**Why Did God Become Angry?
When Moses encountered God at the burning bush, he received one of the most remarkable divine commissions in Scripture—to lead Israel out of slavery in Egypt. Yet this sacred moment also contains a rare and striking statement: “Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses.” (Exodus 4:14)
Why would God become angry in such a moment? What led to this reaction? And what does it reveal about God’s character and Moses’ struggle?
1. The Context: A Reluctant Prophet
Before God’s anger is mentioned, Moses raises a series of objections to the mission:
1. “Who am I?” (Exodus 3:11)
Moses doubts his own worthiness.
2. “What is Your name?” (Exodus 3:13)
He is unsure how to present God to Israel.
3. “What if they do not believe me?” (Exodus 4:1)
He fears rejection.
4. “I have never been eloquent.” (Exodus 4:10)
He claims he is slow of speech.
All of these concerns receive patient, reassuring responses from God. Instead of rebuke, God provides signs, explanations, and promises of His presence.
But Moses continues.
2. The Turning Point: Moses’ Final Objection
After God answers every concern, Moses finally says:
“Please, Lord, send someone else.” (Exodus 4:13)
This statement reveals the root issue:
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It was no longer fear alone.
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It was a refusal of the calling.
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Moses was resisting God’s will, not just questioning it.
At this moment, Moses shifts from uncertainty to disobedience.
3. Why God Became Angry
According to Exodus 4:14, God’s anger was provoked because:
1. Moses Persisted in Resistance
God had patiently addressed every doubt. Yet Moses still rejected the mission outright.
God’s anger is not a sudden outburst. It is a response to a continued pattern of unwillingness.
2. Moses Demonstrated a Lack of Trust
Despite miracles, promises, and divine presence, Moses still did not trust that God could work through him.
This lack of faith was significant, because Moses was being called to represent God before nations.
3. Moses Attempted to Avoid His Divine Calling
His plea to send someone else crossed a boundary—from humility to disobedience.
4. God Expected Courage and Obedience
God was preparing to confront Pharaoh and deliver Israel. A leader unwilling to trust Him could jeopardize the mission.
4. How God Responded to His Own Anger
Even though God became angry, His anger did not destroy, punish, or reject Moses. Instead, God did the following:
1. He provided help—Aaron as a spokesperson.
God’s anger was coupled with mercy. He accommodated Moses’ weakness.
2. He reaffirmed the mission.
God did not revoke the calling; He strengthened Moses to fulfill it.
3. He empowered both brothers to work together.
Aaron would speak, Moses would carry the staff of God, and together they would confront Pharaoh.
God’s anger was corrective, not destructive.
5. What God’s Anger Reveals
1. God is patient—but not endlessly ignored.
He responds graciously to fear, but He confronts rebellion.
2. God honors human weakness—but not refusal.
Moses’ doubts were tolerated; his resistance was not.
3. God’s plans are not derailed by human hesitation.
God provided a way for Moses to succeed despite his reluctance.
6. Conclusion
God became angry with Moses not because of his fear, insecurity, or questions, but because Moses ultimately refused the mission after every assurance had been given. God’s anger highlights the seriousness of divine calling, the expectation of trust, and the balance of justice and mercy.
In the end, God’s anger did not destroy Moses—it shaped him.
It marked the moment when Moses stopped resisting and finally stepped into the role for which he had been prepared.