Exodus 4:10 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Moses said to the Lord, "Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue."

NIV: Moses said to the Lord, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."

NASB: Then Moses said to the Lord, 'Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither recently nor in time past, nor since You have spoken to Your servant; for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.'

CSB: But Moses replied to the Lord, "Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—either in the past or recently or since you have been speaking to your servant—because my mouth and my tongue are sluggish."

NLT: But Moses pleaded with the Lord, 'O Lord, I’m not very good with words. I never have been, and I’m not now, even though you have spoken to me. I get tongue-tied, and my words get tangled.'

KJV: And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, 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.

NKJV: Then Moses said to the LORD, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”

Moses' first resistance to the Lord's call (Exodus 3:10) was doubt in his own importance (Exodus 3:11). His next concern was about proving that he'd really spoken with God (Exodus 3:13; 4:1). Now, God has provided three miraculous signs which Moses can use against skepticism (Exodus 4:8–9).

Now, Moses expresses more doubts about himself. He claims to be a poor speaker. There is no suggestion in Scripture that he had an actual speech impediment—though that is possible. It probably means that Moses didn't think of himself as a powerful orator or an eloquent man. He was certainly educated (Exodus 2:10). Later generations would applaud his speaking (Acts 7:22). This may also have been an excuse inspired by fear or intimidation over his mission. Whether he lacked confidence or ability, Moses expresses this to the Lord.

God responds by telling Moses not to worry about his own power. God's presence and guidance will be enough (Exodus 4:11–12).

Exodus 4:10–17 records Moses resisting God's call by pointing out his poor speaking ability. When God says He will endow Moses with the right words at the right time, Moses is still overwhelmed and skeptical. Though angry at the lack of faith, God responds by appointing Moses' brother, Aaron, to be the public spokesman, bringing words from God through Moses.

While speaking with God in the form of a supernaturally burning bush, Moses expresses a lack of confidence. God gives Moses several miraculous signs so he can prove the source of his message. Moses is still unsure because of his poor speech. Though irritated, God appoints Moses' brother, Aaron, to be the spokesman while Moses relays the words of God. Moses returns to Egypt. Along the way, he nearly dies due to God's anger over some issue related to circumci-sion. After meeting his brother, Moses convinces the elders of Israel that his mission is genuine.

Moses, born an Israelite (Exodus 2:1) but raised by an Egyptian princess (Exodus 2:10) fled into exile after killing an abu-sive Egyptian taskmaster (Exodus 2:14–15). Later, Moses meets God (Exodus 3:6) and receives the initial command to challenge Pharaoh for the freedom of the Israelites (Exodus 3:18–20). In this chapter, Moses makes excuses about his public speaking and nearly dies because of an uncircumcised son. Israel's elders believe Moses' story. But in the next chapter, Moses' early confrontation with Pharaoh goes poorly; the people are worked even hard-er (Exodus 5:5–9) and they begin to turn against Moses (Exodus 5:20–21).

The book of Exodus establishes God's covenant relationship with the full-fledged nation of Israel. The descendants of Abraham prosper after settling in Egypt, only to be enslaved by a fearful, hateful Egyptian Pharaoh. God appoints Moses to lead the people out of this bondage. Moses serves as God's spokesman, as the Lord brings plagues and judgments on Egypt, leading to the release of Israel.