Exodus 4:20 - Moshe returns with divine mission

Join Our Newsletter To Be Informed When New Videos Are Posted

Join the thousands of fellow Studends who rely on our videos to learn how to read the bible in Hebrew for free!

Hebrew Text

וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־אִשְׁתּוֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָיו וַיַּרְכִּבֵם עַל־הַחֲמֹר וַיָּשָׁב אַרְצָה מִצְרָיִם וַיִּקַּח מֹשֶׁה אֶת־מַטֵּה הָאֱלֹהִים בְּיָדוֹ׃

English Translation

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

Transliteration

Vayikach Moshe et-ishto ve'et-banav vayarkivem al-hachamor vayashav artzah Mitzrayim vayikach Moshe et-mateh ha'Elohim beyado.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּקַּ֨ח מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶת־אִשְׁתּ֣וֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֗יו וַיַּרְכִּבֵם֙ עַֽל־הַחֲמֹ֔ר וַיָּ֖שׇׁב אַ֣רְצָה מִצְרָ֑יִם וַיִּקַּ֥ח מֹשֶׁ֛ה אֶת־מַטֵּ֥ה הָאֱלֹהִ֖ים בְּיָדֽוֹ׃

Parasha Commentary

Moses' Return to Egypt

The verse describes Moses taking his family and returning to Egypt with the rod of God in his hand. This moment is significant as it marks the beginning of his mission to liberate the Israelites from slavery.

The Significance of the Donkey

Rashi (Shemot 4:20) explains that the donkey mentioned here is no ordinary animal—it is the same donkey that Abraham saddled for the Akeidah (Binding of Isaac) and the same one upon which the Messiah will one day ride (as referenced in Zechariah 9:9). This connection highlights the divine providence in Moses' mission, linking it to the covenant with Abraham and the future redemption.

The Rod of God

The "rod of God" (מַטֵּה הָאֱלֹהִים) is identified by the Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 8:3) as the same staff used by God during Creation, later passed down through generations until Moses received it. Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim 1:66) suggests that the rod symbolizes divine authority, demonstrating that Moses' power came directly from Hashem.

Miraculous Nature: The Talmud (Pirkei Avot 5:6) lists this rod among the ten things created at twilight on the sixth day of Creation, emphasizing its supernatural origin.
Symbol of Leadership: The Zohar (Shemot 15a) teaches that the rod represents the Shechinah (Divine Presence) accompanying Moses, reinforcing his role as Hashem's chosen messenger.

Moses' Family in the Narrative

The inclusion of Moses' wife and sons (Tzipporah, Gershom, and Eliezer) underscores his commitment to both his mission and his household. The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah 4:4) notes that Tzipporah played a crucial role in saving Moses' life earlier (Shemot 4:24-26), and her presence here signifies divine protection over the family as they embark on this perilous journey.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe take his wife and sons back to Egypt?
A: Moshe was commanded by Hashem to return to Egypt to lead the Jewish people out of slavery (Exodus 3:10). Rashi explains that Moshe took his family with him to fulfill the mitzvah of living in the Land of Israel (Eretz Yisrael), as Egypt was not their permanent home. This also showed his commitment to his mission.

Q: What is the significance of Moshe riding on a donkey?
A: The Midrash (Shemot Rabbah) teaches that the donkey Moshe rode was the same one later used by Avraham when going to the Akeidah (binding of Yitzchak) and will be used by Mashiach in the future (Zechariah 9:9). This symbolizes humility and readiness to serve Hashem's will.

Q: What is the 'rod of God' that Moshe took with him?
A: The 'rod of God' (mateh haElokim) refers to the staff Moshe used to perform miracles in Egypt (like turning it into a snake). Ramban explains it was a physical sign of divine authority, showing that Moshe acted with Hashem's power, not his own.

Q: Why does the Torah mention Moshe taking his family and the rod in the same verse?
A: The juxtaposition teaches that just as Moshe trusted Hashem with his family's safety, he also trusted in divine protection through the rod (symbolizing miracles). Sforno notes this demonstrates complete faith when fulfilling a mission from Hashem.

Q: How does this verse relate to leadership in Judaism?
A: Moshe's actions model Jewish leadership: prioritizing family (as Torah commands), humility (riding a donkey), and complete reliance on Hashem (through the rod). The Talmud (Pesachim 87a) teaches that true leaders care for both communal and personal responsibilities with faith.