John Calvin Commentary Exodus 4:31

"And the people believed: and when they heard that Jehovah had visited the children of Israel, and that he had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped." — Exodus 4:31 (ASV)

And the people believed. Either this is a synecdoche, where a part of the people represents the whole, or Moses signifies that after the announcement was published, everyone unanimously embraced the message of their deliverance. I prefer the former meaning, because their solemn adoration is immediately appended, which could only have occurred in a public assembly.

But we will soon see how fickle and weak their belief was. It is clear, from its fickleness and inconstancy, that it was without any living root. However, it is not unusual for the word "belief" to be improperly applied to a mere assent and a disposition to believe, which quickly passes away.

Thus Christ (Mark 4:15) speaks of the faith of many as transient. Therefore, “the people believed” when they heard that God regarded their afflictions, since that statement carried credibility and authority; but it was such a belief as could be dispelled by the first adverse wind, and so, indeed, it happened.

This passage, then, teaches that those who eagerly and joyfully receive what is presented to them in God’s name achieve nothing great and deserve no great praise, unless faith, being deeply rooted in their hearts, boldly sustains itself against the assaults of temptation.

Some connect the clauses differently:⁶⁵ “The people believed; and when they heard that assistance in their calamities awaited them, they gave thanks to God.” But the copula is here rightly interpreted as the expositive particle, and the sense is: “When the people had heard what Aaron reported, they believed.”

God’s visiting them here expresses the actual event, namely, that God was willing to provide them aid in their severe distress. Their “worshipping” was an expression of their gratitude, because it was not enough for them privately and individually to reflect on God’s favor unless they also openly manifested their religious feeling. This is not as if God greatly requires outward ceremonies, but because they are useful supports for our weakness, and it is right that not only the mind but also the body should be employed in the service of God.

⁶⁵ As in A..V.; and this rendering is confirmed by .; and this rendering is confirmed by Dathe, “Hi fidem habuerunt; et cum audirent,” etc., “Hi fidem habuerunt; et cum audirent,” etc.