Moses Protests (Exodus 4:10-17)

10 But Moses said to the Lord, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, either in the past or since you have spoken to your servant, but I am slow of speech and of tongue.” [This does not mean Moses stuttered or had a speech impediment. This is an example of “exaggerated humility.” It is similar to Saul’s claim to be obscure in origin when he was from a prominent family or David’s claim to be a nobody when he already was a popular war hero or Solomon’s claim that he was only a child when in fact he probably was at least thirty years old.] 11 Then the Lord said to him, “Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak.” [God encourages Moses that he will help him by giving him the words to say. Where else in the Bible does God say something similar?] 13 But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.” [The protest goes too far. How much free will does Moses actually have?] 14 Then the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses and he said, “Is there not Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Behold, he is coming out to meet you, and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. [Moses has no idea his brother has set out to find him. This is yet another sign from God to Moses that he means business.] 15 You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth, and I will be with your mouth and with his mouth and will teach you both what to do. [Moses will not be alone. God is giving him back his family.] 16 He shall speak for you to the people, and he shall be your mouth, and you shall be as God to him. [What is the advantage of Aaron speaking to the people? Over time Moses’ courage increases and he does the vast majority of speaking with Aaron saying very little.] 17 And take in your hand this staff, with which you shall do the signs.”

Compare Moses’ reluctance to be a prophet with Jonah:

God calls prophet to preach in a foreign land Exodus 3:4-10 Jonah 1:1-2

Prophet tries to escape Exodus 4:13 Jonah 1:3

Divine death penalty nearly imposed during travels Exodus 4:24 Jonah 1:4-15

Prophet learns his lesson Exodus 4:25 Jonah 2:1-10

God spares him Exodus 4:26 Jonah 1:17

God renews the call Exodus 4:27-28 Jonah 3:1

Prophet finally cooperates with calling Exodus 4:29-30 Jonah 3:3-4

Call comes to successful fruition Exodus 4:31 Jonah 3:5-10