What do you do when God calls you to face the very place you once left in fear? That is exactly what happened when Moses returns to Egypt in Exodus 4:18-31. Although he still had questions and fears, he chose to trust God’s promises instead of his own feelings. His journey reminds us that God often equips ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
As you read this passage, you’ll learn how God’s presence gave Moses the courage to obey. Along the way, you’ll also see lessons that encourage Christians to trust the Lord during life’s greatest challenges.
Earlier, God spoke to Moses through the burning bush. If you’d like to review that awesome encounter, read our article about the burning bush and God’s call to Moses. You may also enjoy learning more about Zipporah and Gershom, who accompanied Moses during this important time in his life.
God Commands Moses to Return to Egypt
After years in Midian, the time had finally come. God told Moses to return to Egypt because the men who wanted to kill him were no longer alive. Moses still had every reason to feel anxious, yet he chose obedience over fear.
Then Moses departed and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Please, let me go, that I may return to my brethren who are in Egypt, and see if they are still alive.”
And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.”
Now the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.”
So Moses took his wife and his sons and mounted them on a donkey, and returned to the land of Egypt. Moses also took the staff of God in his hand.
Exodus 4:18-20
Notice one important detail. Moses carried “the staff of God” with him. Earlier, it had simply been a shepherd’s staff. Now it represented God’s authority and His promise to be with Moses every step of the journey.
How Old was Moses when He Returned to Egypt?
Many people wonder about Moses’ age when he returned to Egypt. Scripture tells us that Moses was eighty years old when he and Aaron spoke to Pharaoh.
Now Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three, when they spoke to Pharaoh.
Exodus 7:7
That means Moses spent about forty years growing up in Egypt and another forty years living in Midian before God called him back. His age reminds us that God is never limited by our stage of life. Whether young or old, He prepares His people for the work He has planned.
God’s Mission for Pharaoh
God did not send Moses without explaining what would happen. The Lord would perform mighty miracles, yet Pharaoh would continue to resist. Even so, God’s plan would stand.
The Lord said to Moses, “When you go back to Egypt see that you perform before Pharaoh all the wonders which I have put in your power; but I will harden his heart so that he will not let the people go.”
“Then you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Israel is My son, My firstborn. So I said to you, ‘Let My son go that he may serve Me’; but you have refused to let him go. Behold, I will kill your son, your firstborn.”‘”
Exodus 4:21-23
These verses reveal both God’s justice and His deep love for His people. Israel was His firstborn nation, and He would not allow Pharaoh’s oppression to continue forever.
Not Quite the Ten Commandments Movie Version
Growing up, my daughter watched The Ten Commandments starring Charlton Heston so many times that she nearly wore out the VHS tape (yes, VHS!). As a result, I can still remember many scenes from the movie.
However, as entertaining as the film is, it doesn’t include every detail found in Scripture. That is one reason personal Bible study is so valuable. Reading Exodus 4 for yourself helps you appreciate parts of Moses’ journey that movies often overlook.
The Staff of God
The staff Moses carried became far more than a walking stick. It served as a visible reminder that God was with him. Through that ordinary staff, God would perform extraordinary miracles.
Moses still felt fear. Most of us would have felt the same way if asked to confront a powerful ruler like Pharaoh. Yet every time Moses looked at the staff, he could remember God’s promise and power.
Likewise, God reminds us of His faithfulness through;
- His Word,
- answered prayers,
- and His ongoing presence in our lives.
Our Confidence Comes from God
Today, Christians do not depend on a physical staff. Instead, we have something even greater. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers have the presence of the Holy Spirit, who comforts, guides, and strengthens us during difficult times.
If you are facing a challenge today, remember that God’s power has not changed. He is still faithful, and He still equips His people for the work He calls them to do.
Ordinary People in God’s Hands
Moses was not a fearless superhero. He was an ordinary man who trusted an extraordinary God. That is one of the greatest lessons from Exodus 4.
God may never ask us to stand before Pharaoh, but He does call us to trust Him in our own circumstances. Sometimes He asks us to share our faith. Other times He asks us to forgive, serve, or step into unfamiliar situations.
Whatever God asks, He also provides the strength to obey.
When Moses returns to Egypt, he demonstrates that obedience is not the absence of fear. Instead, it is choosing to trust God despite our fears.
Love in Christ,
— Bob
If you would like to find how to receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to read John 3:16 for more information.
*Verses from New American Standard Bible (NASB).
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