Exodus 4:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

I know that he can speak.” This indicates that the Lord was actually chastising Moses for his unwillingness to go forth, despite having a brother who could articulate the intended message, even if Moses felt inadequate or inarticulate and required complete reliance on God.

The Lord recalls His prior promise and subsequently expresses displeasure. Initially, He stated, “I will open your mouth and teach you,” but now He proclaims, “I will open your mouth and his mouth and teach you what you shall do.” The phrase, “And he shall speak in your stead to the people” (Ex. 4:16), suggests that the ability to communicate was already bestowed upon Moses, as he claimed to be eloquent. In acknowledging his vocal limitations, the Lord chose not to intervene directly for Moses but provided him with a brother who was capable of addressing the people effectively. The directive to “put words into his mouth” indicates these were designated for proclamation; had they been meant solely for the people's hearing, the phrase would have been “into their ears.”

Later, He clarifies, “He shall speak in your place to the people, and shall himself be your mouth,” emphasizing the relationship with the people. When stating, “He shall speak in your stead to the people,” the Lord clearly establishes Moses' primary role and Aaron's subordinate position. Furthermore, when the Lord mentions, “And you shall be to him in God’s stead,” it hints at a profound mystery to be explored, illustrating that Moses serves as the mediator between God and Aaron, while Aaron acts as the intermediary between Moses and the people.

Whether the assembly is large or small, it is crucial who is chosen—be it Moses or Koreus. Strive to recognize Moses, or those like him; be able to distinguish him from Koreus or his followers. It is not rare for Moses to retreat and conceal himself: it is essential to pursue him and acknowledge his honor beneath the cover of humility and modesty. Should he renounce his calling, do not hastily follow suit in dismissing it; rather, reflect wisely on whether it is more righteous to honor the rejection or more beneficial to uphold the call. On the other hand, Koreus gathers his followers; he seeks the favor of “the leaders of the assembly” to support him and weaves a web of flattering discourse for all, “as the entire congregation, all the holy ones” (Num. 16:2-3): be cautious not to be ensnared. Do not choose the one who pursues power, but rather the one for whom the position seeks. Provide society with steadfast guardians of order and justice rather than surrender it to those driven by ambition or self-gain. What an admirable arrangement, what a trust bestowed by the Supreme Authority upon the ranks of the governed, when they are granted the right to select, as stated in Hebrews: what freedom they possess when given the right to choose their own faithful guardians of order and justice! Fortify a noble institution through righteous execution; validate the trust; employ the privileges bestowed upon them according to Hebrews: freedom... so that the Sovereign Authority will find no cause for regret in granting it. “Look for yourselves,” I conclude with a word of wisdom from an ancient advisor, “men of valor, who fear God, men of integrity, who detest selfishness” (Exodus 18:21). With such an intention for your selection, make your commitment now before God, the God who knows your heart. He, who is unerring in both temporal and eternal selection, may bless and realize the beneficial election for the good of all. Amen.

In verse 27, we learn that Aaron received a divine directive to go and meet his brother. The Lord, in His grace, reassures Moses after his prolonged absence, confirming that his family will receive him with joy. This illustrates the profound attention God pays to the rightful spiritual needs of humanity.