Moses, a central figure in the Old Testament, is renowned for leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage. However, his journey as a leader began with significant doubt and hesitation. This episode is primarily recorded in the Book of Exodus, chapters 3 and 4, where Moses encounters God at the burning bush on Mount Horeb.

The Call of Moses

In Exodus 3, God appears to Moses in a flame of fire from within a bush that is not consumed. God reveals His plan to deliver the Israelites from Egyptian oppression and commissions Moses to lead this monumental task. Despite the divine encounter, Moses expresses doubt about his ability to fulfill this mission. He questions his own worthiness and fears the Israelites will not believe that God has sent him.

Moses' Doubts

Moses' initial response to God's call is one of reluctance and self-doubt. In Exodus 3:11, Moses asks, "Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?" This question reflects his insecurity and lack of confidence in his leadership abilities. Moses further questions God in Exodus 4:1, saying, "What if they do not believe me or listen to my voice? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you.'"

God's Signs to Reassure Moses

In response to Moses' doubts, God provides a series of signs to authenticate Moses' divine commission and to reassure him of God's presence and power. These signs are intended to convince both Moses and the Israelites of God's authority and support.

1. The Staff into a Serpent: God instructs Moses to throw his staff on the ground, and it becomes a serpent. When Moses grabs it by the tail, it turns back into a staff (Exodus 4:2-4). This sign demonstrates God's control over nature and serves as a tangible proof of His power.

2. Leprous Hand Restored: God then tells Moses to put his hand inside his cloak. When he removes it, his hand is leprous, white as snow. God instructs him to place it back into his cloak, and it is restored to normal (Exodus 4:6-7). This sign illustrates God's ability to afflict and heal, symbolizing His sovereignty over health and disease.

3. Water from the Nile Turned to Blood: As a final sign, God tells Moses that if the people do not believe the first two signs, he is to take water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground, where it will become blood (Exodus 4:9). This sign foreshadows the plagues that will later befall Egypt and underscores God's dominion over the natural world.

Moses' Continued Hesitation

Despite these miraculous signs, Moses continues to express reluctance. In Exodus 4:10, he protests, "O Lord, I am not eloquent... I am slow of speech and tongue." God reassures Moses by reminding him that He is the Creator of the mouth and promises to help him speak and teach him what to say (Exodus 4:11-12).

Aaron as Moses' Spokesman

Finally, Moses pleads with God to send someone else. In response, God appoints Aaron, Moses' brother, to be his spokesman. God tells Moses that Aaron will speak to the people on his behalf, and Moses will act as God to Aaron, providing him with the words to say (Exodus 4:14-16).

Theological Implications

Moses' doubt and God's response highlight several key theological themes. First, it underscores God's patience and willingness to accommodate human weakness. Second, it demonstrates that God equips those He calls, providing the necessary resources and support to accomplish His purposes. Lastly, the episode illustrates the importance of faith and obedience in the face of doubt, as God ultimately fulfills His promises through Moses' leadership.