It’s time for a showdown at the palace, but first a meeting to get Israel in on the mission.
Moses and his family obviously have not traveled far when the Lord instructs Moses’ brother Aaron to intercept them, because we read, “he went and met him on the mountain of God” (Ex 4:27). What a discussion they must have had as “Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent him, and all the signs which He had commanded him” (v 28). Aaron must have also discovered then that he had been volunteered for the job! Immediately they traveled to Egypt and gathered the elders of Israel. Then Aaron told them what Moses told him what God told Moses to tell Aaron to tell the elders. Well, that’s what Moses asked for, isn’t it? Although things would get rough further on, it’s beautiful to read here the response of those who heard the message: “So the people believed; and when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had looked on their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshiped” (v 31). God HAD heard their groans! And God DID care about their situation! And God WAS coming to their rescue! Who wouldn’t worship a God like that! He’s a very present help for you, too, Christian. But when Moses and Aaron petitioned Pharaoh on behalf of the Lord, he haughtily replied, “Who is [Yahweh], that I should obey His voice to let Israel go?” (5:2). Ah, so you don’t know Him, Pharaoh? You know the crocodile god, and the frog god, and the beetle god, but you don’t know Jehovah? You haven’t done your homework! For the Psalmist says, “The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the peoples see His glory. Let all be put to shame who serve carved images, who boast of idols” (Ps 97:6-7). Yes, Pharaoh, you will know Him before this is over. And you will obey His voice!