What Happened on the Journey to Egypt?
The journey of Moses back to Egypt marks one of the most dramatic turning points in the narrative of Exodus. After God appeared to Moses in the burning bush and commissioned him to deliver Israel from slavery, Moses finally departed Midian and began the long road back to confront Pharaoh. This journey was not a simple trip—it was filled with divine instructions, family decisions, spiritual crisis, and providential encounters that set the stage for Israel’s redemption.
1. Moses Receives Permission From Jethro (Exodus 4:18)
Before leaving Midian, Moses returned to Jethro his father-in-law to request permission to go back to Egypt. Rather than explaining God’s full commission, Moses simply stated that he wanted to see whether his relatives in Egypt were still alive.
Jethro agreed, saying, “Go in peace.”
This shows Moses’ respect for the authority of his father-in-law and his desire to leave honorably.
2. God Reassures Moses About His Past (Exodus 4:19)
As Moses prepared to depart, God gave him a comforting message:
Those who had sought his life were now dead.
After forty years away, Moses no longer needed to fear retribution for killing the Egyptian (Exodus 2:12–15). This reassurance removed the final obstacle to his obedience.
3. Moses Takes His Family and the Staff of God (Exodus 4:20)
Moses placed his wife Zipporah and their two sons on a donkey and began the journey.
Most significantly, he carried “the staff of God”—the same staff that would be instrumental in the coming signs and plagues.
This staff symbolized:
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God’s authority,
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God’s power,
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Moses’ role as God’s chosen leader.
4. God Explains Moses’ Message for Pharaoh (Exodus 4:21–23)
Along the way, God clarified what Moses must say to the king of Egypt.
Moses must perform all the signs God had shown him, but God also revealed something surprising:
He would harden Pharaoh’s heart.
This turning of Pharaoh’s heart would lead to a final proclamation:
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Israel is God’s firstborn son.
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Pharaoh must let God’s son go to worship Him.
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Refusing would bring severe judgment.
This pre-announcement foreshadowed the ultimate plague: the death of Egypt’s firstborn.
5. A Mysterious and Life-Threatening Encounter (Exodus 4:24–26)
One of the most startling events occurred at a lodging place during the journey. The Scripture says:
“The LORD met Moses and sought to kill him.”
Why?
Because Moses had not circumcised his son, violating God’s covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:10–14).
The leader of Israel’s deliverance could not neglect the covenant sign.
Zipporah intervened
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She circumcised their son,
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Touched Moses’ feet with the foreskin,
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And said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me.”
Her swift action saved Moses’ life and restored covenant obedience.
This moment underscores how seriously God regarded His covenant before the Exodus mission could proceed.
6. Aaron Is Sent to Meet Moses (Exodus 4:27)
At the same time, God spoke to Aaron in Egypt, directing him to go into the wilderness to meet Moses.
Aaron went to the mountain of God (Sinai), embraced Moses, and listened as Moses explained everything the LORD had told him. Their reunion symbolized the beginning of their united leadership.
7. Moses and Aaron Gather the Elders of Israel (Exodus 4:29–31)
Upon arriving in Egypt, Moses and Aaron assembled the elders of the Israelites.
Aaron became the spokesman
He delivered God’s words, while Moses performed the signs God had given him.
The people believed
When they heard that God had seen their misery and remembered His covenant, they bowed down and worshiped.
This response marked the start of renewed hope after centuries of slavery.
Conclusion
The journey to Egypt was far more than a geographical trip. It was:
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A journey of obedience,
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A reaffirmation of God’s covenant,
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A moment of divine protection and correction,
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And the starting point of Israel’s redemption story.
By the time Moses arrived in Egypt, the stage was fully set for the confrontation with Pharaoh and the unfolding of God’s mighty acts of deliverance.