**To Whom Must Moses Speak?
When God called Moses from the burning bush, He entrusted him with a profound mission: to be His chosen messenger and deliverer for Israel. Central to this mission was a series of specific people and groups Moses was instructed to speak to. Each audience had a unique purpose in God’s plan of liberation. Understanding these recipients clarifies Moses’ role as a mediator between God and humans.
1. Moses Must Speak to the Israelites—God’s People
The first group God instructs Moses to address is the children of Israel. After God revealed His name and His intention to deliver them, He commanded Moses:
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To gather the elders of Israel (Exodus 3:16)
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To tell them that the God of their fathers had appeared to him
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To convey God’s promise that He had seen their suffering and would bring them out of Egypt into a land flowing with milk and honey
This assignment served several purposes:
a. Establishing Credibility
Moses had been away from Egypt for decades. The elders needed affirmation that God had truly commissioned him.
b. Preparing Israel for Deliverance
Before confronting Pharaoh, God wanted Israel to be informed and ready to trust Moses.
c. Marking the Beginning of Israel’s Redemption
God wanted Moses to assure the people that their cries had been heard and their covenant remembered.
Thus, Moses’ first message was one of hope, encouragement, and divine promise.
2. Moses Must Speak to Pharaoh—The Oppressor of Israel
God also commanded Moses to speak directly to Pharaoh, the king of Egypt (Exodus 3:10; 3:18). This instruction was bold and dangerous, given Moses’ history in Egypt and Pharaoh’s absolute power.
Moses was to deliver a simple but uncompromising message:
“Let My people go.”
(Exodus 5:1)
This communication had several layers:
a. Declaring God’s Authority
By speaking to Pharaoh, Moses stood as God’s representative, asserting divine sovereignty over earthly kings.
b. Demanding Israel’s Freedom
The demand was not a negotiation—God commanded Pharaoh to release His people.
c. Initiating the Conflict Leading to the Exodus
Moses’ speech would trigger the confrontation between God’s power and Egypt’s resistance.
Despite Moses’ initial fear and objections, speaking to Pharaoh was necessary to fulfill God’s plan.
3. Moses Must Speak to Aaron—His Appointed Spokesman
Because Moses expressed anxiety about speaking, God appointed his brother Aaron as his mouthpiece (Exodus 4:14–16).
Moses was assigned to speak to Aaron, who would then speak on his behalf to the people and to Pharaoh.
This served two purposes:
a. Strengthening Moses’ Confidence
Aaron’s presence comforted Moses and relieved him of some pressure.
b. Establishing a Team of Deliverers
Though Moses remained the leader and prophet, Aaron acted as his vocal representative.
4. Moses Ultimately Speaks for God
While Moses addressed Israel, Aaron, and Pharaoh, his ultimate responsibility was far greater: to speak what God commanded.
God told Moses:
“You shall speak all that I command you.”
(Exodus 7:2)
Thus, Moses’ audience was broad, but his message always originated from the divine source.
Conclusion
In the early chapters of Exodus, Moses is commanded to speak to three primary audiences:
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The elders and people of Israel – to announce God’s promise of deliverance
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Pharaoh – to demand the release of God’s people
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Aaron – to convey God’s instructions so Aaron could speak on Moses’ behalf
Through these acts of communication, Moses stepped into his role as the mediator between God and humanity, setting in motion the great deliverance of the Exodus.