Exodus 4

Jehovah

And the LORD said unto him, What is that in thine hand? And he said, A rod. Exodus 4:2–9

Jehovah gives Moses signs so the people will believe that the God of their fathers really appeared to him. The One who appeared is the premortal Christ.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the chapter heading names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• interpreted by 1 Nephi 19:10 — The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob is the one who would be crucified.

Jehovah

And Moses said unto the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. Exodus 4:10–17

Moses feels unable to speak, and the LORD reminds him that He made the mouth and promises to be with it. The Lord who called and empowered Moses is Jehovah, the premortal Christ.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the verse itself names Him · a footnote points to Him

Moses as a Type of Christ

And the LORD said unto Moses in Midian, Go, return into Egypt: for all the men are dead which sought thy life. Exodus 4:19

Moses is told to return to Egypt because those who wanted to kill him are dead. The angel tells Joseph almost the same words about the child Jesus returning from Egypt, showing Jesus as the new Moses.

How we know: a traditional type, cited

• alluded to by Matthew 2:20 — "Go into the land of Israel: for they are dead which sought the young child's life."

Firstborn Son

firstborn — the heir holding the birthright

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: Exodus 4:22–23

The LORD calls Israel His firstborn son and demands its release, threatening Pharaoh's firstborn. Matthew applies God's calling of His son out of Egypt to Jesus, the true Firstborn and Son of God, whom Israel as a nation prefigured.

How we know: a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it · the chapter heading names Him · another scripture interprets it of Him

• alluded to by Hosea 11:1 — "When Israel was a child... I called my son out of Egypt."
• a type of what is in Matthew 2:15 — Hosea's "Out of Egypt have I called my son" fulfilled in Jesus.
• fulfilled by Exodus 12:29 — The LORD smites the firstborn of Egypt.
• the same title in Colossians 1:15 — Christ "the firstborn of every creature."

Jehovah, Father of Israel

And thou shalt say unto Pharaoh, Thus saith the LORD, Israel is my son, even my firstborn: Exodus 4:22–23

Jehovah speaks as the Father of His covenant people, calling Israel His son. Latter-day Saint scripture teaches that Christ is the Father of those who are born of Him by covenant (Mosiah 5:7), and the Topical Guide lists this verse under that teaching.

How we know: a Church study aid lists it · the chapter heading names Him

Jehovah

And the LORD said to Aaron, Go into the wilderness to meet Moses. And he went, and met him in the mount of God, and kissed him. Exodus 4:27–31

Israel believes that the LORD has visited them and seen their affliction, and they worship Him. They are worshipping Jehovah, the premortal Christ, who comes to redeem His people.

How we know: Jehovah is the premortal Christ (Abraham 1:16; D&C 110:3–4) · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him

• fulfils Genesis 50:24 — Joseph promised, "God will surely visit you."