Exodus 4:14 - Yahweh’s anger burned against Moses, and he said, “What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.

Generated Verse: Exodus 4:14

What does "Exodus 4:14" mean?


Exodus 4:14 describes a pivotal moment in the call of Moses. Let's break down the meaning:

"Yahweh's anger burned against Moses": God's anger is triggered by Moses' repeated reluctance and excuses (Exodus 3:11, 3:13, 4:1, 4:10, 4:13) to accept the mission of leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Moses has expressed feelings of inadequacy, citing his speech impediment as a major obstacle. God's patience is wearing thin. This anger isn't necessarily a purely negative emotion; it can also be seen as a sign of God's seriousness about the task He's assigning.

"What about Aaron, your brother, the Levite? I know that he can speak well.": God acknowledges Moses' concern about his eloquence, but instead of accepting Moses' excuse, God provides a solution: Aaron. God specifically identifies Aaron as a "Levite" (emphasizing his priestly lineage) and points out his ability to "speak well" (is eloquent).

"Also, behold, he comes out to meet you. When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.": God reveals that Aaron is already on his way to meet Moses (potentially out of his own prompting or a divine instruction). The prediction that Aaron will be "glad in his heart" upon seeing Moses is significant. It emphasizes the natural brotherly bond between them, and it assures Moses that Aaron won't resent having to assist him. It also contrasts Moses' own reluctance and suggests that Aaron will be willing and enthusiastic about the mission.

In summary, the verse conveys the following points:

God's impatience with Moses' resistance: God is determined to send Moses to Egypt, and Moses' repeated excuses are met with divine displeasure.
God's provision of a helper: God offers Aaron as a solution to Moses' perceived inadequacy, effectively addressing the communication barrier.
Assurance of Aaron's cooperation: God reassures Moses that Aaron will be a willing and supportive partner, removing another potential obstacle from Moses' mind.

Theological implications:

Divine Sovereignty: God will accomplish his purposes, even if it requires adapting the plan slightly.
God's awareness of human limitations: God acknowledges Moses' perceived weakness and provides a remedy.
Importance of cooperation and community: God emphasizes the role of Aaron in assisting Moses, showing that great tasks are often accomplished through collaboration.

The verse sets the stage for Aaron's role as Moses' spokesperson and highlights the importance of both men in the upcoming deliverance of Israel.

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