Moses’ Reluctance and Divine Assurance

Exodus 6:10–13 (NASB95)

10Now the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, 11“Go, tell Pharaoh king of Egypt to let the sons of Israel go out of his land.” 12But Moses spoke before the LORD, saying, “Behold, the sons of Israel have not listened to me; how then will Pharaoh listen to me, for I am unskilled in speech?” 13Then the LORD spoke to Moses and to Aaron, and gave them a charge to the sons of Israel and to Pharaoh king of Egypt, to bring the sons of Israel out of the land of Egypt.

Commentary - Moses’ Reluctance and Divine Assurance

God called Moses to confront Pharaoh with a clear and direct command. The request was no longer a modest plea for a festival in the wilderness. God told Moses to demand that Pharaoh let the Israelites go out of his country. This was the full exodus demand, the same language God had first spoken to Moses at the burning bush. The time for negotiation had ended. God’s purpose was now unmistakable: complete freedom for His people. 

Moses struggled with this assignment. He had already faced rejection from the Israelites, who would not listen because their spirits were crushed by suffering. Moses felt the weight of failure. He doubted that Pharaoh would listen if even his own people would not. Moses reverted to his old objections. He said his lips were uncircumcised. This was not about a speech impediment. Moses used the language of covenant to say he was not ready or worthy for public speaking. He may have hoped that God would dismiss him from the task, just as God had confronted him earlier for failing to circumcise his son. Moses was desperate and discouraged, looking for a way out. 

God did not release Moses from the assignment. Instead, He reissued the command and included Aaron in the commission. God knew Moses needed help. He provided Aaron as a partner and co-leader. God’s mission would not be stopped by Moses’ reluctance or by Pharaoh’s resistance. God structured the leadership so that Moses would not stand alone. The work of deliverance would move forward, not because Moses felt ready, but because God had called and equipped him. 

Many of us know what it is to feel unqualified or discouraged when God calls us to serve. We may look for excuses or hope that someone else will take our place. God does not call us because we are already prepared. He calls us and then prepares us. When the task feels impossible, God often provides partners and support we did not expect. Our limitations do not limit God’s power. He is patient with our doubts, but He expects us to trust Him and move forward. Let us be a church that listens for God’s call, supports one another, and steps out in faith, knowing that God equips those He calls. 

In His Service, 

Ryan Goodnight