Exodus 4:10Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What transgression has one committed who possesses a gentle and quiet voice and a hesitant speech? Was not Moses similar in this regard, and yet he was heeded more than anyone? Did the Israelites not raise their cries the loudest, even though God did not respond to their pleas? A powerful voice and a frail one are merely traits of human nature; they offer no justification for being heard or ignored, as they merit neither commendation nor reproach.

Consequently, no one granted the privilege of witnessing God's goodness and wisdom will claim wisdom or strength for themselves or anyone else, as all saints resemble the brightness of lamps that fade into obscurity in the presence of the sun at its zenith.

The Jewish Rabbis tell stories about Moses, claiming that his eloquence was gifted to him as a child after he put a hot coal in his mouth, which supposedly damaged his tongue during his formative years. This tale seems to originate from the writings of Josephus Flavius, who described an incident in his work "Antiquities of the Jews." Allegedly, when Moses was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter, he played with the royal crown, leading some priests to view it as a bad omen for Egypt. Pharaoh's daughter, fearing for Moses’ life, suggested that he should be tested with burning coal to reveal his lack of awareness. However, this narrative lacks credibility and thus merits no serious consideration.

Naturally, Moses experienced difficulties with his voice and fluency, which hindered his expression. Despite these challenges, God assigned his brother Aaron to accompany him, relaying Moses' messages to Pharaoh. Nonetheless, Moses’ limitations in speech did not diminish his ability to communicate effectively. He articulated his words with wisdom and clarity, employing powerful and compelling language. This proficiency is confirmed by the holy first martyr Stephen, who stated that Moses was “mighty in words and deeds.”

There are differing views regarding external versus internal eloquence. External eloquence pertains to worldly discourse, relying on human wisdom, embellished with complex language and rhetorical flourish. In contrast, internal and spiritual eloquence addresses matters pertaining to God, angels, and humanity, filled with devotion and holiness. This type of eloquence possesses such profound impact that it compels God to bestow His blessings. The words crafted in this spiritual vernacular resonate deeply within human hearts, captivating minds and illuminating profound truths long concealed. Through this divine eloquence, Moses wielded significant influence, with his words revered by the Hebrew people as sacred. The majesty of his speech and the strength of his convictions are evident in the song he sang to God in gratitude after leading the Israelites out of Egypt (Ex. 15:1-19) and in the exhortation delivered to them before his death (Deuteronomy 32:1-43).

In choosing Moses, whom God knew lacked eloquence, it was evident that God’s purpose was fulfilled through this perceived inadequacy. Biblical interpreters thoughtfully consider this decision: Moses’ struggles with speech cultivated his humility, prompting him to abandon prideful notions about himself. Additionally, this limitation fostered a deep bond of friendship and love between him and Aaron. By presenting the unrefined Moses as the liberator of the Hebrew people, God ensured that their deliverance from Egyptian oppression was credited not to human eloquence, but to His divine intervention. Lastly, through Moses’ speech challenges, God revealed that the law entrusted to Moses alone was not sufficient for humanity's justification before the divine judgment.