What does Exodus 4:5 mean?
What is the meaning of Exodus 4:5?

This is so that

God is giving Moses a clear purpose for the signs He is about to perform. These signs are not random displays but intentional proofs.

Exodus 3:18 shows the same divine goal—winning Israel’s trust.

John 20:31 echoes the pattern: “These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ.”

• Every miracle in Scripture, from the plagues (Exodus 7–12) to Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:32), carries this “so that” purpose—calling people to faith.


they may believe

Belief is the doorway to obedience and deliverance.

Exodus 4:8 anticipates Israel’s response: if they do not believe the first sign, they may believe the next.

Hebrews 11:6 reminds us that “without faith it is impossible to please God.”

John 11:42 shows Jesus praying “that they may believe,” revealing that God has always aimed at faith-producing revelation.


that the LORD

The Name in all caps (YHWH) declares God’s self-existence and covenant faithfulness.

Exodus 3:14-15 revealed this Name to Moses at the burning bush.

Deuteronomy 6:4 proclaims, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One,” grounding Israel’s identity in the singular, living God.

Isaiah 42:8 underscores His uniqueness: “I am the LORD; that is My name; I will not give My glory to another.”


the God of their fathers

God ties His present activity to His unbroken relationship with Israel’s ancestors.

Genesis 17:7 established an “everlasting covenant” with Abraham’s line.

• In Acts 3:13, Peter calls Him “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, the God of our fathers,” proving continuity from Old to New Testament.

Psalm 105:8-10 celebrates that He “remembers His covenant forever.”


the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob

Repeating the patriarchs’ names stresses personal faithfulness to each generation.

Genesis 26:24—God assures Isaac, “I am the God of your father Abraham.”

Genesis 28:13—He promises Jacob the same covenant land and blessing.

Matthew 22:32—Jesus cites this title to prove the resurrection: “He is not the God of the dead but of the living,” affirming that the patriarchs still live before Him.


has appeared to you

Moses is not self-appointed; he has encountered the living God.

Exodus 3:2 describes the angel of the LORD appearing in the flame.

Acts 7:30-32 recounts Stephen’s testimony of that appearance, confirming its historical truth.

Galatians 1:15-16 shows Paul’s own calling by divine revelation, paralleling Moses’ experience of being sent after a direct encounter.


summary

Exodus 4:5 unpacks God’s purpose behind miraculous signs: to lead His people to genuine faith in the LORD—the same covenant-keeping God revered by Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—who personally appeared to Moses. The verse reassures Israel (and us) that God’s actions are rooted in His historic promises, His revealed Name, and His intimate involvement with His servants.

What is the significance of Moses' fear in Exodus 4:4?
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