Overview (Verses 17 - 34)

Moses’ Mission Defined
 
This was an address to which the whole universe responded. In it, God gave His chosen messenger the fundamental truth of His oneness. Moses must have forgotten all about himself and the purpose for which he aimed towards the fire. He was now only following this voice coming to him from on high. He was attentive to the divine instructions being given to him. As he is so absorbed, with his mind and soul fully attentive to it, he is asked a question which requires no answer from him: “Now, what is this in your right hand, Moses?” (Verse 17)
 
Of course Moses had his staff in his hand, but where was his mind at that moment? Well, he remembers and gives his reply: “He answered: It is my staff; upon it I lean, and with it I beat down the leaves for my sheep; and other uses have I for it.” (Verse 18) The question did not ask about the uses he had for his staff, but rather about the object he was holding. Nevertheless, Moses realizes that he was not being asked to name the object in his hand, but to state what he did with it. Hence his answer outlining the purposes for which he used it. He used it for support when walking and beat the leaves of the trees so that they fell and were eaten by his sheep. We know that Moses tended sheep for Shu`ayb, his father-in-law. It is also reported that he had a number of sheep given him as his share. Furthermore, he had other uses for his staff to which he refers in general without going into specifics, because what he has already stated gives a clear indication of them.
 
The omnipotent power, however, does with his staff what he could have never imagined. This comes as part of his preparation for his task: “Said He: ‘Throw it down, Moses.’ So he threw it down, and thereupon it was a snake, moving rapidly. Said He: ‘Take it up and have no fear. We shall restore it to its former state.’” (Verses 19-21)
 
Thus he saw in front of his eyes the great miracle that occurs every moment while people remain oblivious to it. That is the miracle of life: the staff became a rapidly moving snake. Millions and millions of lifeless atoms or objects are transformed into living things all the time, but they do not fill man with wonder and amazement like a staff being transformed into a snake. Man lives in a world demarcated by his senses and experiences. He cannot go far beyond what he can perceive. To see a staff made of wood transformed into a snake that moves quickly was bound to shock his senses. He was thus profoundly alert. The hidden aspects of how life first came about and the miraculous nature of life springing up at every moment are too subtle to capture man’s mind and imagination. This is particularly the case when something becomes too familiar; it thus goes unnoticed.
 
The miracle of life took place, and Moses was full of amazement, with fear tearing at his heart. But the command was given: “Take it up and have no fear. We shall restore it to its former state.” (Verse 21) It will once again be a staff. The sūrah does not mention Moses’ other reaction, which in another sūrah shows him running away. Here we have only a subtle reference to the fear that overwhelmed him. This is because the general atmosphere in this sūrah is one of safety and reassurance. It is not to be disturbed by speaking about such overwhelming fear that causes a man to run away.
 
Thus Moses was reassured, he picked up the snake and it was a staff again, regaining its original shape and form. Thus the other aspect of the miracle took place, with life departing from a living creature.
 
Another command was issued to Moses from on high: “Now put your hand under your armpit. It will come out [shining.’ white, without blemish: another sign.” (Verse 22) Moses did as he was told. It should be noted that the Qur’ān uses a different expression to denote the position where Moses was to put his hand, his armpit. It is described as his ‘wing’ which gives an air of freedom of movement and freedom from the earth’s gravity. Thus his hand came out shining white, but its whiteness indicates no illness or malignancy. This is indeed another sign to be added to that of his staff. He is thus made to see some of the great miracles God works out: “We shall show you some of Our most wondrous signs.” (Verse 23) When he has seen these with his own eyes, he will be reassured and able to carry out his great task with greater determination.
 
“Go to Pharaoh; for he has indeed transgressed all bounds.” (Verse 24) Up to this point Moses was unaware that he was chosen for this very hard task. He has first hand knowledge of Pharaoh, since he himself was brought up in Pharaoh’s own palace, witnessing his tyranny and how he treated his people with unabating cruelty. Since he is now in audience with his Lord, feeling the great honour God has bestowed on him, he asks for assistance and reassurance to better execute his mission: “Said [Moses]: My Lord, open up my heart [to Your light], and make my mission easy for me, and free my tongue from its impediment, so that people may understand what I say. Appoint for me a helper from among my kinsmen, Aaron, my brother. Grant me strength through him, and let him share my task, so that together we may extol Your limitless glory and remember You always. You are surely watching over us.” (Verses 25-35)