Matthew Henry Commentary Exodus 4:10-17

"And Moses said unto Jehovah, Oh, Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant; for I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And Jehovah said unto him, Who hath made man`s mouth? Or who maketh [a man] dumb, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, Jehovah? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt speak. And he said, Oh, Lord, send, I pray thee, by the hand of him whom thou wilt send. And the anger of Jehovah was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is there not Aaron thy brother the Levite? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he cometh forth to meet thee: and when he seeth thee, he will be glad in his heart. And thou shalt speak unto him, and put the words in his mouth: and I will be with thy mouth, and with his mouth, and will teach you what ye shall do. And he shall be thy spokesman unto the people; and it shall come to pass, that he shall be to thee a mouth, and thou shalt be to him as God. And thou shalt take in thy hand this rod, wherewith thou shalt do the signs." — Exodus 4:10-17 (ASV)

Moses continued to shrink from the work God designed him for; there was much cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in him. We must not judge men by the readiness of their speech. A great deal of wisdom and true worth may be found in someone with a slow tongue. God sometimes chooses as His messengers those who have the fewest advantages from skill or natural ability, so that His grace in them may appear more glorious.

Christ's disciples were no orators until the Holy Spirit made them such. God condescends to answer Moses's excuse. Even a lack of self-confidence, when it hinders us from duty or impedes us in duty, is very displeasing to the Lord. But while we blame Moses for shrinking from this dangerous service, let us ask our own hearts if we are not neglecting duties that are easier and less perilous.

The tongue of Aaron, with the head and heart of Moses, would make one completely fit for this mission. God promises, I will be with your mouth, and with his mouth. Even Aaron, who could speak well, yet could not speak effectively, unless God gave constant teaching and help; for without the constant aid of Divine grace, the best gifts will fail.