What Phrase Describes Moses’ Speech?
Moses, one of the most significant figures in biblical history, is often depicted as a prophet, leader, and mediator between God and the people of Israel. His speech, however, is a subject of particular interest in understanding both his character and his role in the unfolding narrative of the Exodus. The phrase that most accurately describes Moses’ speech is often cited as “slow of speech and tongue” or “not eloquent”, drawn directly from the biblical account in Exodus 4:10. This phrase captures several dimensions of Moses’ communication style, limitations, and the theological significance of his leadership.
1. Biblical Context of Moses’ Speech
In Exodus 4, when God calls Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses expresses doubt about his ability to fulfill this task. He says: “O Lord, I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue.” (Exodus 4:10, NIV)
This statement highlights two important points:
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Self-consciousness: Moses is acutely aware of his limitations in public speaking, which contributes to his hesitation.
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Reliance on God: The acknowledgment of his inadequacy underscores the necessity of divine assistance for the mission he is tasked with. God’s reassurance, including the appointment of Aaron as his spokesperson, emphasizes that success depends on divine empowerment rather than human skill alone.
2. Interpretations of “Slow of Speech”
Scholars and theologians have debated the meaning of this phrase:
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Literal interpretation: Some believe Moses may have had a speech impediment, such as stammering or difficulty articulating words.
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Rhetorical humility: Others interpret the phrase as a humble expression of inadequacy rather than a literal speech defect. Moses may have been modestly emphasizing that he lacked the persuasive eloquence needed to confront Pharaoh.
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Cultural perspective: In ancient times, leaders were often expected to be articulate and persuasive. By claiming to be “slow of speech,” Moses may have been expressing a real or perceived lack of the qualities expected in a leader.
3. Theological Significance
The description of Moses as “slow of speech” serves several theological purposes:
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Human limitation vs. divine power: It reinforces the theme that God works through ordinary people who may feel inadequate. Moses’ speech difficulties make his eventual success a testament to divine intervention.
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Model of humility: Moses’ self-awareness provides a model of humility and honesty, demonstrating that effective leadership does not require personal perfection.
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Divine partnership: God’s provision of Aaron as a spokesperson emphasizes the collaborative nature of God’s work through chosen individuals.
4. Complementary Descriptions
Other passages in the Bible reinforce this characterization:
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Numbers 12:3 states that Moses was “very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth,” linking humility with his communication style.
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Exodus 6:12 shows Moses’ continued concern over his ability to speak, reflecting an ongoing theme of reliance on God rather than self-confidence.
Conclusion
The phrase that best describes Moses’ speech—“slow of speech and tongue” or “not eloquent”—captures both his personal limitations and the broader theological message of the Exodus narrative. Moses’ hesitancy and humility reveal that leadership, particularly in the service of God, does not rely solely on eloquence or rhetorical skill. Instead, it emphasizes faith, obedience, and the reliance on divine guidance. Far from being a weakness, Moses’ “slow speech” becomes a powerful reminder that God can accomplish great deeds through those who feel inadequate, provided they trust in Him.