And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.

EXODUS 4:20KJV
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Exodus 4:20 (KJV)

What does Exodus 4:20 mean?

Exodus 4:20 describes Moses gathering his wife and sons, placing them on a donkey, and beginning the journey back to Egypt, carrying the "rod of God" in his hand. This verse marks Moses’ obedient response to God’s call, as he leaves Midian and heads toward the mission God has given him.

In this scene, Moses is acting on God’s instructions after his encounter at the burning bush. The verse highlights Moses’ family traveling with him and specifically mentions the "rod of God," which will become a key symbol of God’s power in the events to follow. The narrative sets up Moses’ return to Egypt, where he will confront Pharaoh and lead the Israelites out of slavery.

The Hebrew behind Exodus 4:20

  • "Rod" (מַטֶּה, matteh): This word means a staff or stick, but here it is called the "rod of God," showing it is now a sign of divine authority and power, not just a shepherd’s tool.
  • "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The use of Elohim with "rod" emphasizes that the power Moses carries is not his own but comes from God.
  • "Set them upon an ass" (וַיַּרְכִּבֵם עַל־הַחֲמֹר, vayyarkivem al-hachamor): This phrase shows the practical detail of travel, with Moses’ family riding on a donkey, a common means of transport, highlighting their humble circumstances.

Why Exodus 4:20 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Moses did not go alone; his family was with him, which adds a personal dimension to his mission and the risks involved.
  • The mention of the "rod of God" signals a shift from Moses’ ordinary life as a shepherd to his extraordinary role as God’s chosen leader, setting up the miracles that will follow.
  • By showing Moses’ obedience in action, Exodus 4:20 connects the earlier conversation with God directly to the unfolding story of Israel’s deliverance, emphasizing the importance of trust and action in response to God’s call.

Where else these words appear

“set” Hebrew H7392 · used in 75 verses

  • Genesis 24:61 And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
  • 1 Kings 1:44 And the king hath sent with him Zadok the priest, and Nathan the prophet, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and the Cherethites, and the Pelethites, and they have caused him to ride upon the king's mule:
  • Psalms 66:12 Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place.

“ass” Hebrew H2543 · used in 93 verses

  • Genesis 12:16 And he entreated Abram well for her sake: and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.
  • Numbers 31:30 And of the children of Israel's half, thou shalt take one portion of fifty, of the persons, of the beeves, of the asses, and of the flocks, of all manner of beasts, and give them unto the Levites, which keep the charge of the tabernacle of the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 25:42 And Abigail hasted, and arose, and rode upon an ass, with five damsels of hers that went after her; and she went after the messengers of David, and became his wife.