Exodus 4 Can't somebody else do it?

Exodus Chapter 4

Moses still is not convinced and the conversation continues.

God gives Moses 3 signs – his staff will turn into a snake if he throws it on the ground and if he puts his hand in his pocket it will come out leprous, put the hand back in it will be fine. The third sign is to take some river water and pour it on the ground and it will be blood when it lands.

Note - Leprosy was far more feared in the ancient world, so Moses second trick is likely to get people's attention.

Moses then mentions he has a bit of a stutter and cannot go to Pharaoh - Funnily enough it does not show in the writing!

God says that he gives the gift of speech and can strike dumb and a stutter is no handicap

Moses is left now with only one last option –

“Can’t somebody else do it?” 

It seems that God finally lost patience and allows Moses brother, Aaron, is coming, he can speak for you but the words will be yours.

Moses takes leave of his father in law, Jethro, and returns to Egypt

There is an odd moment on the way back – Moses does not appear to have circumcised his sons and when God meets him, he nearly dies. Zipporah (Mrs Moses) circumcises her son.

Moses tells the Israelites what God has told him and shows the signs, they believe that God has responded to their cries and worship.

I like that Moses tries his very hardest to wriggle out of his calling, but God really will not relent and eventually Moses becomes a great spiritual and political leader.