Brothers Brought Together

There are a number of issues in the next chapters that twenty-first- century readers find difficult. The first is God saying of Pharaoh that he “will harden his heart” (21). Exodus 8:15 speaks of Pharaoh hardening his own heart and 7:13 just says that “Pharaoh’s heart became hard.” These things are not seen as contradictions, just as different ways of looking at the same thing. I know I struggle with psychological questionnaires forcing a choice between two things, such as “Do you prefer (1) planning ahead or (2) doing things on the spur of the moment?” I want to say “yes” to both! It all depends on the particular moment. We must be careful not to overstate difficulties that early Israelite readers, more comfortable with ambiguity, would not even have noticed. Was Pharaoh a stubborn old so-and- so, or was God involved in his actions? The answer is “Yes!”
The account of the circumcision of Moses’ son (24–26) is—to say the least— obscure! Even early Jewish commentators could not agree exactly what happened, but it does provide a link with the mention of the “first-born son” in verse 23. It also emphasizes the importance of circumcision for all Israelites—and Moses’ mixed-race son needs to be clearly identified as Israelite. The end of the chapter is more straightforward. Moses met Aaron, his arrival having been conveyed by divine telegraph. He told Aaron what God had said, they both went to the “elders” (29), Aaron passed on the information and “they believed” (31). The signs may have helped, but there is no indication that they actually asked for signs before they were willing to believe. They clearly believed that God had spoken; whether that belief included the conviction that God would and could do what he said remains to be seen!

From the example of Moses, what will you apply this week to ensure that God’s future plans for you are not frustrated? Like Zipporah helping Moses, who has helped you fulfill the difficult requirements of your spiritual life?