“When Moses had completed the term”—this may mean that he completed the obligatory term or the additional years, as would be expected of Moses and his faithfulness—he longed to return to his family, his mother, his clan, and his homeland. Given how long he had been away, he knew that they had gradually forgotten what he had done. “He set out with his family,” heading for Egypt, and “he saw”—that is, caught sight of—“a fire in the direction of Mount Tūr. He said to his family, ‘Stay here. I have seen a fire. Perhaps I can bring you some news from it, or a burning brand from the fire, so that you may warm yourselves.’” They had been overtaken by the cold and had lost their way.
(30) When he reached it, he was called: “O Moses, indeed I am Allah, Lord of all worlds.” He thus informed him of His divinity and lordship. This necessarily entails commanding him to worship Him and take Him alone as God, as He explicitly stated in another verse: “Worship Me and establish prayer for My remembrance.”
“And throw down your staff.” He threw it down. “When he saw it writhing”—moving swiftly and violently, with terrifying ferocity—“as though it were a serpent,” an enormous male snake, “he turned and fled without looking back”—that is, without returning—because terror had overwhelmed his heart. Allah then told him, “O Moses, come forward and do not be afraid. You are truly safe.” This was reassurance in its fullest possible form, leaving no cause for fear.
His words “Come forward” constitute a command that he advance, which he was obliged to obey. Yet he might comply and approach while the cause of fear still remained before him. Allah therefore said, “Do not be afraid,” commanding him to do two things: to approach and to harbor no fear in his heart. Yet another possibility remained: he might approach without fear but still not be protected and safe from harm. Allah therefore said, “You are truly safe.” Every possible danger was thereby removed. Moses—peace be upon him—came forward neither afraid nor terrified, but calm and reassured, trusting his Lord’s word. His faith had increased and his certainty had become complete. This was a sign Allah showed him before he went to Pharaoh, so that he would possess complete certainty and would thus be (1) bolder, stronger, and more steadfast.
Allah then showed him the other sign, saying: “Put your hand”—that is, insert it—“into the opening of your garment; it will emerge white, without any harm.” He inserted it and drew it out, just as Allah Most High has related.
“Draw your arm close to yourself to dispel your fear.” That is, press your arm—meaning your upper arm—to your side, and your dread and fear will leave you. “These two”—the staff changing into a snake and the hand emerging white without harm—“are two proofs from your Lord,” meaning two conclusive proofs from Allah, “for Pharaoh and his chiefs. They have indeed been a rebellious people.” A mere warning and the messenger’s command to them would not suffice; dazzling signs were necessary, if they were to benefit at all.
Moses—peace be upon him—then “said,” ⦗616⦘ explaining his situation to his Lord, asking Him for help in carrying out what He had charged him with, and mentioning the obstacles he faced so that his Lord might remove the dangers he feared from them: “My Lord, I killed one of them,” that is, “so I fear that they may kill me. My brother Aaron is more eloquent in speech than I am, so send him with me as a helper”—that is, as one who will aid and support me—“to confirm my truthfulness.” For when reports corroborate one another, the truth is strengthened. Allah granted his request and said, “We will strengthen your arm through your brother,” meaning: We will aid and strengthen you through him.
He then removed Moses’ fear of being killed, saying: “And We will grant you both authority,” meaning power and the ability to carry out the call through proof and through the divinely instilled awe that their enemy would feel toward them, “so they will not be able to reach you.” That would be because of Our signs, the truth they demonstrated, and the consternation they caused in all who encountered and beheld them. It was through these signs that you were granted authority and your enemy’s plot was warded off from you (2). They were more effective for you than armies with all their numbers and equipment.
“You two and those who follow you will be victorious.” This promise was given to Moses at a time when he was entirely alone and had returned to his homeland after having been a fugitive. Circumstances continued to evolve and affairs to change until Allah fulfilled His promise to him, granted him authority over people and lands, and bestowed victory and ascendancy upon him and his followers.