Exodus 4:14

Translations

Modern

Then 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.

Traditional

And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? 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.

Literal

And the anger of YHWH burned against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he surely speaks. And also, behold, he is coming out to meet you, and he will see you, and he will be glad in his heart.

Latin

Iratus Dominus in Moysen, ait: Aaron frater tuus Levites, scio quod eloquens sit: ecce ipse egreditur in occursum tuum, vidensque te lætabitur corde.

Original

Hebrew

English

Then 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.

Notes

Exodus 4:14–17

God did not allow Moses to avoid his responsibility. However, he responded to the concern of Moses by appointing his brother Aaron to speak for him (14:16). Aaron would serve as the mouthpiece of Moses before Pharaoh and the people.

As the story continues, the text records fewer occasions when Aaron speaks on behalf of Moses. Moses increasingly speaks directly.

This suggests that the speaking difficulty of Moses may not have been as severe as he feared. It may also be that his confidence and ability grew with experience.

Exodus 4:10–17

The fourth and final protest of Moses was that he could not speak well. He seemed desperate to avoid this difficult task.

God was becoming angry at Moses for refusing to accept the truth. The outcome did not depend on the ability of Moses. Instead, it depended on his willingness to let God's power work through him.

Exodus 3:11–4:17

Moses, in his response to God, presented four reasons why he was not the one to fulfill God’s call. Although each reason supposedly relates to Moses and his ability, God’s answers show that they were really questions about God.

Exodus 3:1–4:28

This section describes the mission God gave Moses to rescue the Israelites from Egyptian slavery. It is divided into two parts, 3:1–4:17 and 4:18–28.

The first part describes God's call. The second part describes the full consequences of accepting that call. Moses not only experienced a career change, but he also had to completely change his life.

Theme notes and profiles

Aaron Egypt Moses Miraculous Signs in the Gospel of John

Related verses

Exodus 4:27
Meanwhile, the LORD had said to Aaron, “Go and meet Moses in the wilderness.” So he went and met Moses at the mountain of God and kissed him.
Mark 14:13–15
So He sent two of His disciples and told them, “Go into the city, and a man carrying a jug of water will meet you. Follow him,
1 Chronicles 21:7
This command was also evil in the sight of God; so He struck Israel.
1 Kings 11:9
Now the LORD grew angry with Solomon, because his heart had turned away from the LORD, the God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice.
2 Corinthians 2:13
I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
Acts 15:28
It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us not to burden you with anything beyond these essential requirements:
Philippians 2:21
For all the others look after their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Exodus 4:17
But take this staff in your hand so you can perform signs with it.”
Luke 9:59–60
Then He said to another man, “Follow Me.” The man replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.”
2 Corinthians 7:6–7
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the arrival of Titus,
1 Thessalonians 3:6–7
But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you.
2 Samuel 6:7
And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down on the spot for his irreverence, and he died there beside the ark of God.

People

Aaron: Moses' brother, first high priest of Israel Levi: Son of Jacob; progenitor of the Levites Moses: Prophet who led Israel out of Egypt

Glossary

Aaron Book of Exodus Bronze Snake, Bronze Serpent Deuteronomy, Book of History of Israel Joshua, Book of Ordain, Ordination Prophecy Prophet, Prophetess

Topics

Aaron: Meets Moses in the Wilderness and is Made Spokesman for Moses Call: To Special Religious Duty: Aaron and his Sons Call: To Special Religious Duty: Moses Communion: Moses Condescension of God: Reasons with Moses Disobedience to God in Making Excuses when Commissioned to Deliver Lsrael Faith: Trial of Moses, when Sent to Pharaoh Israel: Moses Commissioned As the Deliverer

Exodus 4:14

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