Exodus 4:15 – “You shall speak to him and put words in his mouth; I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do.”
Extended Explanation
In Exodus 4:15, God continues His response to Moses’ concerns about his ability to speak effectively and fulfill the task of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. After Moses expresses his reluctance and asks God to send someone else, God provides a solution by involving Moses’ brother, Aaron. In this verse, God instructs Moses to speak to Aaron and put words in his mouth. God reassures Moses that He will help both Moses and Aaron speak and will teach them what to do.
This verse highlights the partnership between Moses and Aaron in carrying out God’s mission. While Moses remains the primary leader chosen by God, Aaron is brought in to support Moses, particularly in the area of communication, where Moses feels inadequate. God’s promise to help them both and to teach them what to do shows that He is actively involved in guiding and equipping His servants.
Historical Context
The conversation between God and Moses at the burning bush takes place as God is calling Moses to return to Egypt and lead the Israelites out of slavery. Moses has been away from Egypt for 40 years, living as a shepherd in Midian, and he feels unqualified and afraid to take on this monumental task. His concerns about his speaking abilities are not unfounded; effective communication was essential for the leadership role God was calling him to, especially when confronting Pharaoh and leading a nation.
Aaron, Moses’ older brother, plays a crucial role in the history of Israel as a spokesman and later as the first high priest. In the cultural context of the time, having a family member, particularly an older brother, as a close associate in such an important mission would have been significant. Aaron’s involvement not only provides practical support but also helps to strengthen Moses’ confidence in fulfilling his God-given task.
Theological Implications
Exodus 4:15 underscores the theological principle that God equips those He calls. God’s promise to help both Moses and Aaron speak and to teach them what to do highlights His active involvement in the lives of His servants. This verse also demonstrates that God does not expect His people to carry out His work on their own; He provides the necessary guidance and support, often through the involvement of others.
Theologically, this verse also speaks to the importance of obedience and cooperation in God’s work. Moses and Aaron are both called to work together, with Moses being the leader and Aaron acting as his spokesperson. This partnership reflects the broader principle that God often uses teams or groups of people to accomplish His purposes, each with their own roles and responsibilities.
Literary Analysis
From a literary perspective, Exodus 4:15 serves as a resolution to the tension that has been building in the dialogue between God and Moses. Moses has repeatedly expressed his fears and doubts, and God’s response has been to provide reassurance and a solution. The structure of this verse, with its direct instructions and promises, provides a sense of closure and forward momentum in the narrative.
The phrase “I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do” is particularly powerful. It emphasizes that God’s guidance is not limited to just one aspect of the mission (speaking) but extends to all that Moses and Aaron will need to do. This comprehensive promise of support reinforces the idea that God is fully invested in the success of His servants.
Biblical Cross-References
Several other Bible passages reflect similar themes of God providing help and guidance to those He calls:
- Exodus 3:12 – Earlier, God reassures Moses by saying, “I will be with you.” This echoes the promise of support found in Exodus 4:15.
- Matthew 10:19-20 – Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about what to say when they are brought before authorities, promising that the Spirit of God will speak through them. This reflects the same principle of divine assistance in speaking.
- Acts 18:9-10 – The Lord speaks to Paul in a vision, telling him not to be afraid but to keep on speaking because He is with him. This assurance of divine presence and guidance parallels God’s promise to Moses and Aaron.
These cross-references reinforce the idea that God’s help is always available to those He calls, especially when they feel inadequate or afraid.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Exodus 4:15 is a reminder that God equips and supports us in the tasks He calls us to. When we feel inadequate or overwhelmed, this verse encourages us to trust that God will provide the help we need, whether through His direct guidance or through the involvement of others who can support us.
This verse also challenges us to recognize the importance of working together in God’s mission. Just as Moses and Aaron were called to work as a team, we are often called to collaborate with others in the work of the kingdom. God’s promise to help and teach us applies not only to our individual efforts but also to our collective work as the body of Christ.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Exodus 4:15 reveals God’s love in His patient and proactive response to Moses’ fears. Rather than forcing Moses to face his fears alone, God provides a practical solution by involving Aaron and promises to be with both of them. This shows that God’s love is not only compassionate but also practical, providing exactly what is needed to accomplish His purposes.
God’s willingness to teach and guide Moses and Aaron reflects His loving commitment to His people. He does not simply issue commands from a distance; He is intimately involved in the process, ensuring that His servants are fully equipped and supported. This loving involvement is a key aspect of God’s character, demonstrating His care for His people in every detail of their lives.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in that it foreshadows the way God provides help and guidance through His Holy Spirit. Just as God promised to help Moses and Aaron speak and teach them what to do, Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their helper, guiding them and giving them the words to say (John 14:26). The Holy Spirit’s role in the life of a believer is similar to the support that God provided to Moses and Aaron, equipping them to fulfill their mission.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself modeled complete reliance on the Father’s guidance throughout His ministry. He often spoke of doing and saying only what the Father instructed Him (John 12:49-50). This reflects the same principle of divine guidance that we see in Exodus 4:15, where God directs and empowers His servants to carry out His will.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- In what areas of your life do you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, and how does this verse encourage you?
- How have you experienced God’s help and guidance when you felt inadequate for a task He called you to do?
- What role do you think teamwork and collaboration play in fulfilling God’s mission, based on the partnership between Moses and Aaron?
- How can you apply the principle of relying on God’s guidance and teaching in your daily life?
- In what ways does this story deepen your understanding of God’s loving involvement in the details of your life and mission?
Exodus 4:15 reminds us that God is always ready to equip and support us in the tasks He calls us to, providing the guidance and help we need to succeed. It challenges us to trust in His provision and to work together with others in fulfilling His purposes.