“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.”
This verse is part of the account where God called Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Moses, however, felt inadequate and expressed his concerns about his abilities to God.
Context: In Exodus 3, Moses encountered the burning bush and received a divine commission from God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In Exodus 4, Moses continued to express his doubts and insecurities, which led to this particular conversation with the Lord.
Moses’ self-perception: Moses begins by addressing God as “O my Lord,” acknowledging his position of submission and respect. He then voices his concerns about his speaking abilities, stating that he is not eloquent and has a slow tongue. This reveals Moses’ insecurity and lack of confidence in his own communication skills.
God’s response: In the subsequent verses, God reassures Moses that He is the one who gives people the ability to speak. In Exodus 4:11-12 (KJV), God replies, “And the LORD said unto him, Who hath made man’s mouth? or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? have not I the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth and teach thee what thou shalt say.”
God reminds Moses that He is the Creator and the one who determines one’s ability to speak. He assures Moses that He will be with his mouth and teach him what to say, indicating that God’s presence and guidance will enable Moses to fulfill his calling.
Lessons and applications: This verse teaches us several valuable lessons:
- Dependence on God: Moses’ admission of his inadequacy and reliance on God’s power serves as a reminder that our abilities and strengths ultimately come from God. It encourages us to trust in God’s provision and guidance as we face challenges or tasks that may seem overwhelming.
- Overcoming insecurities: Moses’ doubts about his own abilities are relatable to many who may struggle with feelings of inadequacy. However, God’s response reminds us that He equips and empowers those He calls. We can find comfort and strength in knowing that God uses imperfect people to accomplish His purposes.
- Trusting in God’s guidance: Moses had concerns about his speech, but God promised to be with him, teach him what to say, and guide him throughout his journey. Similarly, we can trust in God’s guidance and rely on His wisdom as we navigate our own paths, even when we feel unsure or lacking in certain areas.
Overall, Exodus 4:10 highlights the humility, doubts, and concerns of Moses, while also emphasizing God’s ability to work through imperfect individuals and equip them for the tasks He assigns. It reminds us to depend on God, overcome insecurities, and trust in His guidance as we fulfill our own callings.
