Then Moses and Aaron wentMoses and Aaron, brothers by birth, are divinely appointed leaders of the Israelites. Moses, having been called by God at the burning bush (Exodus 3), is the primary leader, while Aaron serves as his spokesperson due to Moses' reluctance and claimed speech impediment (
Exodus 4:10-16). Their journey to Egypt marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the Israelites from bondage. This phrase highlights their obedience to God's command, a recurring theme in the narrative of the Exodus.
and assembled all the elders of the Israelites,
The elders of the Israelites were the tribal leaders and representatives of the people, a common structure in ancient Near Eastern societies. Their assembly signifies the importance of communal leadership and decision-making. This gathering is crucial for gaining the support and trust of the Israelite community, as the elders held significant influence. The act of assembling the elders also reflects the organizational structure that Moses would later formalize with the establishment of judges and leaders (Exodus 18:13-26). This moment foreshadows the role of elders in the early church, as seen inActs 14:23, where elders are appointed to lead and guide the Christian communities.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesA central figure in the Book of Exodus, chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. At this point in the account, Moses has returned to Egypt after his encounter with God at the burning bush.
2.
AaronMoses' brother, who acts as his spokesperson. God appointed Aaron to assist Moses due to Moses' hesitance about his speaking abilities.
3.
Elders of the IsraelitesThe leaders or representatives of the Israelite community in Egypt. They play a crucial role in communicating God's message to the people.
4.
EgyptThe land where the Israelites are enslaved. It serves as the backdrop for the unfolding of God's plan to deliver His people.
5.
AssemblyThe gathering of the elders signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver the Israelites, as Moses and Aaron prepare to communicate God's message.
Teaching Points
Obedience to God's CallMoses and Aaron's actions demonstrate obedience to God's command. Believers are encouraged to trust and obey God's direction, even when it requires stepping out in faith.
Importance of LeadershipThe role of the elders underscores the importance of godly leadership in guiding and supporting the community of faith.
God's FaithfulnessThis assembly marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to deliver His people, reminding believers of God's faithfulness to His word.
Community and CommunicationThe gathering of the elders highlights the importance of clear communication and unity within the body of believers.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Exodus 4:29?
2.How does Exodus 4:29 demonstrate Moses and Aaron's obedience to God's command?
3.What role does community play in understanding God's message in Exodus 4:29?
4.How can we apply Moses and Aaron's example of leadership in our lives?
5.How does Exodus 4:29 connect to the theme of divine guidance in Exodus?
6.What can we learn about faithfulness from Moses and Aaron's actions in Exodus 4:29?
7.How does Exodus 4:29 demonstrate Moses' leadership and authority among the Israelites?
8.What significance does the gathering of elders in Exodus 4:29 hold in Israelite culture?
9.How does Exodus 4:29 reflect God's communication through chosen leaders?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Exodus 4?
11.Who were the elders in the Old Testament?
12.What were the key events in Aaron's life?
13.Psalm 99:6 mentions Moses, Aaron, and Samuel; how can we confirm the historical existence and roles of Moses and Aaron, given limited archaeological evidence?
14.Why does Michelangelo's Moses have horns?What Does Exodus 4:29 Mean
Then• The word signals immediate obedience after God’s commissioning (Exodus 4:18–20).
• It ties the moment to God’s earlier instruction: “Go, assemble the elders of Israel” (Exodus 3:16).
• Scripture often uses “then” to mark a faith-filled response to divine command—think of Abraham leaving Ur immediately after God spoke (Genesis 12:4).
Moses and Aaron• God chose brothers with complementary roles: Moses, the prophet; Aaron, the spokesman (Exodus 4:14–16; 7:1–2).
• Their unity models cooperative leadership later seen in Joshua and Eleazar (Numbers 27:21).
• Two witnesses satisfy the law’s standard of credibility (Deuteronomy 19:15), underscoring the reliability of the message they will deliver.
Went• They left Midian and entered Egypt’s dangerous arena, demonstrating trust much like Peter stepping onto the water at Jesus’ call (Matthew 14:29).
• “Went” reflects action, not mere intention—faith expressed through movement (James 2:17).
• Obedience precedes results; the plagues and exodus begin only after this step of going (Exodus 5:1).
And assembled• Gathering God’s people is a recurring biblical theme: Samuel assembles Israel at Mizpah (1 Samuel 7:5), Ezra gathers exiles at the river (Ezra 8:15).
