Exodus 4:10 – “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.’”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 4:10, Moses expresses his deep anxiety and self-doubt about the mission God has given him. Despite witnessing God’s miraculous signs and hearing God’s clear call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses hesitates. He feels inadequate for the task, specifically pointing out his lack of eloquence and his struggle with speaking. Moses worries that his limitations will prevent him from effectively communicating God’s message to Pharaoh and the Israelites.
This verse highlights a moment of vulnerability for Moses. Even though God has already reassured him with signs, Moses is still focused on his own weaknesses. His reference to being “slow of speech and tongue” may indicate a speech impediment, a lack of confidence, or simply fear of public speaking. Whatever the specific issue, Moses is convinced that his limitations disqualify him from the task God is calling him to do.
Historical Context
At this point in the story, Moses has been living in Midian as a shepherd for about 40 years after fleeing Egypt. He is now about 80 years old, and his life as a shepherd has been far removed from the halls of power in Egypt where he was once a prince. This long period of exile and the humble nature of his current life may have deepened Moses’ sense of inadequacy.
In the ancient Near East, effective communication was a key skill for leaders, especially those tasked with negotiating with powerful figures like Pharaoh. Moses’ concern about his speech abilities would have been significant because he understood that his mission involved not just leading but also speaking persuasively on behalf of his people. His hesitation reflects a common human concern: the fear that one’s personal limitations could hinder the success of a God-given task.
Theological Implications
Exodus 4:10 speaks to the common theme of human inadequacy in the face of divine calling. Moses’ reluctance to accept God’s mission reveals a deeper truth about the nature of God’s work: God often calls those who feel unqualified to accomplish His purposes. This verse highlights that God’s plans are not dependent on human ability but on divine power. God’s strength is made perfect in human weakness, a theme that runs throughout Scripture.
Theologically, this verse also emphasizes the importance of trust in God’s provision. Moses’ focus on his own limitations shows a lack of trust in God’s ability to equip him for the task. Yet, God is patient and understanding, addressing Moses’ fears and providing the support he needs. This interaction teaches us that when God calls us to a task, He also provides the means to accomplish it, even if we feel inadequate.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Exodus 4:10 is a moment of tension in the narrative. Moses’ dialogue with God reveals his internal struggle and his deep-seated fears. The phrase “Pardon your servant, Lord” indicates a polite but firm resistance, as Moses tries to express his concerns without directly refusing God’s command. The repetition of Moses’ self-assessment—“I have never been eloquent” and “I am slow of speech and tongue”—emphasizes the depth of his anxiety.
This verse also serves as a setup for God’s response, where He will reassure Moses that it is God who gives the ability to speak and that He will be with Moses. The back-and-forth dialogue between Moses and God in this chapter builds dramatic tension, highlighting Moses’ humanity and God’s patient, encouraging response.
Biblical Cross-References
Other biblical passages reflect similar themes of human weakness and God’s strength:
- Jeremiah 1:6 – The prophet Jeremiah expresses a similar concern: “Alas, Sovereign Lord, I do not know how to speak; I am too young.” God reassures Jeremiah just as He does Moses.
- 2 Corinthians 12:9 – The Apostle Paul writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” This verse encapsulates the principle that God’s strength is shown most clearly in our weaknesses.
- Isaiah 6:5 – Isaiah, when confronted with a vision of God’s holiness, responds, “Woe to me!… I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips.” Isaiah’s acknowledgment of his unworthiness parallels Moses’ sense of inadequacy.
These cross-references reinforce the message that God often calls those who feel unqualified and uses their weaknesses to demonstrate His power.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:10 offers a powerful reminder that feelings of inadequacy do not disqualify us from God’s calling. Many of us, like Moses, feel unprepared or unworthy for the tasks God sets before us. However, this verse encourages us to shift our focus from our limitations to God’s power. It teaches us that when God calls us, He also equips us, even if we can’t see how at first.
This verse also invites us to be honest with God about our fears and doubts. Moses didn’t hide his concerns; he brought them directly to God. Similarly, we can bring our worries to God in prayer, trusting that He will address them and provide what we need to fulfill His purposes.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:10 reflects God’s love in the way He interacts with Moses. God does not dismiss Moses’ concerns or chastise him for his lack of confidence. Instead, He listens and provides reassurance. This shows that God is patient and understanding, willing to work with us even when we feel weak or afraid.
God’s response to Moses, which comes in the following verses, is also an expression of His love. He reminds Moses that He is the Creator who gives people their abilities, and He promises to help Moses and teach him what to say. This demonstrates God’s commitment to His people and His willingness to provide exactly what we need when we step out in faith.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in that it foreshadows the way God often works through the humble and the seemingly unqualified to accomplish His purposes. Just as God chose Moses despite his perceived inadequacies, Jesus chose fishermen, tax collectors, and other ordinary people to be His disciples. Jesus Himself, though fully God, took on human limitations to fulfill His mission on earth.
Moreover, Jesus’ ministry was marked by compassion and patience with those who felt unworthy or inadequate. He consistently encouraged people to trust in God’s power rather than their own abilities. In the New Testament, we see that Jesus is the ultimate example of God’s strength being made perfect in weakness, as He humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross to bring about the salvation of the world (Philippians 2:5-8).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you feel inadequate or unqualified for the tasks God has set before you?
- How can Moses’ honesty about his fears encourage you to bring your own concerns to God in prayer?
- What does this verse teach you about relying on God’s strength rather than your own abilities?
- How can you encourage others who may feel unqualified or afraid to step into the roles God is calling them to?
- In what ways does this story deepen your understanding of how God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things?
Exodus 4:10 reminds us that God’s calling is not about our ability but about His power working through us. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and to step out in faith, knowing that He is with us every step of the way.