Exodus 4:15
You are to speak to him and put the words in his mouth. I will help both of you to speak, and I will teach you what to do.
You are to speak to him
This phrase is a direct command from God to Moses, emphasizing the role of Moses as a prophet and leader. The Hebrew root for "speak" is "דבר" (dabar), which implies not just casual conversation but authoritative communication. Historically, this reflects the divine mandate given to prophets in Israel, who were chosen to convey God's messages to His people. Moses, despite his initial reluctance, is being assured of his role as God's mouthpiece.

and put the words in his mouth
Here, God is instructing Moses to convey His divine words to Aaron, his brother. The phrase "put the words" suggests a transfer of divine authority and wisdom. In the Hebrew context, "words" (דברים, devarim) are not merely sounds but carry the weight of God's will and purpose. This reflects the biblical theme of God equipping His chosen servants with the necessary tools to fulfill their mission.

I will help both of you speak
God's promise of assistance is central to this verse. The Hebrew word for "help" is "עזר" (azar), which conveys the idea of support and strength. This assurance is crucial for Moses, who expressed doubt about his speaking abilities. It highlights the biblical principle that God does not call the equipped but equips the called, providing divine aid to those He chooses for His purposes.

and will teach you what to do
The promise of teaching underscores God's role as the ultimate guide and instructor. The Hebrew root "למד" (lamad) means to learn or instruct, indicating a process of ongoing guidance. This reflects the historical context of God’s relationship with Israel, where He continually provided direction and instruction through His laws and commandments. It reassures believers that God is actively involved in guiding His people, equipping them with the knowledge and wisdom needed to fulfill His plans.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Moses
A Hebrew prophet chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. At this point, Moses is hesitant about his speaking abilities.

2. Aaron
Moses' brother, who is appointed by God to be Moses' spokesperson. Aaron is to assist Moses in communicating God's message to Pharaoh and the Israelites.

3. God
The Almighty, who is orchestrating the deliverance of the Israelites. He reassures Moses of His guidance and support.

4. Pharaoh
The ruler of Egypt, who is the primary antagonist in the account. Moses and Aaron are to confront him with God's demands.

5. Egypt
The land where the Israelites are enslaved. It is the setting for the initial confrontation between Moses, Aaron, and Pharaoh.
Teaching Points
Divine Assistance in Our Weakness
God provides help and guidance when we feel inadequate. Just as He equipped Moses and Aaron, He equips us for the tasks He calls us to.

The Importance of Obedience
Moses and Aaron are examples of obedience to God's call, despite personal insecurities. We are called to trust and obey God's direction in our lives.

The Role of Community and Support
Aaron's role highlights the importance of having support in our spiritual journey. We are not meant to walk alone but to support and be supported by others.

God's Sovereignty and Plan
God's plan is sovereign, and He orchestrates events for His purposes. We can trust that He is in control, even when circumstances seem daunting.

The Power of God's Word
The emphasis on speaking God's words shows the power and authority of Scripture. We should rely on and proclaim God's Word in our lives.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does God's promise to help Moses and Aaron speak encourage you in your own areas of weakness or insecurity?

2. In what ways can you relate to Moses' hesitance, and how can you apply God's reassurance in your life?

3. How does the partnership between Moses and Aaron illustrate the importance of community in fulfilling God's mission?

4. Can you think of a time when you felt God guiding your words or actions? How did that experience strengthen your faith?

5. How do the connections to other scriptures, such as Jeremiah 1:9 and Matthew 10:19-20, deepen your understanding of God's provision for His people?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Exodus 3:10-12
God initially calls Moses and promises to be with him, similar to the reassurance given in Exodus 4:15.

Jeremiah 1:9
God touches Jeremiah's mouth and puts His words in it, paralleling the divine assistance given to Moses and Aaron.

Matthew 10:19-20
Jesus tells His disciples not to worry about what to say when they are handed over to authorities, for the Spirit will speak through them, echoing God's promise to Moses and Aaron.
Divine Supplements for Human InfirmityH.T. Robjohns Exodus 4:1-17
God's Wrath Will Fall Where His Service is DeclinedJ. Urquhart Exodus 4:10-17
Slow of SpeechJ. Orr Exodus 4:10-17
Moses, Taking a Step Too Far, is Suddenly ArrestedD. Young Exodus 4:13-16
Christian Workers More Ready to Rely on Man than on GodA. Nevin, D. D.Exodus 4:14-17
I Know that He Can Speak WellJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 4:14-17
Life and Service InterdependentH. O. Mackey.Exodus 4:14-17
Moses and AaronJ. C. Gray.Exodus 4:14-17
Mutual Aid in Religious WorkJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 4:14-17
Mutual ServiceW. L. Watkinson.Exodus 4:14-17
The Divine AngerJ. S. Exell, M. A.Exodus 4:14-17
People
Aaron, Isaac, Israelites, Jacob, Jethro, Moses, Pharaoh, Zipporah
Places
Egypt, Horeb, Midian, Nile River
Topics
Directed, Ear, Hast, Mouth, Speak, Spoken, Teach, Teaching, Voice
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Exodus 4:15

     5167   mouth

Exodus 4:10-15

     5949   shyness

Exodus 4:14-16

     5072   Aaron, spokesman

Exodus 4:15-16

     5842   eloquence
     6682   mediation
     7924   fellowship, in service

Exodus 4:15-17

     4512   staff

Library
January 13. "Thou Shalt be to Him Instead of God" (Ex. Iv. 16).
"Thou shalt be to him instead of God" (Ex. iv. 16). Such was God's promise to Moses, and such the high character that Moses was to assume toward Aaron, his brother. May it not suggest a high and glorious place that each of us may occupy toward all whom we meet, instead of God? What a dignity and glory it would give our lives, could we uniformly realize this high calling! How it would lead us to act toward our fellow-men! God can always be depended upon. God is without variableness or shadow of turning.
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

