Exodus 4:12

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Exodus 4
  4. Exodus 4:12

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Exodus 1 Exodus 2 Exodus 3 Exodus 4 Exodus 5 Exodus 6 Exodus 7 Exodus 8 Exodus 9 Exodus 10 Exodus 11 Exodus 12 Exodus 13 Exodus 14 Exodus 15 Exodus 16 Exodus 17 Exodus 18 Exodus 19 Exodus 20 Exodus 21 Exodus 22 Exodus 23 Exodus 24 Exodus 25 Exodus 26 Exodus 27 Exodus 28 Exodus 29 Exodus 30 Exodus 31 Exodus 32 Exodus 33 Exodus 34 Exodus 35 Exodus 36 Exodus 37 Exodus 38 Exodus 39 Exodus 40

Verse

Exodus 4:1 Exodus 4:2 Exodus 4:3 Exodus 4:4 Exodus 4:5 Exodus 4:6 Exodus 4:7 Exodus 4:8 Exodus 4:9 Exodus 4:10 Exodus 4:11 Exodus 4:12 Exodus 4:13 Exodus 4:14 Exodus 4:15 Exodus 4:16 Exodus 4:17 Exodus 4:18 Exodus 4:19 Exodus 4:20 Exodus 4:21 Exodus 4:22 Exodus 4:23 Exodus 4:24 Exodus 4:25 Exodus 4:26 Exodus 4:27 Exodus 4:28 Exodus 4:29 Exodus 4:30 Exodus 4:31

Exodus 4:12 KJV

Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.

Previous Verse
« Exodus 4:11
Next Verse
Exodus 4:13 »

Exodus 4:12 Bible Commentary

Exodus 4:12 Commentary

Verse Reference: Exodus 4:12 - "Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."

Introduction

This pivotal verse in Exodus is a moment of divine reassurance directed towards Moses as he grapples with self-doubt about his ability to lead Israel out of Egypt. In this commentary, we will explore the multi-faceted implications of God's promise to Moses, drawing from public domain sources including Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke. These historical perspectives will help illuminate the text's theological, practical, and historical significance.

Contextual Analysis

The narrative leading to Exodus 4:12 involves God's calling of Moses from the burning bush. Moses presents several objections regarding his qualifications and capabilities to lead Israel. God's patient responses culminate in this verse, where He emphasizes the divine enablement that will accompany Moses throughout his mission.

Moses’ Objections

  • Inability to Speak: Moses expresses fear that he is not articulate enough. In earlier verses (Exodus 3:11 and Exodus 4:10), he points out his inadequacy, stating, “I am not eloquent.”
  • Concerns About Reception: He voices apprehensions about whether the Israelites would believe him (Exodus 4:1).
  • Self-Doubt: Moses shows a deep-seated belief in his limitations, leading to a reluctance to assume the mantle of leadership.

Theological Insights

The response from God found in Exodus 4:12 is a powerful affirmation of divine sovereignty and grace. It highlights several key theological themes:

Divine Assurance

God’s declaration, “I will be with thy mouth,” signifies that the effectiveness of Moses’ speech does not solely depend on human eloquence but on divine presence. As Matthew Henry notes, God's promise of assistance transcends human limitations, assuring that the true power lies in God's ability to speak through the undeserving.

God’s Equipping of Leaders

Albert Barnes emphasizes that God equips those He calls. The promise to “teach thee what thou shalt say” suggests that God prepares His servants through guidance and knowledge. This principle of divine teaching applies not only to Moses but to all believers who may feel inadequate in their calling.

The Call to Action

God’s imperative, “Now therefore go,” indicates the necessity of obedience and action. Adam Clarke comments that despite or even because of our fears, God still commands us to move forward in faith. This call encourages present-day believers that their weaknesses do not exempt them from service.

Practical Applications

From this verse, we can derive several practical applications for contemporary ministry and personal faith:

  • Embrace Divine Help: Believers are reminded to rely on God’s help in their callings. Like Moses, pastors, theologians, and students must trust in God’s enabling power.
  • Overcome Fear of Inadequacy: Many struggle with feelings of inadequacy in various forms of service. God's promise to Moses encourages us to confront these fears with faith.
  • Active Participation: God’s command emphasizes that action is required from us. One must not wait for perfect conditions but step forth confidently, knowing God accompanies them.

Historical Commentary

Throughout Christian history, Exodous 4:12 has been cited as a cornerstone for understanding divine calling. This assurance reflects God’s ongoing relationship with His people and His unwavering commitment to equip them for His purposes.

Lessons from Church History

Throughout centuries, leaders like Augustine, Luther, and missionaries have echoed Moses’ apprehension but ultimately found strength in God's promise. They serve as examples that the call of God often comes with challenges that necessitate reliance on His wisdom and strength.

Conclusion

In closing, Exodus 4:12 serves as a profound reminder of God's faithfulness in our weaknesses. As we delve into this this verse from multiple perspectives, we are encouraged to keep our eyes on God, who qualifies and equips those He calls. Whether in the context of leadership, scholarship, or personal faith, the assurance provided in this verse is timeless and universal, relevant to every believer answering God's call.

Exodus 4 (KJV) Verse Selection

Exodus 4:1 Exodus 4:2 Exodus 4:3 Exodus 4:4 Exodus 4:5 Exodus 4:6 Exodus 4:7 Exodus 4:8 Exodus 4:9 Exodus 4:10 Exodus 4:11 Exodus 4:12 Exodus 4:13 Exodus 4:14 Exodus 4:15 Exodus 4:16 Exodus 4:17 Exodus 4:18 Exodus 4:19 Exodus 4:20 Exodus 4:21 Exodus 4:22 Exodus 4:23 Exodus 4:24 Exodus 4:25 Exodus 4:26 Exodus 4:27 Exodus 4:28 Exodus 4:29 Exodus 4:30 Exodus 4:31

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »