Saved from Excuses

Introduction

Reluctant, disinclined, opposed and uneager are all words that could be used to describe the attitude of Moses in our passage. God had a noble task for him, to lead the people of God out of slavery. The response of Moses was nothing more than a spiritless list of excuses. Is this really the great Moses, who later would be described as having no-one greater than him? This essay aims to show that the dialogue between Moses and God, shows a patient God delivering not just the people, but a single individual from fear and doubt.

The Passage in Context

• The Backdrop

As Genesis gives way to Exodus, the people of God have expanded into a great nation. However, they are no longer in blessing, instead, 400 years after the end of Genesis, the people are in slavery. Under the rule of Pharaoh, the people of God are brutally treated, and have no freedom. They have long since forgotten that God would deliver them and make them into a great nation.

• Plot/Theme

The theme of deliverance is evident in the book of Exodus. In general, the people of God will be led out of Egypt and be delivered from the curse of slavery. However, if we take a closer look at the life of Moses, we see that deliverance is evident in his life also. He is spared death, escapes punishment and now in our passage is delivered from his fear and ambivalence to the command of God.

• Structure

We read of Moses and his encounter with the Burning Bush in Exodus 3:1 – 4:17. The encounter could be split in the following way:

• The identity of the Lord (3:1-6)

• The task given (3:7-13)

• The excuses of Moses and the response of the Lord (3:14 – 4:17)

We find our passage at the end of the dialogue between God and Moses. God has called Moses to be His messenger, however, his response was to list the reasons why God had picked the wrong man. First, he declares that he is a nobody, with God declaring that He will be with him. Second, he questions who God is, with God making it clear that He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. As we move into chapter 4, Moses, having not received his desired answer, responds with three more excuses.

Passage Exegesis

Verse 1

In response to God’s answer to his second excuse, Moses now brings a third – he would be ineffective in accomplishing the task. Moses was commanded by God to go to His people and “bring them out of Egypt.” On the surface, the concern seemed to be with the people’s lack of belief in God saving them. However, the emphasis is placed on their refusal to listen, not believing that Moses had met with God. Motyer suggests an insecurity had manifested itself in Moses, having failed to bring deliverance to the Hebrews earlier. However, Stuart argues that Moses is doubting the promise of God in 3:18.

Either way, the matter of voice and being heard, will be raised several times in the passage. Clearly Moses has an issue with how the message is delivered and received rather than the message itself.

Verse 2

The Lord continues to show patience to Moses, responding to the excuse given. Rather than speaking words, God was going to show him. Over the next eight verses, God was going to use three signs in response. They were given so the people would be astonished and instructed in the plans of God. God begins with the staff which was held in the hands of Moses. Little did Moses know that this staff would be a major feature in his service to God – parting the red sea, and striking a rock, resulting in him being refused entry into the promised land.

Verse 3

A conversation is occurring between God and Moses. The “he said” in verse 2 is attributed to Moses, now the “He said” in verse 3 is Gods response. Moses was commanded to throw the staff to the ground, note his obedience. Although Moses is errant when it comes to being Gods messenger, he is not outright rebellious against the command of God. As the staff hits the ground, it transforms into a serpent, a reminder that God is the creator God. It is not stated why Moses ran from the snake, I believe we can assume a level of fear either at the sight of the serpent, or the miraculous transformation.

Verse 4

Calling Moses back, God gave an unbelievable command – grab the tail of the serpent! We are not told that the snake is poisonous, however, it still takes a level of faith to grab a snake by the tail! In grabbing the serpent, we see the creator God commanding yet another transformation back into a staff. God was showing Moses that although Egypt had great power (Serpent), he would be given the ability to subdue Egypt, for nothing was outside the Lords sovereignty. God was delivering Moses from his fears. Snake charmers would grab by the neck, to avoid being bitten, to grab by the tail would leave you open to a bite. God showed that the way of obedience means victory.

Verse 5

Having delivered Moses from his fear, God now delivers him from his doubt and insecurity. The people, through the signs given by God, will believe that God appeared to Moses. Invoking Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, we are reminded that God has been present with his people since the covenant was established with Abraham. A reminder to Moses, and ultimately to the people, that the Lord had not left them, and now was their moment of deliverance.

Verse 6

God continues his response to the doubts and insecurity of Moses by causing his hand to become leprous. We know this from the link between the ‘behold’ from Moses in verse 1 and the ‘behold’ from God in verse 6.

Leprosy is referred to extensively in Leviticus 13 as being multiple skin diseases thought to be incurable. Alec Motyer notes that Egypt was already plagued by such a disease and was deemed as an unhealthy place to live. The sign, however, was not primarily about leprosy, rather it was to show the Power of God extended to what seemed like the impossible. David Pawson notes that God was showing his ability to destroy or bring about death. The power of God is far superior than the doubt of man, or the Egyptian empire.

Verse 7

If verse 6 is the power to destroy, then verse 7 is the power to heal. Commanding Moses to place his hand back in his cloak, God then removes the Leprosy from his withered hand. Note the word restored, meaning to bring back, or to re-establish. God made it as if it had never happened. It was God who had the power, not Moses. A.F. Knight gives a helpful reminder, stating, “it is God who is calling him to do the absurdly difficult thing,” and it was God who would give him the ability to do it.

