Exodus 4:11Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Certain individuals speak ill of God, or more accurately, the Scriptures of the Old Testament, claiming that the Lord states He is the one who causes the blind to be blind and the mute to be mute. What then can be said about our Lord Christ, who explicitly declares in the Gospel, ‘I came that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind’ (John 9:39)? Who, except one deranged, could believe that a person could suffer physical ailments opposed to God's desire? Yet, it is undisputed that He permits it with righteousness.

The Lord proclaims to him, "The aspect through which you face reduction will lead to your exaltation. For, O silent God, you will be accompanied by a prophet who will declare your truths."

Moses and Jeremiah, both appointed by God to deliver His messages to the people, expressed a sense of humility that led them to want to renounce their divine calling. Thus, the virtue of humility is indeed admirable. Its grace is evident not only in actions but also in our speech; maintaining a thoughtful tone ensures that our words reflect our inner thoughts appropriately. This carefulness prevents anything unbecoming from emerging in our conversations, as speech mirrors the heart. Moreover, humility governs the power of our voice, ensuring that it is not overwhelming to those who listen.

This is the reason that in the Exodus narrative, when Moses hesitated and felt fearful about approaching the people, God communicated in this manner: Who provides the mouth for humanity? And who creates the mute, the deaf, the sighted, or the blind? Am I not the Lord God? Therefore, go, and I will be present with your mouth, guiding you on what to speak. It is not beyond God's power to open the mouth of one committed to Him, to instill within His servant the boldness and strength to declare the truth, just as it was not difficult for Him to enable a donkey to articulate before the prophet Balaam, as recorded in the Book of Numbers (Numbers 22:30).

This powerful reminder to Moses regarding God's might poses two essential inquiries: “Did I not form you; am I not aware of your shortcomings?” and “Can I not provide you with what you lack?” This echoes the statements made by the Lord Jesus Christ to His disciples in Matthew 10:19 and Mark 13:11.