Israel go at first. This does not mean Pharaoh was kind and then suddenly made evil. Pharaoh had already treated Israel harshly and resisted God. God’s hardening is His judgment, giving Pharaoh over to the stubbornness he has chosen. This prepares Moses so he will not give up when Pharaoh resists. It shows that God is in control even when powerful people oppose Him and that their pride will not stop His plans.

What is the meaning of the phrase "Israel is my son, my firstborn"?

When God calls Israel His son, His firstborn, He is showing a close, special relationship. A firstborn son in that culture had special honor and care. God is saying Israel is not just a slave people in Egypt, but belongs to Him in a family way. This makes Pharaoh’s oppression very serious, because harming God’s people is like attacking God’s own child. It also explains the warning: if Pharaoh will not let God’s son go, his own firstborn son will face judgment. God deeply cares for His people.

Why did God seek to kill Moses on the way, and what did circumcision have to do with it?

On the journey, God “met” Moses and sought to kill him, likely through a sudden, severe illness. The reason was that Moses had not circumcised his son, even though circumcision was the sign of God’s covenant. Moses was about to lead God’s covenant people but had neglected a clear command in his own home. Zipporah then circumcised their son, and God let Moses go. This shows that God takes His covenant seriously, and that leaders must not ignore what God has clearly required, even in family matters.

Why did Zipporah call Moses a "bloody husband" after circumcising their son?

Zipporah’s words, “Surely a bloody husband art thou to me,” show her shock and distress at having to perform a painful, bloody act to save Moses’ life. The passage suggests there was tension about circumcision in their marriage, possibly because she found the practice strange or unpleasant. Yet in the crisis she acts quickly and does what God required. Her phrase points to the cost and discomfort that sometimes come with obeying God. The text ties her words directly to the act of circumcision.

What does this passage teach about obedience before serving God?

This passage shows that before Moses can stand before Pharaoh, he must be right with God in his own house. He carries the rod of God and has clear commands, yet God stops him on the way because of disobedience over circumcision. The message is that public service cannot replace private obedience. God cares about both great tasks and small, clear commands. For us, it is a reminder to take seriously the parts of God’s will that touch our daily lives, family, and habits, not only the big, visible roles.

How does God comfort Moses’ fears about going back to Egypt?

God knows that Moses still fears the people who once wanted to kill him. So God tells him plainly that all those men are now dead. This simple word removes a major hidden fear. It shows that God not only gives commands but also sees the worries in our hearts and speaks to them. By clearing away this old danger, God helps Moses walk forward in obedience. It encourages readers that God is aware of the threats they feel and can remove or address them in His time.

Why is the rod in Moses’ hand called the "rod of God"?

At first, Moses’ staff was just an ordinary shepherd’s rod. After God used it in signs, it is called the “rod of God.” This shows that the power is not in Moses himself, or in the wood, but in God who chose to use it. The rod becomes a visible sign that God is with Moses, giving him authority to do wonders in front of Pharaoh. It also highlights Moses’ humility: he goes back to Egypt without riches or armies, but holding the simple rod through which God will work.

Why does this passage seem difficult, especially the part about God seeking to kill Moses?

This part of the story feels sharp and sudden. God has just called Moses, and now seems ready to kill him. The wording is brief and leaves questions. Faithful readers have seen this in more than one way, but the main point is clear: neglecting God’s covenant sign was no small thing. Moses could not lead a covenant people while ignoring the covenant in his own son. The difficulty of the story makes the warning stand out, showing both God’s holiness and His mercy in sparing Moses after the circumcision.

Exod.4.18

Exodus 4:18

King James Version (KJV)

¶ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

Chapter:

Context:

Moses Leaves for Egypt

¶ And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father in law, and said unto him, Let me go, I pray thee, and return unto my brethren which are in Egypt, and see whether they be yet alive. And Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.

And the Lord said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life.

And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

And the Lord said unto Moses, When thou goest to return into Egypt, see that thou do all those wonders before Pharaoh, which I have put in thine hand: but I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go.

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the Lord, Israel is my son, even my firstborn:

And I say unto thee, Let my son go, that he may serve me: and if thou refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay thy son, even thy firstborn.

¶ And it came to pass by the way in the inn, that the Lord met him, and sought to kill him.

Then Zipporah took a sharp stone, and cut off the foreskin of her son, and cast it at his feet, and said, Surely a bloody husband art thou to me.

So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.