Exodus 4:9Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

EXPLANATION: 1) The Lord offers a conditional assurance to Moses, adapting to human limitations and understanding. This approach aligns with how people often pursue important tasks using various strategies. When one method fails to achieve their goal, they tend to seek alternatives. God similarly guided Moses, His chosen servant, by granting him the ability to perform miracles before the Israelites, enhancing the success of his mission. Although initial efforts may seem unproductive, Moses is encouraged not to abandon his purpose because he possesses the divine gift of performing further miraculous signs to convince the Israelites and affirm God’s promises.

2) Moreover, it is quite plausible that among the vast number of Israelites, individuals displayed diverse behaviors and qualities, resulting in varying degrees of faith. Even as Moses assured each person of his divine selection, not everyone immediately accepted his words; belief manifested first among the elders, with others from lower ranks following their lead. The more the people witnessed the miracles performed by Moses, the more their trust in him, as God’s messenger, grew.