The Role of Aaron in God’s Communication with Moses: A Closer Look

The Role of Aaron in God’s Communication with Moses: A Closer Look

In the biblical narrative of the Exodus, Aaron and Moses are central figures, especially regarding their roles in communication and leadership. This article explores why God chose Aaron to assist Moses, focusing on Moses' alleged speech impediment.

Mysteries of the Exodus

The story of the Exodus has been a subject of literary and theological interest for centuries. One common question is why God did not communicate directly with Aaron, the first Israelite priest, rather than through his brother Moses. The inherent drama and complexity of the story, especially in relation to Moses' speech difficulties, add to its intrigue.

Moses' Speech Impediment

Moses, despite his humble beginnings, faced a significant challenge in his ability to communicate effectively. In Exodus 4:10, Moses expressed his concerns to God about his speech impediment:

Moses now said to Jehovah: “Pardon me Jehovah but I have never been a fluent speaker neither in the past nor since you have spoken to your servant for I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.” [Exodus 4:10 KJV]

His stutter, or difficulty in speaking, was more than a personal deterrent; it was a considerable obstacle for a leader who needed to convey God's messages to the people.

Aaron’s Role as an Assistant

In response to Moses' concerns, God immediately proposed a solution. As noted in Exodus 4:14-16:

14 Then Jehovah’s anger blazed against Moses and he said: “What about your brother Aaron the Levite I know that he can speak very well. And he is now on his way here to meet you. When he sees you his heart will rejoice. 15 So you must speak to him and put the words in his mouth and I will be with you and him as you speak and I will teach you men what to do.” [Exodus 4:14-15 KJV]

Aaron, Moses' elder brother, was a natural choice due to his fluency and articulate speaking skills. This arrangement not only circumvented Moses' speech impediment but also added layers of narrative interest to the story. Aaron’s ability to speak well demonstrated the importance of effective communication in leadership, especially during critical times.

God’s Adaptability and Wisdom

God's decision to use Aaron to assist Moses highlights His wisdom and adaptability. By choosing a companion who was not hindered by a speech impediment, God ensured that the message of redemption could still be conveyed effectively. This choice also underscored the principle that God can use the strengths of His servants to achieve His purposes, even when faced with challenges.

Historical Context and Changing Linguistic Skills

It is important to note that Moses' speech difficulty may have been exacerbated by his extended absence in Midian. The text states that Moses had not spoken Egyptian for 40 years, making it difficult for him to communicate directly with Pharaoh (as mentioned in Exodus 4:14-16). Similarly, in modern contexts, like the case of Gus from Liberia, individuals who study abroad and then return to their home countries often struggle with the language skills of their earlier years. Such scenarios further illustrate the importance of communication in leadership and the need for adaptability.

Conclusion

The story of Aaron and Moses in the Exodus is rich with theological and literary significance. Aaron’s role as an assistant to Moses not only resolved a practical challenge but also added depth to the narrative. Through this arrangement, God demonstrated His adaptability and wisdom in ensuring that His message was communicated effectively.