Repeated words/phrases:
(1) my relatives in Egypt v.18, the people v.21, my son, my first born v.22-23
4:22 You must say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Israel is my son, my firstborn,4:23 and I said to you, ‘Let my son go that he may serve me,’ but since you have refused to let him go, I will surely kill your son, your firstborn!” ’ ”
The point is, Israel belongs to God. They were supposed to serve Him. If anyone stopped that from happening they were the enemy of God.
4:31b...When they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites and that he had seen their affliction, they bowed down close to the ground.
The Israelites realized that they were the sons of God when they heard that the LORD had attended to the Israelites. He knew what they were going through. Thus, they decided to worship Him or serve Him.
Reflection:
Worship starts when we realize that we belong to Him. We see how He cares for us, sending His son to die for our sins. We should serve no other , but Him.
Second, Pharaoh and His sons were killed when they refused to let the people of God to serve Him. Is there anything that hinders you to worship God, to give your whole heart to him, to give your first priorities to Him, to get your focus off Him?
(2) Killing the son
When the diplomatic approaches ran out the last resort to resolve the conflict is war. God used the same approach to Pharaoh.
v.21b “When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the wonders I have put under your control. But I will harden his heart and he will not let the people go. 4:22 You must say to Pharaoh, ‘...I will surely kill your son, your firstborn!” ’ ”
The second killing targeted at Moses (see the explanation below). Note, the killing was also done with the grace period allowed.
4:20 Then Moses took his wife and sons and put them on a donkey and headed back to the land of Egypt,...
4:24 Now on the way, at a place where they stopped for the night, the LORD met Moses and sought to kill him.
4:24 Now on the way, at a place where they stopped for the night, the LORD met Moses and sought to kill him.
Moses was sent by God back to Egypt. He had already started the trip and knowing about the protection of God to His own people Moses dared not to circumcise his own sons! God gave them the time between the start of his trip to that lodging place.
After Zipporah performed the circumcision of his son and touched it to Moses' feet, "So the LORD let him alone." v.26.
Killing was the last resort. God gave us the grace period and was meant for us to repent. God was willing to turn from His anger when people repent. Moses could go on to be the future leader of Israel. What an amazing grace of God!
Reflection: God's heart was not meant for us to be disciplined but repent. Shall we listen to the Holy Spirit and do not go on with our habit of sin?
About v.24-26
(1) Overview
Exod 4:24–26 is a story showing how Zipporah, by performing as officially as she could a circumcision on her son—whom his father had failed so far to conform to the covenant requirements of Gen 17:10–14—saved him from the punishment required by the Abrahamic covenant of circumcision.
(2) Whose sons were Moses' sons?
(2) Whose sons were Moses' sons?
(NET) The point is that this son of Abraham had not complied with the sign of the Abrahamic covenant. No one, according to Exod 12:40–51, would take part in the Passover-exodus who had not complied. So how could the one who was going to lead God’s people not comply?
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