And Moses said—I am not eloquent— St. Stephen, Acts 7:22 says, that Moses was mighty in words, as well as in deeds: an expression, which is also used, Luke 24:19 of Christ, who is called a prophet, mighty in deed and word: by which is evidently meant, the excellence of each in legislation; the power of their words, considered as law-givers, and instructors of mankind; and also, as prophets foretelling future events: and in this sense there is no contradiction between the words of St. Stephen concerning Moses, and those in this verse: for, doubtless, a man may be an excellent lawgiver and prophet, and yet not excel at all in eloquence. And it was on account of his deficiency in this, (O Lord, I am not eloquent, but slow of speech, and of slow tongue,) that Moses here attempts to decline the office of an ambassador of GOD. The reply which the Almighty made to him, Exodus 4:11 was abundantly sufficient to obviate his objections. St. Paul, though powerful to persuade, seems to have been contemptible in speech, 2 Corinthians 10:16. St. Clement, in his epistle to the Corinthians, urges these words as a proof of the humility of Moses. The phrase, neither heretofore, nor since, signifies only, that he never was eloquent.
REFLECTIONS.—Moses still objects, and God continues to answer him.
1. He is not eloquent: though a man of great abilities, yet flow of speech. God thus distributes diversities of gifts to his servants. Some with deep understandings want expression and fluency; others, less solid in judgment, have words at will. Few possess all excellencies.
2. God reasons with him on his power and promise. The work is God's; he is able to accomplish it. It is his will, it shall be done. Note; Our gifts and graces are all from God; and if the ears are deaf to Gospel-calls, or the eyes blind to the things which make for our peace, God will be found just in his judgments.