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Exodus 4:10 | Pastor Jerry A. Burns
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
Despite all that God has shown him, Moses returns again to self-focus. He complains that he is not eloquent and is slow of speech and slow of tongue.
Whatever the exact nature of this problem-speech impediment, lack of confidence, or both-the deeper issue is revealed in the heart. Moses feels inadequate, fearful, insecure, and unworthy.
This verse shows how persistent unbelief can be. Even after divine revelation, the human heart easily returns to self-awareness instead of God-awareness. Rather than resting in God’s promise, Moses measures the call by his weakness.
This is precisely why Scripture urges trust in the Lord rather than leaning on one’s own understanding, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Moses continued backward to the work God designed him for; there was much of cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in him. We must not judge of men by the readiness of their discourse. A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be with a slow tongue. God sometimes makes choice of those as his messengers, who have the least of the advantages of art or nature, that his grace in them may appear the more glorious. Christ's disciples were no orators, till the Holy Spirit made them such.
God condescends to answer the excuse of Moses. Even self-diffidence, when it hinders us from duty, or clogs us in duty, is very displeasing to the Lord. But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less perilous. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses, would make one completely fit for this errand. God promises, I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who could speak
well, yet could not speak to purpose, unless God gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of Divine grace, the best gifts will fail.
Despite all that God has shown him, Moses returns again to self-focus. He complains that he is not eloquent and is slow of speech and slow of tongue.
Whatever the exact nature of this problem-speech impediment, lack of confidence, or both-the deeper issue is revealed in the heart. Moses feels inadequate, fearful, insecure, and unworthy.
This verse shows how persistent unbelief can be. Even after divine revelation, the human heart easily returns to self-awareness instead of God-awareness. Rather than resting in God’s promise, Moses measures the call by his weakness.
This is precisely why Scripture urges trust in the Lord rather than leaning on one’s own understanding, as in Proverbs 3:5-6.
Moses continued backward to the work God designed him for; there was much of cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in him. We must not judge of men by the readiness of their discourse. A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be with a slow tongue. God sometimes makes choice of those as his messengers, who have the least of the advantages of art or nature, that his grace in them may appear the more glorious. Christ's disciples were no orators, till the Holy Spirit made them such.
God condescends to answer the excuse of Moses. Even self-diffidence, when it hinders us from duty, or clogs us in duty, is very displeasing to the Lord. But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties more easy, and less perilous. The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses, would make one completely fit for this errand. God promises, I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who could speak
well, yet could not speak to purpose, unless God gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of Divine grace, the best gifts will fail.