The Renewed Commission to Moses is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, found primarily in the Book of Exodus. This event marks God's reaffirmation of His call to Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage, following initial setbacks and Moses' own doubts.

Context and Background

The initial call of Moses occurs at the burning bush (Exodus 3-4), where God reveals Himself and commissions Moses to deliver the Israelites from slavery. Despite Moses' hesitations and objections, God assures him of His presence and provides signs to validate his mission. Moses, accompanied by his brother Aaron, confronts Pharaoh, but the initial attempts result in increased oppression for the Israelites, leading to Moses' discouragement.

The Renewed Commission

The renewed commission is detailed in Exodus 6:1-13. After Moses' initial confrontation with Pharaoh, which results in harsher conditions for the Israelites, Moses returns to God with his concerns. God responds by reaffirming His covenant promises and His commitment to deliver His people.

In Exodus 6:1, God reassures Moses, saying, "Now you will see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he will let them go, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." This statement underscores God's sovereignty and the certainty of His plan.

God reiterates His covenant with the patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—and emphasizes His name, Yahweh, as a reminder of His eternal faithfulness (Exodus 6:2-5). He promises to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, to redeem them with "an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment" (Exodus 6:6).

Moses' Reluctance and God's Assurance

Despite God's assurances, Moses expresses doubt due to his perceived inadequacy and the Israelites' despondency (Exodus 6:9-12). Moses' self-doubt is evident in his protest, "If the Israelites will not listen to me, then why would Pharaoh listen to me, since I am unskilled in speech?" (Exodus 6:12).

God's response is to command Moses and Aaron to bring the Israelites out of Egypt, emphasizing His authority and the divine mandate (Exodus 6:13). This renewed commission highlights God's patience and His willingness to work through human frailty to accomplish His purposes.

Theological Significance

The renewed commission to Moses is significant for several reasons. It underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, despite human weakness and opposition. It also highlights the importance of obedience and trust in God's plan, even when circumstances seem insurmountable.

This event foreshadows the greater deliverance that God would accomplish through Jesus Christ, who, like Moses, was sent to deliver His people from bondage—this time, from sin and death. The narrative of Moses' renewed commission serves as a reminder of God's unchanging nature and His power to fulfill His promises, regardless of human limitations.

Conclusion

The renewed commission to Moses is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people and His sovereign ability to bring about His purposes. Through Moses, God demonstrates that He is both the initiator and the sustainer of His redemptive work, calling His servants to trust and obey, even in the face of adversity.