1. Another Objection - verse 1
A. In Exodus 3:11 Moses had made his first objection to God's call. He continues to express doubts as to the wisdom of God's plan. There had not been a theophany since the Lord appeared to Jacob (Genesis 35:9-15). Surely Israel would not believe that God had spoken to him. No doubt the recollection of His former failure (Exodus 2:14) haunted him.
B. While we may empathize with Moses yet we cannot justify him. His objection was nothing but unbelief in God's promise (Exodus 3:18). He had yet to learn that with God all things are possible.

2. The First Sign - verses 2-5
A. God accompanies new revelations with signs. The greatest display of miracles in the Old Testament came during the ministry of Moses. Moses wrote the first five books of scripture, which collectively are called the Law. They are foundational to the Old Covenant and all further revelation. It was imperative that signs authenticated the ministry of Moses (verses 4-5).
B.What if any is the symbolic significance of this first sign? Bible teachers have given many explanations for which they fail to offer any proof. One thing we do know is that the signs of Moses were judgments on the gods of Egypt (Numbers 33:4, Exodus 12:12). Serpents were a common theme of Egyptian religion with various cults dedicated to them. Here as with the other signs God was asserting His sovereignty over Egypt's gods.

3. The Second Sign - verses 6-8
There may have been a cultural or religious significance here of which we are now uninformed. We do know that leprosy was greatly feared in the ancient world. Herein God is asserting His power over life and death.

4. The Third Sign - verse 9
A. In this sign the warning to Pharaoh is intensified. The Nile was the basis of physical and religious life in Egypt. By turning its waters to blood God is revealing His power over Egypt's source of life and its many gods.
B. In modern America we speak of "mother earth" rather than multiple gods. We trust in our technology to produce huge crops. We, like Egypt, forget that there is a God in Heaven who holds the bounties of nature in His hand. He can bless with plenty or He can cripple our best efforts to provide for ourselves.

5. Still Doubting - verse 10
A. How hard men find it to trust in God and how easy to feel that success comes form natural ability. It is sad to think that we would doubt God’s ability to wisely pick His instruments. We have trouble remembering that our weakness is God’s favorite tool (II Corinthians 12:7-10).
B. How do we reconcile Exodus 4:10 with Acts 7:22? Had Moses grown rusty in the Egyptian language or was Stephen referring to the content of Moses' speech rather than its eloquence? This question is more one of curiosity than practical value.

6. An Aide To Faith - verses 11-12
A. Remember that God is creator and many of faith's trials are overcome. Hebrews 11 chronicles the great triumphs of faith but first mentions this (Hebrews 11:3). Our Lord used this logic in Matthew 6:25-33. A God who can create can certainly provide for His creatures.
B. As the creator God would know best which of His creations could best be used in any situation. Truly God designed each saint with His ultimate purpose in mind (Ephesians 2:10).

7. Sinful Words - verse 13
Moses' meaning here seems to be, "do as you please but do not hold me responsible for the results." While it is shocking to think that men would so speak to God yet we are all guilty of these attitudes when things do not go as we think they should.

8. God’s Anger - verses 14-17
Unbelief is very provoking to God. Some say that Moses lost here the honor of going alone in the work. This is doubtless a mistake. God has often sent men in pairs (Luke 10:1). What Moses lost was the honor of not following God with unquestioning faith. He was not the first or the last to do that (John 20:29). (Verse 16 makes it clear that Moses would always remain in a position of leadership. God would speak to others through Moses. There were many times when men forgot this. Notice Numbers 12 & 16).

9. Courtesy - Verse 18
Notice the respect Moses gave to his father-in-law. True godliness teaches us how to treat others (Exodus 20:10, Romans 13:7).

10. Further Comfort - verse 19

11. On The Way- verses 20-21
A. As we study the weakness of Moses let us not forget the greatness of his faith. How many would get on a donkey and travel to confront the greatest power on earth with nothing but trust in God? The task before Moses was only possible by supernatural power. Even the greatest of saints are a strange mixture of faith and unbelief.
B. Notice that in verse 2 God had asked Moses what was in his hand. It was a mere shepherd's rod. In verse 20 this was referred to as the "rod of God." "Little is much when God is in it."

12. Righteous Judgment - verses 22-23
In verse 21 Moses is warned that Pharaoh will not heed his message. In verse 22-23 the judgment awaiting this rebellion is explained. Israel is God's firstborn. Should Pharaoh refuse to release Israel his own firstborn will be slain. This was carried out to the letter (Exodus 12:29-30).

13. A Lesson For Christian Workers - verses 24-26
A. As Moses carried his family toward Egypt God taught him a necessary lesson. One night in the inn God sought to kill Moses. This may have been through a dangerous illness or perhaps the visible visit of a judging angel. At any rate, the conscience of both Moses and Zipporah told them the reason for this judgment. Moses had neglected to circumcise his son in obedience to God's command. From the record it seems evident that his yielding to his wife's dislike for the rite caused this.
B. Zipporah never seems to have been a spiritual aid to Moses. His life was saved only by her forced circumcision of the son. Her displeasure at being forced to do this was openly expressed. Even the judgment of God taught her nothing. Notice some important lessons to be learned from this even:
(1) Christian leaders need to have their own homes in order (I Timothy 3:4-5). Moses must not proceed in God’s work until he obeys God.
(2) Moses learned here the seriousness of sin (Genesis 17:14). He would later be God’s instrument of judgment on the sins of Egypt. Later yet he would bring to Israel God's holy law. First though he must be reminded of the awful holiness of God's law and the terrible penalty of sin. The Lord is so pure that all sin is an affront to Him. The servant of God who thinks lightly of sin will never effectively proclaim the law or the gospel.
(3) Moses learned as we must learn that God must be obeyed before all others (Matthew 10:37). How many let others lead them into sin. A rebellious mate gives us not leeway to disobey God.

14. Aaron - verses 27-28
Aaron was three years older than Moses. He became his helper but never his equal as a saint.

15. Israel Informed - verses 29-31
For the first time in two hundred and ten years Israel received a message from God (Genesis 46:2). They believed God and humbly worshipped Him. Sadly they failed to realize that the difficulties would be great. God's work is seldom easy. Many rejoice at the promise of victory but draw back when the battle begins.