Who Met Moses in the Wilderness?
The encounter in which someone meets Moses in the wilderness refers to a brief but significant moment recorded in Exodus 4:27, occurring after Moses left Midian to return to Egypt in obedience to God’s command. This meeting marks an important turning point in the unfolding story of Israel’s deliverance from slavery.
1. The One Who Met Moses: Aaron, His Brother
According to the biblical account, the person who met Moses in the wilderness was Aaron, Moses’ older brother. Aaron had been chosen by God to accompany Moses, support him, and serve as his spokesman before both the Israelites and Pharaoh.
A Divine Appointment
-
God instructed Aaron to go into the wilderness to meet Moses.
-
This was not a chance encounter but a divinely arranged meeting, demonstrating God’s active guidance in preparing Moses for his mission.
-
Aaron obeyed and traveled out to meet Moses at “the mountain of God,” a place commonly identified as Mount Horeb (Mount Sinai).
A Warm Reunion
When Aaron found Moses:
-
He greeted him with affection, which shows the close relationship between the brothers.
-
Moses shared with Aaron everything God had spoken to him at the burning bush.
-
This conversation aligned their understanding and united them in a common purpose.
2. Why God Sent Aaron
Support for Moses’ Mission
Moses had earlier expressed concerns about his ability to speak eloquently. In response, God appointed Aaron to be:
-
Moses’ spokesman
-
His partner in leadership
-
His primary assistant in communicating God’s messages
By sending Aaron to meet Moses before they reached Egypt:
-
God strengthened Moses emotionally and practically.
-
He allowed Moses to begin his mission with the reassurance that he would not face Pharaoh alone.
3. The Importance of the Wilderness Meeting
This meeting served several crucial purposes:
A. Confirmation of God’s Plan
Moses’ calling was extraordinary, and Aaron’s appearance in the wilderness was visible proof that God was guiding every step.
B. Unified Leadership
The meeting solidified a leadership team:
-
Moses: God’s chosen deliverer
-
Aaron: The spokesperson and priest-to-be
Their cooperation would be essential for confronting Pharaoh and leading Israel.
C. Preparation for Israel’s Deliverance
Before returning to Egypt:
-
Moses explained God’s commands.
-
Aaron became fully informed and ready to address the Israelites.
Together they would soon stand before the elders of Israel and perform the signs God had given Moses.
4. The Meeting’s Symbolic Significance
The meeting highlights several themes:
-
God’s Providence: God arranges human partnerships at the right time.
-
Brotherhood: Emotional support and unity enhance mission and leadership.
-
Obedience: Both Moses and Aaron responded faithfully to God’s instructions.
Conclusion
The person who met Moses in the wilderness was Aaron, his elder brother. God divinely directed Aaron to seek out Moses, ensuring he would not face his monumental mission alone. Their meeting not only strengthened Moses but also initiated the leadership partnership through which God would deliver Israel from bondage. This brief yet powerful encounter demonstrates divine timing, human obedience, and the importance of shared leadership in God’s redemptive work.