Who Was Appointed as Moses’ Spokesman?
When God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt, Moses expressed deep concern over his ability to speak persuasively before Pharaoh and the Israelites. In response to this concern, God appointed Aaron, Moses’ older brother, to act as his spokesman.
1. Moses’ Reluctance and God’s Response
During the encounter at the burning bush (Exodus 3–4), Moses presented multiple objections to accepting God’s mission. One of his final objections was his perceived weakness in speech:
“O my Lord, I am not eloquent… I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.”
(Exodus 4:10)
Although God assured Moses that He would help him speak, Moses continued hesitating. This stirred God’s anger, yet He responded with a practical solution:
“Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? … He shall be your spokesman.”
(Exodus 4:14–16)
God’s choice of Aaron demonstrated both divine patience and the flexibility of God’s plan to accommodate human weakness.
2. Who Was Aaron?
Aaron was:
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Moses’ older brother (Exodus 7:7)
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A Levite, belonging to the tribe God later set apart for priestly service
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Fluent and confident in speech, unlike Moses
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A central figure in Israel’s spiritual leadership
His background uniquely fitted him to support Moses in communicating God’s decrees.
3. Aaron’s Role as Spokesman
Aaron’s appointment involved several key responsibilities:
a. Speaking on Moses’ Behalf
God told Moses:
“You shall speak to him and put the words in his mouth… He shall speak for you to the people.”
(Exodus 4:15–16)
Moses received God’s commands.
Aaron communicated them publicly.
b. Confronting Pharaoh
Aaron stood beside Moses during encounters with Pharaoh—delivering warnings, performing signs, and conveying God’s message:
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Aaron cast down the staff that became a serpent (Exodus 7:9–12)
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Aaron stretched out his staff to bring plagues, such as the frogs and gnats (Exodus 8)
c. Acting as a Representative of the People
While Moses was the primary leader, Aaron served as:
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Interpreter
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Communicator
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Support figure
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Mediator between Moses, Israel, and Pharaoh
4. Aaron’s Later Leadership
Aaron’s role expanded beyond being Moses’ mouthpiece:
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He became the first high priest of Israel (Exodus 28)
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His descendants formed the Aaronic priesthood, responsible for temple worship and sacrifices
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He shared in the leadership of Israel during the wilderness journey
Though Aaron at times failed (e.g., the golden calf incident), his appointment as spokesman marked the beginning of a long and important spiritual legacy.
5. Why God Chose Aaron
Aaron was chosen for several reasons:
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Ability: He was eloquent and bold in speech.
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Family bond: His partnership with Moses provided strength and unity.
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Divine plan: God prepared Aaron for a lifetime of spiritual leadership.
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Practical support: Aaron compensated for Moses’ perceived weaknesses, yet Moses remained the ultimate leader.
This shows that God equips His servants not only through direct empowerment but also through partnerships and supportive roles.
Conclusion
Aaron, Moses’ older brother, was divinely appointed as Moses’ spokesman to support him in leading Israel out of Egypt. He served as the communicator of God’s messages, confronted Pharaoh alongside Moses, and later became the first high priest of Israel. His appointment reflects God’s understanding of human limitations and His provision through chosen helpers.