Exodus 4:2

And the LORD asked him, "What is that in your hand?" "A staff," he replied.

Study Bible

And the LORD asked him
This phrase introduces a direct interaction between God and Moses, emphasizing the personal nature of God's communication with His chosen leaders. The Hebrew word for "LORD" here is "Yahweh," the covenant name of God, which signifies His eternal presence and faithfulness. This encounter is part of a larger narrative where God is preparing Moses for his mission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The personal address highlights God's intimate involvement in the lives of His people and His willingness to engage with them directly.

What is that in your hand?
This question from God is not due to His lack of knowledge but serves as a rhetorical device to draw Moses' attention to the ordinary object he possesses. The Hebrew word for "hand" is "yad," often symbolizing power or possession. In this context, it signifies the potential within the ordinary when used for God's purposes. This question invites Moses to see beyond the mundane and recognize the divine potential in what he already holds. It is a reminder that God often uses what we have, no matter how simple, to accomplish His will.

A staff, he replied
The staff, or "matteh" in Hebrew, was a common tool for shepherds, symbolizing authority and support. Historically, a staff was used for guiding and protecting sheep, which aligns with Moses' role as a shepherd at this point in his life. This simple object, however, becomes a powerful instrument in God's hands, later performing miracles and symbolizing divine authority. The staff's transformation throughout the Exodus narrative illustrates how God can take the ordinary and make it extraordinary, reinforcing the theme that God equips those He calls with what they need to fulfill their mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is called by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. At this point, he is hesitant and unsure of his ability to fulfill God's command.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
God is speaking directly to Moses, preparing him for the mission to free the Israelites. This interaction is part of a larger dialogue where God reassures Moses of His presence and power.

3. The Staff
A simple shepherd's tool that Moses carries, which God will use to perform miracles. It symbolizes God's power working through ordinary means.

4. Midian
The region where Moses is tending sheep for his father-in-law, Jethro, when God calls him. It represents a place of preparation and encounter with God.

5. The Burning Bush
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, it is the context of this conversation. The burning bush is a miraculous sign of God's presence and holiness.

Teaching Points

God Uses What We Have
God often uses the ordinary things in our lives to accomplish His extraordinary purposes. We should not underestimate the potential of what we have in our hands.

Trust in God's Power
Like Moses, we may feel inadequate, but God equips and empowers us for the tasks He calls us to. Our confidence should be in His ability, not our own.

Obedience Leads to Miracles
Moses' willingness to use his staff as God directed led to miraculous events. Our obedience can open the door for God to work powerfully in our lives.

Preparation in the Wilderness
Moses' time in Midian was a period of preparation. God often uses seasons of waiting and obscurity to prepare us for future service.

God's Presence in Our Calling
The burning bush reminds us that God is with us in our calling. His presence is our assurance and strength.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the staff in Moses' hand represent in your own life, and how can you offer it to God for His use?

2. How does Moses' initial reluctance to accept God's call resonate with your own experiences of feeling inadequate for a task God has given you?

3. In what ways have you seen God use ordinary things or situations in your life to accomplish His purposes?

4. How can the account of Moses encourage you to trust in God's power rather than your own abilities?

5. Reflect on a time when you were in a "wilderness" season. How did God use that time to prepare you for future service or growth?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 3
The preceding chapter provides context for God's call to Moses and the significance of the burning bush as a divine encounter.

1 Samuel 17
David's use of a sling against Goliath parallels Moses' staff, illustrating how God uses simple tools to accomplish great things.

Matthew 14
Jesus feeding the 5,000 with five loaves and two fish shows God's ability to multiply and use what we have, no matter how small.

Acts 9
Saul's conversion on the road to Damascus highlights how God can transform and use anyone for His purposes, similar to Moses' transformation from shepherd to leader.