Exodus 6:12 - Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am of uncircumcised lips?”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Exodus 6:12" mean?
This verse in Exodus 6:12 reflects Moses' profound sense of inadequacy and frustration as he is commissioned by God (Yahweh) to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Moses spoke before Yahweh...": This sets the scene, indicating that Moses is having a direct dialogue with God. He is voicing his concerns to the one who has given him this daunting task.
"...Behold, the children of Israel haven't listened to me.": This is Moses' first argument against his suitability for the task. He points out that the Israelites themselves have not heeded his words. He likely refers to the earlier attempt to speak to Pharaoh, where the Israelites' burdens were increased, leading to resentment towards Moses (Exodus 5). If his own people, who are desperate for deliverance, are not listening, how can he expect to convince the powerful and stubborn Pharaoh?
"How then shall Pharaoh listen to me...": This is the crux of his objection. If those sympathetic to his cause don't believe him, why would Pharaoh, who has every reason to reject his demands, listen to him? It's a logical question born out of Moses' experience and understanding of human nature.
"...who am of uncircumcised lips?": This is the most intriguing part. "Uncircumcised lips" is generally understood to be a metaphor for a speech impediment or difficulty in speaking articulately. It's not literally about physical circumcision. This could mean:
He had a literal speech impediment: Some interpret it that way. If true, Moses would be pointing out his physical inability to present a compelling argument.
He felt inadequate as a speaker: More likely, this is a broader statement about his lack of eloquence, persuasiveness, or confidence in public speaking. He feels unskilled and ill-equipped to negotiate with someone as imposing as Pharaoh. Perhaps he feared being misunderstood, misrepresenting God's message, or simply not being able to command respect.
Humility: In ancient cultures, downplaying one's abilities was often seen as a virtue, an expression of humility before a higher power. Moses may have been diminishing his own abilities to show respect to God and acknowledging his dependence on Him.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Moses' feelings of inadequacy: He feels unprepared and unsuited for the monumental task God has given him.
His lack of confidence: He doubts his ability to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh.
His reliance on God: While he expresses doubt, he is still talking to God, showing a fundamental trust and willingness to be guided. His reluctance is not outright refusal, but rather a plea for God to consider his limitations.
God's patience and reassurance: This verse is part of a longer conversation where God reiterates his commitment and promise to Moses, reinforcing that the power lies with God, not Moses' own abilities. God does not address the speech impediment argument directly but reaffirms His power and the outcome.
This verse is significant because it reminds us that God often chooses imperfect and reluctant individuals to accomplish his purposes. Moses' initial resistance makes his eventual leadership even more compelling. It shows that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Exodus 6:12 - Moses spoke before Yahweh, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel haven’t listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh listen to me, who am of uncircumcised lips?”
What does "Exodus 6:12" mean?
This verse in Exodus 6:12 reflects Moses' profound sense of inadequacy and frustration as he is commissioned by God (Yahweh) to deliver the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. Let's break it down:
"Moses spoke before Yahweh...": This sets the scene, indicating that Moses is having a direct dialogue with God. He is voicing his concerns to the one who has given him this daunting task.
"...Behold, the children of Israel haven't listened to me.": This is Moses' first argument against his suitability for the task. He points out that the Israelites themselves have not heeded his words. He likely refers to the earlier attempt to speak to Pharaoh, where the Israelites' burdens were increased, leading to resentment towards Moses (Exodus 5). If his own people, who are desperate for deliverance, are not listening, how can he expect to convince the powerful and stubborn Pharaoh?
"How then shall Pharaoh listen to me...": This is the crux of his objection. If those sympathetic to his cause don't believe him, why would Pharaoh, who has every reason to reject his demands, listen to him? It's a logical question born out of Moses' experience and understanding of human nature.
"...who am of uncircumcised lips?": This is the most intriguing part. "Uncircumcised lips" is generally understood to be a metaphor for a speech impediment or difficulty in speaking articulately. It's not literally about physical circumcision. This could mean:
He had a literal speech impediment: Some interpret it that way. If true, Moses would be pointing out his physical inability to present a compelling argument.
He felt inadequate as a speaker: More likely, this is a broader statement about his lack of eloquence, persuasiveness, or confidence in public speaking. He feels unskilled and ill-equipped to negotiate with someone as imposing as Pharaoh. Perhaps he feared being misunderstood, misrepresenting God's message, or simply not being able to command respect.
Humility: In ancient cultures, downplaying one's abilities was often seen as a virtue, an expression of humility before a higher power. Moses may have been diminishing his own abilities to show respect to God and acknowledging his dependence on Him.
In essence, the verse highlights:
Moses' feelings of inadequacy: He feels unprepared and unsuited for the monumental task God has given him.
His lack of confidence: He doubts his ability to convince both the Israelites and Pharaoh.
His reliance on God: While he expresses doubt, he is still talking to God, showing a fundamental trust and willingness to be guided. His reluctance is not outright refusal, but rather a plea for God to consider his limitations.
God's patience and reassurance: This verse is part of a longer conversation where God reiterates his commitment and promise to Moses, reinforcing that the power lies with God, not Moses' own abilities. God does not address the speech impediment argument directly but reaffirms His power and the outcome.
This verse is significant because it reminds us that God often chooses imperfect and reluctant individuals to accomplish his purposes. Moses' initial resistance makes his eventual leadership even more compelling. It shows that God's strength is made perfect in weakness, and that God can use ordinary people to do extraordinary things.