Moses’ Objection: Understanding His Hesitation
The story of Moses, one of the central figures in biblical history, is full of profound moments of faith, doubt, and divine instruction. One pivotal moment is when God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This call, however, was met with hesitation and objection from Moses, revealing much about his character, his sense of inadequacy, and the human response to divine missions.
Context of the Objection
After Moses had fled Egypt for the land of Midian, he settled there as a shepherd, living a quiet life with his father-in-law, Jethro, and his family. During this time, God revealed Himself to Moses in a burning bush on Mount Horeb (Exodus 3). From the bush, God spoke to Moses directly, informing him of His plan to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and commissioning Moses to lead this monumental mission.
At this moment, Moses’ objection arose. Despite witnessing the miraculous sight of the burning bush that was not consumed, Moses hesitated and voiced his doubts. His objections were multifaceted, reflecting deep concerns about his personal limitations and the daunting nature of the task.
1. Objection of Inadequacy: “Who am I to do this?”
Moses’ first objection is a profound reflection of self-doubt. He asked God, essentially, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?” (Exodus 3:11).
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Meaning: Moses questioned his authority, his capability, and his worthiness. He had grown up in Egypt but had spent decades as a shepherd, far removed from the royal court or leadership. Leading a nation out of slavery seemed overwhelming.
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God’s Response: God reassured Moses by promising His presence, stating, “I will be with you” (Exodus 3:12). This highlighted that the success of the mission did not rely solely on Moses’ strength, but on divine guidance.
2. Objection of Identity: “What if they do not believe me?”
Moses’ second objection was about credibility. He wondered how he could convince the Israelites that he had been sent by God, given his long absence from their lives and the daunting reality of Pharaoh’s power.
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Meaning: This concern reflected Moses’ awareness of the people’s suffering and their possible skepticism. He feared that they might not trust his leadership or message.
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God’s Response: To address this, God gave Moses signs to perform, such as turning his staff into a serpent and making his hand leprous and then healed (Exodus 4:1–9). These miracles were intended to validate Moses’ divine commission.
3. Objection of Speaking Ability: “I am slow of speech and tongue”
Moses also cited his own communication limitations. He said he was “slow of speech and tongue” (Exodus 4:10), fearing he could not eloquently speak to Pharaoh or even the Israelites.
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Meaning: This reveals Moses’ humility and human insecurities. Public speaking and negotiation were essential for the mission, and Moses felt unprepared.
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God’s Response: God provided a solution by appointing Aaron, Moses’ brother, as his spokesperson (Exodus 4:14–16). This demonstrates that God equips people to overcome their weaknesses.
4. Objection of Reluctance: “Send someone else”
At one point, Moses outright suggested, “Please, Lord, send someone else” (Exodus 4:13).
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Meaning: This represents Moses’ natural human reluctance to take on a mission fraught with danger, opposition, and uncertainty. It shows that even the most faithful individuals can struggle with fear and hesitation.
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God’s Response: God’s insistence underscores a recurring biblical theme: God calls those who feel least capable because His power is made perfect in human weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
Lessons from Moses’ Objection
Moses’ objections are not signs of failure, but rather relatable expressions of human fear and humility. They teach several important lessons:
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Honest Doubt is Part of Faith: Moses’ willingness to express his fears shows that doubt can coexist with obedience. Faith does not require the absence of questions.
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Divine Equipping: God does not call the equipped; He equips the called. Every objection Moses raised was met with God’s reassurance, tools, or delegation.
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Leadership Grows Through Obedience: Moses’ journey illustrates that courage and confidence develop through action, not prior perfection.
Conclusion
Moses’ objections reflect his humanity and the enormity of the mission he was called to undertake. From questioning his worth and speaking ability to expressing outright reluctance, his hesitations reveal a man both humble and deeply aware of his limitations. Yet, through each objection, God provided guidance, support, and affirmation, demonstrating that divine calling is strengthened not by human perfection, but by willingness to trust and obey.
In essence, Moses’ objections remind us that fear and doubt are natural, but with guidance and perseverance, even the most hesitant individual can accomplish extraordinary things.