And Moses took his wife and his sons, and set them upon an ass, and he returned to the land of Egypt: and Moses took the rod of God in his hand.
Moses rode that ass into Egypt in rags, despised and exposed to scorn, yet he cared nothing for shame because he held the rod of God. The poor fear mockery more than hunger, and he mastered that temptation; the rod alone compensated for every deficiency of earthly splendor.
AI summary
Moses honored his father-in-law by asking leave before departing, showing that divine commission does not free us from the duties we owe in our station. God knew the secret fear that held him back, dread of his old enemies, and assured him the way was clear.
AI summary
Commenting on Exodus 4:18-23
He took his wife and both sons on that ass toward Egypt, a plain sign he believed God would deliver and meant to remain there. The rod he carried was no mere shepherd's staff; it was the rod of God, by which He had already worked signs and would work many more.
AI summary