The Appointment of Aaron

Moses pleads that he is slow of speech, but the LORD answers as the maker of the mouth and promises to be with his speaking and teach him what to say. The weakness Moses names is met by divine sufficiency.

“¹⁰Please, Lord,” Moses replied, “I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since You have spoken to Your servant, for I am slow of speech and tongue.” ¹¹And the LORD said to him, “Who gave man his mouth? Or who makes the mute or the deaf, the sighted or the blind? Is it not I, the LORD? ¹²Now go! I will help you as you speak, and I will teach you what to say.”

When Moses asks for someone else to be sent, the LORD’s anger burns, yet he appoints Aaron as spokesman, promises help to both brothers, and tells Moses to take the staff for signs. The mission continues, but now through a shared arrangement.

¹³But Moses replied, “Please, Lord, send someone else.” ¹⁴Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well, and he is now on his way to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. ¹⁵You 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. ¹⁶He will speak to the people for you. He will be your spokesman, and it will be as if you were God to him. ¹⁷But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”