Have you ever faced something God asked you to do and responded, “Lord, who am I to do that?” Moses felt exactly that way. The beginning of Exodus chapter four reveals him wrestling with doubt and anxiety about his calling. Although Moses was uniquely prepared—educated in Egyptian wisdom yet experienced as a humble shepherd—he saw only inadequacy in himself.
In compassion, God meets Moses exactly where he is, patiently providing miraculous signs: a rod turning into a serpent and back again, Moses’ hand becoming leprous then instantly restored, and water turning into blood (Exodus 4:2-9, New International Version). Each miracle carries symbolic significance culturally overlooked by modern readers. The serpent, for instance, was revered in Egypt as symbolically powerful and sacred—God showing sovereignty over Egyptian gods. The leprous hand revealed God’s power to afflict and heal, signaling He alone was the ultimate healer, superior to Egypt’s magical arts.
Yet Moses remained unsure, exclaiming famously, “I am slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10, New International Version). Acknowledging his inadequacies, Moses reveals what each believer must learn: the source of strength is not our capability, but God’s power working through us. The Lord’s clear response echoes deeply even today, “Who gave human beings their mouths?… Is it not I, the LORD?” (Exodus 4:11, New International Version). God’s sovereignty reaches to our seeming limitations, using them to display His profound grace and glory.
Cross-reference verses for deeper reflection: - 2 Corinthians 12:9 (“my power is made perfect in weakness,” New International Version) - Philippians 4:13 (“I can do all this through him who gives me strength,” New International Version) - Isaiah 6:5-8 (Isaiah’s similar hesitation and commission)
The passage from verse 18 onward contains one of scripture’s most perplexing and often misunderstood incidents—God appearing to threaten Moses’ life due to a covenantal issue involving circumcision. Its forcefulness may confuse western readers unaware of its covenantal significance. Circumcision was not merely cultural tradition; it represented God’s covenant with Abraham, a tangible sign of belonging to God’s chosen people (Genesis 17:10-14, New International Version).
Moses’ delay to circumcise his son endangered the mission by neglecting sacred covenant obligations. Zipporah’s swift action in verse 25, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!” (New International Version), reflects both the seriousness and the deeply symbolic nature of covenant commitment. Historically, some commentators (like Augustine and Calvin) interpreted this passage as emphasizing obedience to God’s commands even in private, obscure areas—areas hidden from public view yet crucial in God’s sight.
Cross-reference verses: - Genesis 17:11–14 (covenant of circumcision) - Colossians 2:11–13 (spiritual meaning of circumcision for Christians)
Chapter four ends beautifully, with Aaron and Moses meeting—the very thing God had promised (Exodus 4:14-15). Despite Moses’ struggles and doubts, God faithfully provided support and help through a brother gifted in words. The warm reunion of Aaron and Moses, their willingness—and later Israel’s joyful acceptance of their message—highlights God’s faithfulness in preparing hearts to respond. Moses’ doubtful fears dissolved into worshipful gratitude as God’s promises began to take shape.
Archaeology affirms the existence of serpent-like figures central to Egyptian royal power, making Yahweh’s demonstration even more compelling historically. This authenticates the narrative’s historical framework, reinforcing God’s intent to confront and overcome Egypt’s pride.
Consider the hymn “Take My Life and Let It Be Consecrated” by Frances R. Havergal, aligning beautifully with the idea of surrendering our ordinary and inadequate selves to God’s extraordinary purpose.
As believers, we often think God calls those who are strong, eloquent, or impressive—but Exodus 4 reminds us He delights to use the hesitant, fearful, and ordinary. He patiently equips, strengthens, and reveals Himself powerfully precisely in areas we see as weakness. Like Moses, our role is not to focus on our inadequacies, but to surrender ourselves fully to the God who redeems and uses us mightily despite them.
Let us be obedient to God even in unseen, seemingly small areas of our lives. May we entrust our weaknesses to Him who transforms inadequacy into His glory.
Father in Heaven, thank You for Your infinite patience and grace toward us. Remind me today that my weakness is not an obstacle to Your plan but instead an opportunity for Your glory. Help me faithfully obey You, even in those hidden areas known only to You. Teach me humility and courageous obedience, that through my surrendered heart, Your power and goodness may shine brightly in this world. In Christ’s name, Amen.