What is the meaning of Exodus 4:15? You are to speak to him - God addresses Moses directly, insisting that Moses open his mouth first (Exodus 4:14 already names Aaron as the future spokesman). - This underscores personal responsibility: the Lord will not bypass Moses’ obedience even though a helper is provided. - Cross references confirm this pattern: God tells Jeremiah, “Do not be afraid… you must go to everyone I send you to” (Jeremiah 1:7-8), and later instructs Joshua, “Be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6-9). - Principle: God chooses and commands individuals, not crowds. Each believer has a role that cannot be delegated away. and put the words in his mouth - Moses is to transmit God’s exact message to Aaron, not his own paraphrase (compare Deuteronomy 18:18; “I will put My words in his mouth”). - The picture is almost literal: Moses hands over God’s words as if placing them into Aaron’s mouth, ensuring verbal accuracy. - Jeremiah experienced the same when the Lord said, “I have put My words in your mouth” (Jeremiah 1:9). - Application: Scripture is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Our task is to pass it on faithfully, resisting the urge to soften, embellish, or truncate what God has spoken. I will help both of you to speak - The Lord promises divine enablement for Moses and Aaron alike. - Bullet points of reassurance: • Divine presence: “I will be with your mouth” (Exodus 4:12). • Divine power: “The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me” (2 Samuel 23:2). • Divine boldness: After prayer, “they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly” (Acts 4:31). - By helping both men, God unites them in mission, erasing any hierarchy of worth and emphasizing shared dependence on Him. and I will teach you what to do - God’s tutoring extends beyond speech to action; He will instruct their steps (Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go”). - The phrase anticipates ongoing guidance throughout the Exodus narrative—plagues, Passover, Red Sea. - Jesus echoes this promise for New-Covenant believers: “The Holy Spirit will teach you all things” (John 14:26). - Practical takeaway: obedience requires continual listening; God’s leadership is not a one-time download but a lifelong classroom. summary Exodus 4:15 shows a gracious yet firm God. He commands Moses to speak, hands over precise words for Aaron, supplies divine help for both mouths, and pledges continuing instruction for every action. The verse models faithful transmission of God’s word, reliance on His enabling power, and readiness to follow His step-by-step teaching. |