Exodus 6:30
But in the LORD's presence Moses replied, "Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?"
But in the LORD’s presence
This phrase indicates a direct communication with God, highlighting the intimate relationship Moses had with the LORD. In biblical context, being in the presence of the LORD often signifies a place of divine revelation and authority. This setting underscores the seriousness of the conversation and the weight of the mission Moses is being called to undertake. The presence of the LORD is a recurring theme in Exodus, emphasizing God's active role in the deliverance of His people.

Moses replied
Moses' response is part of a dialogue with God, showcasing his humanity and reluctance. This interaction is reminiscent of other biblical figures who expressed doubt or hesitation when called by God, such as Gideon (Judges 6:15) and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:6). It reflects the theme of God choosing unlikely individuals to fulfill His purposes, emphasizing that divine strength is made perfect in human weakness.

Since I am unskilled in speech
Moses' self-assessment of his speaking abilities is a recurring concern (Exodus 4:10). Historically, this has been interpreted as a lack of eloquence or a speech impediment. This perceived inadequacy highlights the cultural importance of oratory skills in ancient leadership. Despite this, God assures Moses that He will provide the necessary words and support, as seen in Exodus 4:11-12, where God promises to be with Moses' mouth.

why would Pharaoh listen to me?
This question reflects Moses' doubt and the daunting nature of his task. Pharaoh, as the ruler of Egypt, was considered a god-like figure, making Moses' mission seem impossible from a human perspective. This phrase underscores the theme of divine intervention, as it is not Moses' ability but God's power that will compel Pharaoh to listen. It also foreshadows the series of plagues and miracles that God will perform to demonstrate His sovereignty over Egypt and its gods, ultimately leading to the Exodus.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
The central figure in this passage, Moses is chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his divine calling, Moses expresses doubt about his ability to speak effectively to Pharaoh.

2. The LORD (Yahweh)
The covenant-keeping God of Israel who calls Moses to deliver His people from Egyptian bondage. He is patient with Moses' insecurities and provides reassurance and support.

3. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, representing opposition to God's plan. Pharaoh's hardened heart becomes a significant obstacle in the account of the Exodus.

4. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It symbolizes oppression and the need for divine intervention for liberation.

5. Israelites
God's chosen people, suffering under Egyptian slavery, awaiting deliverance through Moses' leadership.
Teaching Points
God's Strength in Our Weakness
Moses' insecurity about his speaking ability highlights a common human experience of feeling inadequate. God often chooses the weak to demonstrate His power and glory.

Divine Calling and Human Doubt
Even those called by God can experience doubt and fear. It's important to bring these concerns to God, who is patient and provides the necessary support.

The Importance of Obedience
Despite his doubts, Moses is called to obey God's command. Our obedience should not be contingent on our perceived abilities but on trust in God's provision.

God's Patience and Reassurance
God does not dismiss Moses' concerns but reassures him. This teaches us about God's patience and willingness to equip us for His purposes.

Faith Overcomes Fear
Moses' journey is a testament to how faith can overcome fear. Trusting in God's promises enables us to face daunting challenges.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Moses' self-doubt in Exodus 6:30 reflect our own struggles with feelings of inadequacy in fulfilling God's call?

2. In what ways does God's response to Moses' concerns encourage us to trust in His provision and guidance?

3. How can we apply the principle of God's strength being made perfect in our weakness to our daily lives and challenges?

4. What other biblical figures experienced similar doubts about their abilities, and how did God address their concerns?

5. How can we cultivate a faith that overcomes fear, as demonstrated by Moses' eventual obedience to God's command?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 4:10-12
Earlier, Moses expresses similar concerns about his speaking abilities, and God reassures him that He will help him speak and teach him what to say.

Jeremiah 1:6-9
Like Moses, Jeremiah also expresses doubt about his speaking abilities, and God promises to put His words in Jeremiah's mouth.

1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Paul speaks of relying not on eloquence but on the power of the Spirit, emphasizing that God's strength is made perfect in human weakness.
Shaken Faith, and an Unshaken PurposeJ. Orr Exodus 6:9-14, 28-30
People
Aaron, Abiasaph, Abihu, Amminadab, Amram, Assir, Canaanitish, Carmi, Egyptians, Eleazar, Elisheba, Elkanah, Elzaphan, Enoch, Gershon, Hanoch, Hezron, Isaac, Israelites, Ithamar, Izhar, Jachin, Jacob, Jamin, Jemuel, Jochebed, Kohath, Korah, Korahites, Korhites, Levi, Levites, Libni, Mahali, Mahli, Merari, Mishael, Moses, Mushi, Naashon, Nadab, Nahshon, Nepheg, Ohad, Pallu, Phallu, Pharaoh, Phinehas, Putiel, Reuben, Saul, Shaul, Shimei, Shimi, Simeon, Uzziel, Zichri, Zithri, Zohar
Places
Canaan, Egypt
Topics
Behold, Faltering, Hearing, Hearken, Lips, Listen, Pharaoh, Possible, Speech, Uncircumcised, Unclean, Unskilled
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 6:30

     5164   lips
     5842   eloquence
     5949   shyness
     5968   timidity
     8726   doubters

Exodus 6:30-7:1

     7773   prophets, role

Library
To the Saddest of the Sad
I often wonder what those preachers do who feel called to make up their message as they go on; for if they fail, their failure must be attributed in great measure to their want of ability to make up a moving tale. They have to spread their sails to the breeze of the age, and to pick up a gospel that comes floating down to them on the stream of time, altering every week in the year; and they must have an endless task to catch this new idea, or, as they put it, to keep abreast of the age. Unless, indeed,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

From Egypt to Sinai.
Ex. Chs. 1-19 Israel in Egypt. The length of time the Hebrews remained In Egypt is a perplexing question. Exodus 6:16-20 makes Moses the fourth generation from Levi (See Gen. 15:16; Num. 26:57-59). This would make it about 150 years. Gen. 15:13 predicts 400 years. Ex. 12:40 says they were there 430 years and Paul (Gal. 3:17) says 430 years from Abraham to Sinai. These apparently conflicting dates may be explained because of different methods of counting generations, probably based on long lives of
Josiah Blake Tidwell—The Bible Period by Period

Fourth Day. Holiness and Revelation.
And when the Lord saw that Moses turned aside to see, He called unto him out of the midst of the bush, and said, Moses, Moses. And he said, Here am I. And He said, Draw not nigh hither; put off thy shoes from thy feet, for the place where thou standest is holy ground. And Moses hid his face, for He was afraid to look upon God.'--Ex. iii. 4-6. And why was it holy ground? Because God had come there and occupied it. Where God is, there is holiness; it is the presence of God makes holy. This is the
Andrew Murray—Holy in Christ

Appendix viii. Rabbinic Traditions About Elijah, the Forerunner of the Messiah
To complete the evidence, presented in the text, as to the essential difference between the teaching of the ancient Synagogue about the Forerunner of the Messiah' and the history and mission of John the Baptist, as described in the New Testaments, we subjoin a full, though condensed, account of the earlier Rabbinic traditions about Elijah. Opinions differ as to the descent and birthplace of Elijah. According to some, he was from the land of Gilead (Bemid. R. 14), and of the tribe of Gad (Tanch. on
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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