Old Testament Scholars: What is the point of Moses' ongoing reluctance to follow God's direction in Exodus 4?

Answer 1

I am no OT Scholar, but I did have Theology with PL.

Moses was a sinner, and as such, like all of us, we are often unwilling to follow God's direction, even when we know God knows best (sorry no Nick At Night show).

If you look at it from a purely theatrical standpoint, it is building a crescendo toward climax. Usually in theatre, stuff comes in threes. Moses are ya gonna do it? No.
Moses are ya gonna do it? NO.
Moses are ya gonna do it? NO NO NO NO NO.
Okay Moses, have it your way (not at Burger King, cuz they aint kosher).
ALL RIGHT GOD, I'll do it your way, just stop pestering me about it (Good God Moses, don't say that to the Lord!!!), but I'm going to send someone in my place because I'm Fowl Feces...Is it alright if I send, say, Aaron?

Answer 2

Yes, he was embarassed about the speech problem, according to the mythology. But, the reason he was disobedient, was because he was disgruntled and frustrated. He probably figured out that the "god cloud" had led everyone in circles for years, and I'm sure the people would have been complaining about everything. Plus, he didn't want to be a leader to begin with.

Answer 3

Because he was so humble he really didn't believe that he was worthy of such a task. He also didn't think anyone one would listen to him because he had a speech impediment from putting the hot coal in his mouth when he was a child. (The test that Pharaoh had given him when he was a child with the jewelry and the burning embers to see which one he would go for which his advisors said would determine whether he was the one meant to overthrow Pharaoh. The Angel Gabriel pushed his hand from the jewelry to the coals to save his life)

Answer 4

Exodus 3
11 But Moses said to God, "Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the Israelites out of Egypt?"

13 Moses said to God, "Suppose I go to the Israelites and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his name?' Then what shall I tell them?"




Exodus 4
1 Moses answered, "What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, 'The LORD did not appear to you'?"

10 Moses said to the LORD, "Pardon your servant, Lord. I have never been eloquent, neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant. I am slow of speech and tongue."


13 But Moses said, "Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else."


I think it boils down to fear.