Exodus 4:10
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.
Exodus 4:10 (KJV)
Context
This verse is part of God’s call to Moses at the burning bush. Moses had already raised three objections, recorded in Exodus 3:11, 3:13, and 4:1. Now he offers a fourth, focusing on his own speech. God had just shown him miraculous signs, yet Moses still looked at his limitations.
Meaning
Moses addresses the Lord as “O my Lord,” showing respect even while he resists. He claims he is not eloquent, neither before nor after God spoke to him. The Hebrew words literally mean “heavy of mouth” and “heavy of tongue,” indicating a genuine difficulty or deep reluctance in speaking. The phrase “neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant” stresses that even the direct encounter with God had not changed his self-assessment. This self-description stands in contrast to the New Testament’s later statement that Moses was “mighty in words and in deeds” (Acts 7:22), suggesting that his perceived inadequacy was not an absolute inability but a felt insufficiency.
Biblical connections
In the following verses, God answers by asking who made the human mouth and who makes the deaf, the mute, the seeing, or the blind. He reminds Moses that He is the Creator of speech and promises to be with his mouth and teach him what to say (Exodus 4:11-12). This direct connection shows that God’s call does not depend on human skill. The immediate context is crucial: God had just demonstrated His power through the signs of the staff becoming a serpent and the hand becoming leprous, and He had promised to be with Moses. Yet Moses still focused on his own limitations.
Application
Dependence on God: Moses’ admission reminds us that our abilities come from God. When tasks seem overwhelming, we can trust His provision and guidance.
Overcoming insecurities: Many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy. God equips and empowers those He calls, and He uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes.
Trusting in God’s guidance: Moses feared his speech, but God promised to be with him and teach him. We can rely on God’s wisdom even when we feel unsure or lacking.
Reflection
Moses’ honesty before God is a model of humble prayer. He did not hide his fear, yet he still called the Lord “my Lord.” God did not remove Moses’ difficulty; instead, He promised His own presence. Human weakness is not a barrier to divine purpose. God often calls those who feel most unqualified, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness. This verse invites us to bring our own fears to God and to trust that He who calls us will also equip us. Moses’ self-perception as inadequate did not align with God’s calling and enabling, yet he respectfully persisted in his objection. Even in resistance, he acknowledged the Lord’s authority over his life.