• The action fulfills God’s directive to meet with the elders first, not Pharaoh (Exodus 3:18).
• Corporate hearing of God’s word strengthens communal faith; later, Nehemiah reads the Law to an assembled crowd (Nehemiah 8:1–3).
All the elders• Elders represent the tribes, ensuring the whole nation’s consent (Exodus 12:21;Numbers 11:16–17).
• Their inclusion anticipates future covenant ratification where elders witness the blood of the covenant (Exodus 24:1, 9).
• God regularly works through established authority structures rather than bypassing them.
Of the Israelites• The phrase reminds us God’s covenant focus is His people, descended from Abraham (Exodus 2:24;Genesis 17:7).
• Israel’s identity shapes the mission: deliverance is not random liberation but fulfillment of promise (Exodus 6:6–8).
• The elders’ Israelite context contrasts sharply with Pharaoh’s oppression, setting the stage for the showdown between covenant faithfulness and worldly power.
summaryExodus 4:29 records more than travel logistics; it captures prompt, united, faith-driven obedience. God speaks, and His chosen servants—Moses and Aaron—immediately go, gather recognized leaders, and prepare the nation for redemption. The verse highlights God’s faithfulness to covenant promises, the importance of biblically ordered leadership, and the necessity of acting on divine instruction.
THE RETURN TO EGYPT.
(29)Moses and Aaron went.--The two brothers returned together from the Sinaitic region to Egypt. No particulars of the journey are narrated, nor can we even tell what was the route which they followed. On their arrival, they at once set themselves to carry out the charge committed to them (Exodus 3:16). The Israelites in Egypt, though suffering under severe oppression, had an organisation of their own, jurisdiction attaching probably to the heads of tribes, or of chief families. (Comp.Numbers 1:4-16.) These persons are here called "elders," which the LXX. render??? ?????????, "the senate." Moses and Aaron could have no power to convoke them; but they invited them to a conference, and the elders came.
Verses 29-31. - Moses seems to have parted with Zipporah and his children in Horeb, and to have sent them back to Jethro (
Exodus 18:2), perhaps because they might have interfered with the work which he had to do, perhaps because he thought Egypt would be no pleasant residence for them during the coming struggle. He journeyed onward from Horeb with Aaron for his sole companion, and had abundant time for taking counsel with him, and exercising the influence over him which high intellect and education combined will always give to their possessor. The journey from Horeb to Goshen occupied probably some weeks. On arriving in Goshen, the two brothers, in obedience to the divine command (
Exodus 3:16), proceeded at once to "gather together all the elders of Israel" - that is, all these who exercised local authority over their countrymen in the various districts which they inhabited. Through the mouth of Aaron, Moses declared all that had been revealed to him at the burning bush and subsequently, exhibiting at the same time the credentials which proved him an ambassador from God,
i.e. the three miracles which he had been empowered to work at any moment (
Exodus 4:2-8). The elders, being themselves convinced, summoned an assembly of the people, as is implied though not expressed in ver. 30; and the people, having heard the words of Aaron and seen the signs, were also convinced, and bowing their heads, worshipped the God whose ambassadors had appeared before them.
Verse 29. -
On the elders of Israel, see note upon
Exodus 3:16. It is clear that the Israelitish nation, though in bondage to the Egyptians, had a certain internal organisation of its own, and possessed a set of native officers. These were probably the hereditary heads of families. Moses and Aaron could have no authority to gather these persons together; but they issued an invitation, and it was accepted. The "elders" came to the meeting.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Then Mosesמֹשֶׁ֖ה(mō·šeh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4872:Moses -- a great Israelite leader, prophet and lawgiverand Aaronוְאַהֲרֹ֑ן(wə·’a·hă·rōn)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 175:Aaron -- an elder brother of Moseswentוַיֵּ֥לֶךְ(way·yê·leḵ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1980:To go, come, walkand assembledוַיַּ֣אַסְפ֔וּ(way·ya·’as·p̄ū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 622:To gather for, any purpose, to receive, take away, removeallכָּל־(kāl-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe eldersזִקְנֵ֖י(ziq·nê)Adjective - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2205:Oldof the Israelites,בְּנֵ֥י(bə·nê)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121:A son
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OT Law: Exodus 4:29 Moses and Aaron went and gathered together (Exo. Ex) 
