When God called Moses to deliver Israel, Moses offered several excuses, revealing his feelings of inadequacy, fear, and even spiritual unpreparedness. Each excuse was met with God’s assurance of His presence and power.
First, Moses questioned his own identity and ability:
“Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11)
God answered by promising His presence:
“I will certainly be with you.” (Exodus 3:12)
Second, Moses doubted his authority and asked what name he should give the people:
“Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” (Exodus 3:13)
God revealed His eternal name:
“I AM WHO I AM… I AM has sent me to you.” (Exodus 3:14)
Third, Moses feared the people would not believe him:
“But suppose they will not believe me or listen to my voice.” (Exodus 4:1)
God gave signs to confirm His call: the rod turning into a serpent, the leprous hand restored, and water turned to blood (Exodus 4:2–9).
Next, Moses claimed he was not eloquent:
“I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” (Exodus 4:10)
God reminded him that He created the mouth and promised to help:
“Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” (Exodus 4:12)
Later, Moses described himself as having “uncircumcised lips” (Exodus 6:12). This phrase suggests more than a speech impediment. It likely reflects his sense of unworthiness, rooted in the fact that he had failed to circumcise his son. This disobedience almost cost Moses his life when God sought to kill him on the way to Egypt, and Zipporah intervened by circumcising their child (Exodus 4:24–26). Moses’ failure in this covenant sign made him feel unfit to be the spokesman for God’s covenant people.
Finally, Moses asked God to send someone else (Exodus 4:13), provoking God’s anger. Yet God provided Aaron as a spokesman:
“Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well.” (Exodus 4:14)
Moses’ excuses show human weakness and feelings of inadequacy, but God’s answers reveal His sufficiency. God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Success in His work depends not on human ability, but on His presence, power, and grace.
