Topical Bible: Preaching: Moses Was Slow of Speech

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Introduction

The account of Moses being "slow of speech" is a significant narrative in the Bible, highlighting the divine selection of leaders despite human limitations. This account is found primarily in the book of Exodus and serves as a profound example of God's power working through human weakness.

Biblical Account

In Exodus 4:10, Moses expresses his concern to God about his speaking abilities: "But Moses replied to the LORD, 'Please, Lord, I have never been eloquent—neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant—for I am slow of speech and tongue.'" This admission occurs during Moses' encounter with God at the burning bush, where he is called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.

Divine Response

God's response to Moses' hesitation is both reassuring and instructive. In Exodus 4:11-12, the LORD says to him, "Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes him mute or deaf, sighted or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say." This passage underscores the belief that God equips those He calls, regardless of their perceived inadequacies.

Role of Aaron

To address Moses' concern, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesperson. In Exodus 4:14-16, God tells Moses, "Is there not Aaron your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. And he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you speak and will teach you what to do." Aaron's role as a communicator complements Moses' leadership, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in fulfilling God's mission.

Theological Implications

The narrative of Moses being slow of speech is often interpreted as a testament to God's sovereignty and grace. It illustrates that God does not choose leaders based on human standards of eloquence or ability but rather on His divine purpose and plan. This account encourages believers to trust in God's provision and to rely on His strength rather than their own.

Preaching and Application

For preachers, the account of Moses serves as a reminder that effective ministry is not contingent upon personal skill or eloquence but on obedience to God's call. It challenges believers to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the necessary words and abilities to accomplish His will. This account also emphasizes the importance of humility and reliance on God, as well as the value of partnership and support within the community of faith.

Conclusion

The account of Moses being slow of speech is a powerful example of how God uses imperfect vessels to achieve His perfect purposes. It reassures believers that God equips those He calls and that His strength is made perfect in human weakness.

Nave's Topical Index

Exodus 4:10-12
And Moses said to the LORD, O my LORD, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since you have spoken to your servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Call of Moses
... That is what Paul was thinking of when he wrote to the Corinthians:""My speech and
my preaching was not with enticing words of ... Moses was slow of speech ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/ii the call of moses.htm

The Preacher's Cry --Pray for Us!
... at Ephesus, Coloss?? and Thessalonica, much aid in preaching the Word ... with Moses to
do the talking, as long as Moses insisted that he "was slow of speech ...
/.../bounds/the weapon of prayer/x the preachers crypray for.htm

Begins Preaching at Beech Grove. Debates with Elder Hiner. Amusing ...
... Begins Preaching at Beech Grove. ... Hiner read from it a passage purporting to be from
Moses Stuart ... was over, my system was so racked that convalescence was slow. ...
/.../chapter xv begins preaching at.htm

The Flood-Tide of Power.
... I know an earnest scholarly minister with strong personality, and fearless in his
preaching against sin, but who ... Moses complains that he is slow of speech ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/gordon/quiet talks on power/the flood-tide of power.htm

General Service for the Festivals of Our Lord Jesus Christ,
... Covered with divine darkness, the one slow of speech ... Having been illumined, Moses
was of old made worthy ... event) of Christ hath appeared; the preaching of the ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter i general service for.htm

Christ's First and Last Subject
... that he should say, "Repent," as the key-note of his ministry, preaching this duty ...
to be spokesman for him, for you must know that Moses was slow of speech ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 6 1860/christs first and last subject.htm

Cheer Up, My Comrades!
... Hence, when the disciples came back from preaching, and said, "Lord ... Moses was forty
years in the desert, doing nothing ... But I am slow of speech and dull of thought ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 26 1880/cheer up my comrades.htm

The True Sign
... In the preaching of the word of God, the sign that ... had been accustomed since the
days of Moses to put ... with His mission of self-sacrifice, so slow to comprehend ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 44 the true sign.htm

Fellow-Followers
... "Had Moses failed to ... The people were so far God-hardened that only acted preaching,
lived messages ... more emphatic the message to the dull ears and slow heart of ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks on following the christ/fellow-followers.htm

To the Saddest of the Sad
... be slow he is sure; and if he be slow to you ... Moses told them about the Lord's ways
of grace and the ... Thus saith Jehovah to-night, in the preaching of the gospel ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/to the saddest of the.htm