Exodus 6:30 - Printer Friendly

ESV: But Moses said to the Lord, "Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips. How will Pharaoh listen to me?"

NIV: But Moses said to the Lord, "Since I speak with faltering lips, why would Pharaoh listen to me?"

NASB: But Moses said before the Lord, 'Behold, I am unskilled in speech; how then will Pharaoh listen to me?'

CSB: But Moses replied in the Lord’s presence, "Since I am such a poor speaker, how will Pharaoh listen to me?"

NLT: But Moses argued with the Lord, saying, 'I can’t do it! I’m such a clumsy speaker! Why should Pharaoh listen to me?'

KJV: And Moses said before the Lord, Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh hearken unto me?

NKJV: But Moses said before the Lord, “Behold, I am of uncircumcised lips, and how shall Pharaoh heed me?”

This chapter ends by repeating Moses' self-criticism (Exodus 6:12). His statement uses a word derived from 'ārēl, an adjective which literally means "uncircumcised." This can mean something physical. Yet it is also used in a spiritual sense (Ezekiel 44:7; Acts 7:51). This could be a way of implying that there is something obstructing Moses' speech. Or it may mean that Moses believes he is too unworthy to successfully communicate the Lord's message. This attitude has been interpreted as either a lack of faith, or an expression of deep humility, or some combination of both. If he is so unsuitable, and even his own people will not listen (Exodus 6:9), why think a pagan ruler like Pharaoh will be different?

Scripture contains thousands and thousands of questions. Many of these come from human beings who struggle to understand their role in God's plans. God will answer Moses' concerns (Exodus 7:1) by repeating much of what's already been said (Exodus 3:19–20; 4:21–23; 6:5–8). Because Moses chooses to obey, despite his uncertainty, the Lord uses him to accomplish Israel's rescue (Exodus 12:41).

Exodus 6:14–30 records the genealogies of Moses and his brother, Aaron. This supports that this is part of God's continuous plan to arrive at this very point in history. It also clarifies their status as members of the tribe of Levi. Along the way, God reiterates and re-establishes Moses' commission as His messenger. Moses is still wracked with self-doubt.

God responds to Moses, who struggles to understand recent events (Exodus 5:22–23). Pharaoh has retaliated against the Lord's message about Israel's freedom (Exodus 5:1–9). Here, the Lord repeats His predic-tion that Israel will be freed (Exodus 3:14–22). God's specific identity and relationship to Israel are key to this response. The Lord will fulfill His promises and take the Hebrews from Egypt into the Promised Land. The passage then rec-ords the genealogies of Moses and Aaron. Moses' commission from God is also repeated.

After centuries of enslavement (Exodus 1:11–14), God commissions Moses to be His representative in freeing Israel (Exodus 3:4–10). But when Moses delivers the Lord's message (Exodus 5:1–3), Pharaoh retaliates (Exodus 5:6–9). This leads to infighting (Exodus 5:20–21) and causes Moses to doubt (Exodus 5:22–23). After the Lord offers reassurances in this chapter, He will repeat an account of how the story will play out. Then God begins to bring plagues of judgment against Egypt (Exodus 7).

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.