Moses and Aaron Respond
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Key Verse: “Aaron spake all the words which the LORD had spoken unto Moses, and did the signs in the sight of the people.” Selected Scripture: |
WHEN THE HEAVENLY FATHER called Moses into duty, Moses was full of doubt with respect to his abilities to complete such an important work. He had to remember the circumstances that had caused him to flee from his own people for so many years. Moses was so meek that he could not realize that with Divine help he would be successful. “I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.”—Exod. 4:10
The Lord assured Moses that he would be with him and teach him what to say. Still doubting his ability to carry out such an important task, he would be admonished by God. Aaron would be chosen to be his mouthpiece. “Thou shalt speak unto him, and put words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do.”—vs. 15
It was now time for Moses to return back to Egypt to fulfill all that the Lord had planned concerning the deliverance of his people. He was first assured that all of the people who had sought his life over forty years earlier were now dead. Before leaving the land of Midian Moses, being a good man, met with his father-in-law Jethro. He asked permission to return to Egypt, and “Jethro said to Moses, Go in peace.” (Exod. 4:18) It really is a lesson to us to be considerate of others who have been an important part of our lives, and to take care of our obligations.
Moses now focused his attention on his return to Egypt, and God instructed him in all that he would say and do. “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.” (Exod. 4:21) Aaron was instructed to go out into the wilderness and meet Moses. Aaron willingly obeyed and “met him in the mount of God, and kissed him.” (vs. 27) Moses related all that God had told him, and of the signs which God had commanded him to perform.
Moses and Aaron then called together all of the elders of Israel, and told them of the events that would soon take place, including the signs concerning their deliverance. The first sign or testimony to Israel was the casting of Moses’ rod upon the ground, and its becoming a serpent, and then becoming a rod again in the hands of Aaron.
The people would see this miracle and would know that God was using his mighty power on their behalf. A rod symbolizes authority. Moses’ rod was frequently used in connection with the signs, as signifying Divine authority. A serpent is a symbol of evil—of sin and all of its consequences. The lesson for us is that evil in the world is a result of God not exercising his rod or authority, but allowing Satan, “that old serpent,” to work his evil ways. (Rev. 12:9) We should further understand that it is God’s intention, purpose, and promise to take hold upon the present evil conditions. He will then reestablish his authority in his own hand.