What is the context?
God sends Aaron into the wilderness, where he meets Moses at the mountain of God. Moses tells him what the LORD has commanded him to say and explains the signs. The help God promised is now taking place.
The brothers gather Israel’s elders. Aaron delivers the message, Moses performs the signs, and the people believe. Their response brings the story back to the concern Moses raised at the beginning of the chapter: how would they know God had appeared to him?
What leads them to bow in worship is the news that the LORD has attended to them and seen their affliction. They have not yet left Egypt, but they have heard that their suffering has been seen and that God is acting.
How is this passage commonly understood?
The shared reading sees the meeting as the promised beginning of the mission: the brothers deliver God’s message, the signs confirm it, and Israel responds with belief and worship. Calvin and Gill both connect their thanksgiving with learning that God has taken notice of their suffering.
Where does this fit in God's plan?
Rescue and worship belong together in this account. God has already called Israel His son and demanded that Pharaoh release them to worship Him. The people begin to worship while they are still waiting for that freedom.
The theme returns in Luke 1:68–75. Zechariah praises God for visiting and redeeming His people, remembering His covenant with Abraham, and granting deliverance so they may serve Him without fear. The purpose of rescue reaches beyond escape from an enemy into life with God.
What is our position?
We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.