1. Exodus 4:24 (ESV)
  2. Exposition

Who is the “him” in 4:24–26?

Exodus 4:24 (ESV)

24 At a lodging place on the way the LORD met him and sought to put him to death.

Although all the men seeking his life were dead (Exodus 4:19), this does not mean that Moses was safe from the anger of God. Since Moses is the last person mentioned in the narrative whom God was talking to (Exodus 4:21), the “him” in Exodus 4:24–26 would appear to be Moses, the very same person whom God had just sent out. However, since the Lord was just talking about a firstborn son (Exodus 4:23), it is also possible that the “him” in these verses is referring to Gershom (Moses & Zipporah’s firstborn son) and even possibly Eliezer. In any case, the Lord was making clear that the threat of death was near to Moses’ household, and something had to be done.