Exodus 6:28-30
Speak to Pharaoh
Read the passage
28Now on the day that the LORD spoke to Moses in Egypt,
29He said to him, “I am the LORD; tell Pharaoh king of Egypt everything I say to you.”
30But in the LORD’s presence Moses replied, “Since I am unskilled in speech, why would Pharaoh listen to me?”
Berean Standard Bible
Read aloud
The LORD speaks to Moses in Egypt and gives him a direct command: tell Pharaoh everything God says. Moses answers with the concern that has followed him through the mission. He is unskilled in speech. Why would Pharaoh listen to him?
This exchange comes after the people have suffered more and Moses has brought his complaint to God. Nothing about Pharaoh's response has made the assignment easier. Yet the Lord still sends Moses with His word.
God begins by identifying Himself: “I am the LORD.” Moses begins with his inability to speak. Both are present in these three verses, but they do not carry equal weight. The message has authority because of the One who gives it, not because the messenger can guarantee a favorable hearing.
Moses is told to relay everything God says. He is not free to replace the command with something Pharaoh might prefer. The task before him is to speak faithfully while depending on the Lord who sent him.
Questions
1 Where is Moses when the LORD gives this command?
AnswerIn Egypt. He has returned to the place where Israel is enslaved and must speak to its king.
2 How does God begin His instruction?
AnswerHe says, “I am the LORD.” The command rests on God's identity and authority.
3 How much of God's message must Moses tell Pharaoh?
AnswerEverything God says to him. Moses is responsible to convey the message faithfully.
4 Why does Moses doubt that Pharaoh will listen?
AnswerHe says he is unskilled in speech. He sees his own difficulty communicating as an obstacle to being heard by the king.
What This Means for Us
We can become so concerned about how a message will be received that we change what needs to be said. Moses' commission reminds us that truth matters even when the listener is powerful or likely to object. Speaking faithfully does not mean speaking harshly; it means refusing to make the truth serve our desire for approval.
Before a difficult conversation, work out what you know, what you need to say, and what help you need. A person with a communication difficulty may need extra time, an interpreter, technology, or a trusted companion. Needing that support does not make their words less worth hearing.
Prayer
LORD, meet us when fear makes us feel unable to speak. Give us truthful words, wise companions, and courage to address power without shaming people whose communication is different. Amen.