Exodus 4:10

In Exodus 4:10, Moses presents his fifth and arguably most personal objection to God's command to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of bondage. After God has demonstrated His power through various signs and promises, Moses shifts the focus from external credibility to his own perceived internal inadequacy.

Context

This verse immediately follows a series of divine assurances and miraculous signs given by God at the burning bush. God has revealed His name ("I AM THAT I AM"), promised His presence, and equipped Moses with signs to convince the Israelites and Pharaoh. Despite these powerful affirmations of divine support, Moses's deep-seated self-doubt surfaces. He is being commissioned to confront the most powerful ruler of the time and lead a nation, a task that demanded significant public speaking and negotiation skills.

Key Themes

• Human Inadequacy vs. Divine Commission: Moses, a shepherd who had spent 40 years in the wilderness, felt utterly unqualified for the monumental task of delivering Israel. His objection highlights the common human tendency to focus on personal limitations rather than God's limitless power.
• Reluctance and Excuses: Moses's repeated objections underscore his deep reluctance to accept the daunting responsibility. His "slow of speech" becomes his final, desperate excuse to avoid the call.
• God's Patience and Provision: Even in the face of Moses's persistent doubts, God responds with patience and offers practical solutions, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His chosen vessel and His plan.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue" (KJV) is highly significant. The Hebrew phrase for "slow of speech" (כְבַד פֶּה - kevad peh) and "slow tongue" (כְבַד לָשׁוֹן - kevad lashon) literally means "heavy of mouth" and "heavy of tongue." This strongly suggests a genuine speech impediment, such as a stammer or stutter, rather than merely a lack of oratorical skill or shyness. This physical challenge made Moses feel disqualified from a leadership role that would require extensive public speaking and direct communication with Pharaoh and the multitude of Israelites.

Related Scriptures

• God directly addresses Moses's concern in the very next verses, assuring him, "Who hath made man's mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say" (Exodus 4:11-12).
• Ultimately, God provides Aaron, Moses's brother, to be his spokesman (Exodus 4:14-16), demonstrating His willingness to accommodate and equip His servants.
• This narrative illustrates a profound biblical principle: God often chooses the seemingly weak or inadequate to accomplish His mighty purposes, so that His power, not human ability, is glorified. This theme resonates with Paul's declaration in 2 Corinthians 12:9, "My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."

Practical Application

Moses's objection in Exodus 4:10 offers timeless lessons:

1. God Equips the Called: Our perceived weaknesses or limitations do not disqualify us from God's service. He is not limited by our abilities but works through them, or even in spite of them, to display His omnipotence.
2. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Like Moses, we often allow our self-assessment to overshadow God's assessment of our potential. This verse encourages us to trust God's plan and provision over our own feelings of inadequacy.
3. Obedience over Eloquence: Ultimately, Moses obeyed the Lord, and his "slow tongue" did not hinder God's deliverance of Israel. God values our obedience and willingness more than our natural talents or perceived eloquence.