EXPOSITION
Moses seems to have parted with Zipporah and his children in Horeb, and to have sent them back to Jethro (Exodus 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 (Exodus 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 (Exodus 4:2). The elders, being themselves convinced, summoned an assembly of the people, as is implied though not expressed in Exodus 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.
On the elders of Israel, see note upon Exodus 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.
Aaron spake. Aaron at once entered on his office of "spokesman" (Exodus 4:16), declaring to the elders all God's dealings with his brother. Aaron also, and not Moses, us we should have expected (Exodus 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, Exodus 7:19; Exodus 8:5, Exodus 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.
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" (Psalms 78:22). It would seem that under the pressure of affliction—having, humanly speaking, no hope—the 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 visited—i.e. when the message contained in Exodus 3:16 was delivered to them. And that he had looked upon their affliction. Compare Exodus 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
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 (Exodus 3:16); they delivered God's message to them (ib.); they wrought the signs which they had been told to work (Exodus 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" (Exodus 3:18). Moses had disbelieved the promise, and exclaimed, "Behold, they will not believe me, nor hearken unto my voice" (Exodus 4:1); but Moses was now proved mistaken. "The foolishness of God is wiser than men" (1 Corinthians 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.
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
A meeting of brothers.
1. By Divine appointment (cf. Exodus 4:14).
2. In a sacred place.
3. As cooperators in a good work.
4. With affection.
5. To exchange experiences.—J.O.
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.