What Was Moses’ Final Objection?
When God called Moses at the burning bush and commissioned him to deliver Israel from Egypt, Moses responded with a series of objections—hesitations rooted in fear, inadequacy, and uncertainty. The final objection, recorded in Exodus 4:10–13, reveals the deepest struggle in Moses’s heart: his belief that he was fundamentally unfit to speak for God.
1. Moses’ Final Objection: “I Am Not Eloquent”
Moses’ last major hesitation is found in Exodus 4:10, where he says:
“O my Lord, I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
This objection was different from the previous ones. Earlier, Moses questioned:
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His own identity (“Who am I?”)
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Israel’s response (“What shall I say?”)
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His credibility (“What if they do not believe me?”)
But here Moses expresses a personal limitation—his perceived inability to speak well.
What Moses Meant by “Slow of Speech and Tongue”
Scholars and translators debate the meaning:
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Speech anxiety or lack of public-speaking confidence
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A possible speech impediment
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Feeling untrained or unqualified to address Pharaoh
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Lack of fluency after years in Midian
Regardless of the exact cause, Moses believed his speech disqualified him from God’s mission.
2. God’s Response: Divine Assurance
God answers Moses’ objection directly in Exodus 4:11–12:
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God reminds Moses that He formed the human mouth.
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God promises: “I will be with your mouth.”
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God assures that He will teach Moses what to say.
The message is clear:
Human weakness is no barrier when God is the one sending and empowering.
This should have settled Moses’ concerns—but he still hesitates.
3. Moses’ Final Plea: “Please Send Someone Else”
In Exodus 4:13, Moses gives his ultimate objection:
“O my Lord, please send someone else.”
This is not merely another question or fear. It is:
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A direct refusal
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A plea to be excused from the entire mission
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An expression of Moses’ deep reluctance and fear
This marks the climax of Moses’ resistance. Despite signs, miracles, and divine assurance, he still feels unable to accept the task.
4. God’s Anger and the Appointment of Aaron
Moses’ refusal provokes the first recorded moment of God’s anger in this encounter:
“Then the anger of the LORD kindled against Moses” (Exodus 4:14).
Yet even in anger, God provides help.
Aaron Is Appointed as Moses’ Spokesman
God tells Moses:
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Aaron, Moses’ brother, will be the public speaker
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Moses will still receive God’s messages directly
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Aaron will speak on behalf of Moses
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The leadership role remains with Moses
God did not remove Moses from the mission, but He accommodated Moses’ weakness by adding Aaron to the team.
5. Why Moses’ Final Objection Matters
Moses’ last objection reveals several important insights:
A. Human Fear Does Not Cancel Divine Calling
Moses felt unqualified, yet God insisted that he was chosen.
B. God Provides Help When We Feel Inadequate
God didn’t abandon the mission—He provided Aaron to support Moses.
C. God’s Plans Use Imperfect People
Moses, who doubted his own voice, became one of the most influential leaders in history.
D. Reluctance Is Not Rebellion—But It Must Yield to Obedience
Moses eventually accepted his calling and grew into his role.
Conclusion
Moses’ final objection—“Please send someone else”—was the culmination of his fears and insecurities. Despite divine reassurance and miraculous signs, Moses believed he was unfit for God’s mission. God responded with both firmness and mercy: He addressed Moses’ concerns, provided Aaron as a spokesperson, and continued to use Moses as the central leader of Israel’s deliverance.