Exodus 4:12 - Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth, and teach you what you shall speak.”

Generated Verse: Exodus 4:12

What does "Exodus 4:12" mean?


This verse, Exodus 4:12, is a key part of God's encouragement and reassurance to Moses. Let's break down what it means:

"Now therefore go...": This is God's command to Moses to finally accept the task He has given him. Moses has been hesitant and making excuses, but God is pushing him to step into his role as a leader and deliverer of the Israelites from slavery.

"...and I will be with your mouth...": This is the core promise. God is assuring Moses that He will not abandon him in his task. He will be present with Moses as he speaks to Pharaoh and the Israelites. This isn't just about physical presence, but divine assistance and support in communication.

"...and teach you what you shall speak.": This is the most crucial aspect. God is promising to give Moses the very words he needs to say. Moses's fear was his inability to speak eloquently (Exodus 4:10). God is directly addressing that fear by promising to provide the words for him, effectively acting as a divine speech coach or prompter. This doesn't necessarily mean that God will literally whisper words into Moses's ear, but that He will guide, inspire, and empower Moses to speak according to God's will and purpose.

In essence, the verse means:

Divine Empowerment: God is empowering Moses beyond his natural abilities.
Overcoming Inadequacy: God understands Moses's insecurities and offers a solution, assuring him he won't be alone or unprepared.
God's Sovereignty: The message emphasizes that it's God's work, not Moses's. God will use Moses, but the success depends on God's guidance and power.
Trust and Obedience: It calls for Moses to trust in God's promise and obey His command, even when he feels inadequate.

Theological Significance:

This verse is often cited as an example of how God equips those He calls. It's a reminder that God doesn't always choose the most naturally gifted or confident individuals but rather empowers those who are willing to be used by Him, despite their perceived shortcomings. It highlights the importance of faith and reliance on God's guidance in fulfilling His purpose.