Exodus 3:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

For Pharaoh will not release them without fierce wrath, and the people are not easily managed; they often rebel against those who care for their well-being." This concern is illustrated through Moses's response after the incident with the golden calf. When God, in His grace, instructed Moses to lead the people, saying, "Go and lead this people" (cf. Ex. 32:34) and promising to send His angel before him (cf. Ex. 33:2), Moses replied, "I pray, O Lord, if Your presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here" (cf. Ex. 33:15).

God, wishing to free the Hebrew people from Egyptian oppression, appointed Moses to fulfill His divine purpose. To reinforce Moses in this significant role and deepen his commitment to the daunting mission ahead, God revealed His intention for Israel’s deliverance on two notable occasions. Initially, God planted within Moses a profound sense of compassion for the tortured Hebrews, encouraging him to abandon the grandeur of the Egyptian court in exchange for the humiliation that those in distress were experiencing. Guided by the Holy Spirit, Moses understood that he should not turn away from providing aid to his suffering brethren amidst the injustices faced by the Israelites. This divine calling was subtly imparted to Moses, prompting him to accept the stewardship of his people. During this first divine affirmation, he offered no resistance, heeding the inner voice calling him without delay. This receptive obedience stemmed from Moses not yet having encountered the malice, ingratitude, and betrayal that he later experienced among the Hebrews. With good intentions, he assumed that they would follow his leadership and accept his guidance.

However, as he lived among them and witnessed their obstinate wickedness and hardened hearts (cf. Exodus 2:14), he altered his perceptions of their deliverance. The second divine call he received was marked by reluctance on his part, as he was overwhelmed by the daunting responsibility of leading a recalcitrant people and recognized his own inadequacy for the profound service this role entailed.