Exodus 4:2

4:2 The Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” He said, “A staff.” ¹ 

Exodus 4:17

4:17 You will also take in your hand this staff, with which you will do the signs.” ² 

[4:2]  ¹ tn Or “rod” (KJV, ASV); NCV, CEV “walking stick”; NLT “shepherd’s staff.”

[4:17]  ² sn Mention of the staff makes an appropriate ending to the section, for God’s power (represented by the staff) will work through Moses. The applicable point that this whole section is making could be worded this way: The servants of God who sense their inadequacy must demonstrate the power of God as their sufficiency.