Exo 4:10-17 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Exod 4:10-17: 4:10-17 Moses’ fourth and final protest was that he could not speak effectively. Moses was apparently grasping at straws in trying to escape this dangerous and unpleasant assignment, and God was becoming angry at Moses’ refusal to grasp the truth. The outcome did not depend on Moses’ ability, but upon his willingness to let God’s power operate through him.

a4:10-17►

d4:14-17►

‏ Exodus 4:10-17

Summary for Exod 4:10-17: 4:10-17 ^a Moses’ fourth and final protest was that he could not speak effectively. Moses was apparently grasping at straws in trying to escape this dangerous and unpleasant assignment, and God was becoming angry at Moses’ refusal to grasp the truth. The outcome did not depend on Moses’ ability, but upon his willingness to let God’s power operate through him.
4:11 ^b God created the organs of speech and has ordained every person’s particular abilities in this area. He is able to use what he has made and ordained.
4:13 ^c Having run out of protests, Moses simply asked to be excused.
Summary for Exod 4:14-17: 4:14-17 ^d God would not let Moses evade responsibility, but he would accommodate Moses’ concern by allowing Moses’ brother Aaron to become Moses’ mouthpiece (14:16 ^e). As the narrative unfolds, the text records fewer and fewer occasions of Aaron serving in this capacity. Moses’ speaking problem was perhaps not as serious as he made it out to be, or the problem began to dissipate as his experience increased.