Verse 8

We are told that the purpose of these two signs was to establish belief that God appeared to Moses. More than this, by these signs, the people would listen to the words of Moses, mainly that God had heard their please and would take them out of Egypt. It is interesting to note that God was expecting the people to need more than one sign, or it may be the case that Moses needed more than one sign, to be delivered from unbelief.

Verse 9

God has already shown his power over the King (serpent) and disease (leprosy), He now shows his ability to command nature to fulfil the desires of its creator. The river Nile was important to Egypt, it replenished and refreshed the soil in an otherwise hot desert. It was a source of food and sustenance with many fish inhabiting the water. To even hint at the destruction, or tampering, with the life-giving Nile, was to bring Egypt to its knees and certain ruin. If the people remained stubborn and refused to listen, then this third sign would convince them that God was using Moses to bring about the Exodus.

This sign was an anticipation of the first plague, where the whole Nile was turned red with blood. It was also a sign of faith, Moses was not given a demonstration, he would have to wait for the moment, trusting that God would do as he said he would.

Verse 10

Having had an extensive response from God, one that aimed at establishing faith and delivering Moses from fear, doubt and concern, Moses continues his pattern of raising yet another excuse. His issue? How will the people listen and follow his message, when he cannot speak eloquently and in fact has slow speech and language? Pawson suggests that Moses was hinting to a speech impediment, further supported by Hamilton. however, Stuart argues that we should not take this literally, rather, it shows a level of self-depreciation. It is likely that Stuarts argument is more plausible, as we have no other indication that Moses, who became a renowned public speaker, ever had an issue with speaking.

We therefore note that this concern is not about faith in the transforming power of God (for he could give Moses the ability), rather it is yet another appeal to be removed from such a task as being God’s messenger in Egypt.

Verse 11

God responds with a question of his own, it is rhetorical, designed to show Moses that his latest excuse has no merit. The reader is of course led to the answer that God is the author of creation, therefore, it is He alone who has made the mouth, the ability to speak, or hear, and the trial of being mute or deaf. We see this authority in the ministry of Jesus, when he healed both a deaf and mute man. If God wills for Moses to speak, then in a show of his power and sovereignty, Moses will speak.

Verse 12

Even if we take the view of Pawson and Hamilton, God would still deliver Moses from any issues with speaking. He assures Moses that he can go with the knowledge that God will teach him what to speak and equip him with the ability to do so in an effective manner. Notice the language used “now therefore go”, you get the sense that God has finished hearing the excuses of Moses and now wants him to get on with the task at hand.

Verse 13

Rather than notice the subtle change in language, Moses launches into yet another plea - Lord send someone else. He has tried every excuse he can muster. It is time to give up and show his true colours. He doesn’t want to return to the place where he failed, he doesn’t want to do this task. Not all see this as a vague refusal, Motyer suggests that the proper rendering of the Hebrew is “have it your own way,” showing Moses reluctantly concluding his arguments. Conversely Sailhamer argues that this was not about excuses, rather that Moses showed no desire for power or position.

It would seem plausible that Moses has simply run out of excuses and tries one final attempt to show that he really is not eager to take on this role.

Verse 14

Throughout the passage, God has shown patience toward Moses. For the first time, we read that the ‘anger’ of the Lord was now against Moses. In fact, it is noted that this is the first time in scripture that God states He is angry with someone. Yet, the Lord, in his providence has prepared the older brother of Moses with the ability to speak and is now drawing him close to Moses. Aaron isn’t a miraculous provision, rather, God showed that he had prepared for this moment. There was, as there has consistently been, an answer to the incessant excuses of Moses.

Verse 15

Aaron will act as an aid to Moses, however, Moses must explain all that has happened at the burning bush, so that God can teach them both what to do. I wonder, did Moses speak of his doubt, fear and refusal to go? We get no mention of this, but it would make for an interesting conversation. The lesson here is clear, God will not leave people ill-equipped for the task!

Verse 16

With a team approach established, Aaron would do the speaking and Moses would give him the words. As God is to Moses (one who gives him direction), so Moses would be to Aaron (in giving the words). Why didn’t God just do this in the first place? This dialogue between God and Moses wasn’t about the details of the plan, rather it was to deliver Moses from his excuses and doubts as to his involvement. Now with all excuses covered, and help provided, there is nothing left for Moses to say.

Verse 17

God reminds Moses, the staff is the sign. God will show his power, his authority and his mighty works through the staff. It was an essential tool for Moses to wield in leading the people out of Egypt and to the promised land.

Conclusion

Moses was reluctant to answer the call of God and be His messenger to the people. To be able to deliver the people, God would first need to deliver Moses from his fear, doubt and excuses. In responding to Moses in patience and equipping him with the knowledge and ability to succeed, God delivers Moses from dread to obedience, and from weakness to power. For God can do great and mighty things with whomever he pleases. Undoubtedly, this would only serve to build the confidence of Moses when the unbelievable is expected – the great Exodus!