Exodus 4:10
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Exodus 4:10
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.
Chapter Context
Exodus 4 is a narrative with legal sections chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, faith, worship. Written during the Egyptian bondage and wilderness wandering (c. 1446-1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Egypt was the dominant superpower with a complex polytheistic religion and a god-king pharaoh.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-31: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Exodus and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Exodus 4:10
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.
Analysis
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 (וַיֹּאמֶר מֹשֶׁה אֶל־יְהוָה בִּי אֲדֹנָי לֹא אִישׁ דְּבָרִים אָנֹכִי גַּם מִתְּמוֹל גַּם מִשִּׁלְשֹׁם גַּם מֵאָז דַּבֶּרְךָ אֶל־עַבְדֶּךָ כִּי כְבַד־פֶּה וּכְבַד לָשׁוֹן אָנֹכִי)—Moses' second objection: inadequate speech. Not eloquent... slow of speech, and of a slow tongue (לֹא אִישׁ דְּבָרִים... כְבַד־פֶּה וּכְבַד לָשׁוֹן, "not a man of words... heavy of mouth and heavy of tongue"). This may indicate a speech impediment, trauma from his Egyptian life, or simply lack of rhetorical training for his new mission. Acts 7:22 says Moses was "mighty in words"—perhaps his 40 years in Midian cost him oratorical polish. God's response (vv. 11-12) teaches that He creates abilities and compensates for disabilities. Moses learned that God's power perfects through weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10).
Historical Context
Egyptian court culture prized eloquence—scribes, administrators, and officials needed rhetorical skill. Moses perhaps felt inadequate returning to that context after 40 years as shepherd. Or perhaps he had actual speech difficulty (cf. 6:12, 30 where Moses mentions "uncircumcised lips"). Regardless, God used Moses' perceived weakness to showcase divine enablement—the message's power came from God, not human eloquence (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).
Reflection
- How does Moses' speech difficulty encourage you that God uses weak, inadequate vessels to accomplish His purposes?
- What perceived inadequacies in your life might God intend to use to showcase His power rather than your abilities?
Word Studies
- Word: דָּבָר (Davar) H1697 - Word, thing, matter
Cross-References
- References Lord: Exodus 4:1, 6:12, Jeremiah 1:6
- References Moses: Acts 7:22
- Parallel theme: Job 12:2, 2 Corinthians 10:10, 11:6