May the Eleventh but -- --!
"And Moses answered and said, But----" --EXODUS iv. 1-9. We know that "but." God has heard it from our lips a thousand times. It is the response of unbelief to the divine call. It is the reply of fear to the divine command. It is the suggestion that the resources are inadequate. It is a hint that God may not have looked all round. He has overlooked something which our own eyes have seen. The human "buts" in the Scriptural stories make an appalling record. "Lord, I will follow Thee, but----" There
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

May the Twelfth Mouth and Matter
"Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth." --EXODUS iv. 10-17. And what a promise that is for anyone who is commissioned to proclaim the King's decrees. Here can teachers and preachers find their strength. God will be with their mouths. He will control their speech, and order their words like troops. He does not promise to make us eloquent, but to endow our words with the "demonstration of power." "And I will teach thee what thou shall say." The Lord will not only be with our mouths,
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

A Bundle of Myrrh is My Well-Beloved unto Me; He Shall Abide Between My Breasts.
When the Bride, or rather the lover (for she is not yet a bride), has found her Bridegroom, she is so transported with joy, that she is eager to be instantly united to Him. But the union of perpetual enjoyment is not yet arrived. He is mine, she says, I cannot doubt that He gives Himself to me this moment, since I feel it, but He is to me, as it were, a bundle of myrrh. He is not yet a Bridegroom whom I may embrace in the nuptial bed, but a bundle of crosses, pains and mortifications; a bloody husband
Madame Guyon—Song of Songs of Solomon

Preaching (I. ).
Earthen vessels, frail and slight, Yet the golden Lamp we bear; Master, break us, that the light So may fire the murky air; Skill and wisdom none we claim, Only seek to lift Thy Name. I have on purpose reserved the subject of Preaching for our closing pages. Preaching is, from many points of view, the goal and summing up of all other parts and works of the Ministry. What we have said already about the Clergyman's life and labour, in secret, in society, in the parish; what we have said about his
Handley C. G. Moule—To My Younger Brethren

To the Saddest of the Sad
I often wonder what those preachers do who feel called to make up their message as they go on; for if they fail, their failure must be attributed in great measure to their want of ability to make up a moving tale. They have to spread their sails to the breeze of the age, and to pick up a gospel that comes floating down to them on the stream of time, altering every week in the year; and they must have an endless task to catch this new idea, or, as they put it, to keep abreast of the age. Unless, indeed,
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888

The Sweet Uses of Adversity
Now, I propose to address myself to the two classes of persons who are making use of this question. First, I shall speak to the tried saint; and then I shall speak to the seeking sinner, who has been seeking peace and pardon through Christ, but who has not as yet found it, but, on the contrary, has been buffeted by the law, and driven away from the mercy-seat in despair. I. First, then, to THE CHILD OF GOD. I have--I know I have--in this great assembly, some who have come to Job's position. They
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

"For if Ye Live after the Flesh, Ye Shall Die; but if Ye through the Spirit do Mortify the Deeds of the Body, Ye Shall Live.
Rom. viii. s 13, 14.--"For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die; but if ye through the Spirit do mortify the deeds of the body, ye shall live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." The life and being of many things consists in union,--separate them, and they remain not the same, or they lose their virtue. It is much more thus in Christianity, the power and life of it consists in the union of these things that God hath conjoined, so that if any man pretend to
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
"He hath hardened their heart."-- John xii. 40. The Scripture teaches positively that the hardening and "darkening of their foolish heart" is a divine, intentional act. This is plainly evident from God's charge to Moses concerning the king of Egypt: "Thou shalt speak all that I command thee; and I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply My signs and wonders in the land of Egypt. But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know that I am the
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children.
(Bethlehem and Road Thence to Egypt, b.c. 4.) ^A Matt. II. 13-18. ^a 13 Now when they were departed [The text favors the idea that the arrival and departure of the magi and the departure of Joseph for Egypt, all occurred in one night. If so, the people of Bethlehem knew nothing of these matters], behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise [this command calls for immediate departure] and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt [This land was ever the
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
ONLY those who have made study of it can have any idea how large, and sometimes bewildering, is the literature on the subject of Jewish Proselytes and their Baptism. Our present remarks will be confined to the Baptism of Proselytes. 1. Generally, as regards proselytes (Gerim) we have to distinguish between the Ger ha-Shaar (proselyte of the gate) and Ger Toshabh (sojourner,' settled among Israel), and again the Ger hatstsedeq (proselyte of righteousness) and Ger habberith (proselyte of the covenant).
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A Canticle of Love
It is not only when He is about to send me some trial that Our Lord gives me warning and awakens my desire for it. For years I had cherished a longing which seemed impossible of realisation--to have a brother a Priest. I often used to think that if my little brothers had not gone to Heaven, I should have had the happiness of seeing them at the Altar. I greatly regretted being deprived of this joy. Yet God went beyond my dream; I only asked for one brother who would remember me each day at the Holy
Therese Martin (of Lisieux)—The Story of a Soul

Exodus
The book of Exodus--so named in the Greek version from the march of Israel out of Egypt--opens upon a scene of oppression very different from the prosperity and triumph in which Genesis had closed. Israel is being cruelly crushed by the new dynasty which has arisen in Egypt (i.) and the story of the book is the story of her redemption. Ultimately it is Israel's God that is her redeemer, but He operates largely by human means; and the first step is the preparation of a deliverer, Moses, whose parentage,
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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