Ex 4:16-20
From Feast upon the Word (http://feastupontheword.org). Copyright, Feast upon the Word.
The Old Testament > Exodus > Chapter 4
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Questions
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Lexical notes
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Exegesis
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Verse 4: Instead of God
- The Lord tells Moses here that his brother Aaron will be to him "instead of a mouth" and that he will be to Aaron "instead of God." In this case the role of the prophet (to speak on behalf of God) is split in two: the receiver of the word of God (Moses) and the speaker (Aaron). Comparing each individually to the role of a prophet explains this verse. Moses is a prophet without a mouth, and Aaron takes this place. Aaron is like a prophet without the word of God and Moses takes this place.
- Because the role is spelled out in two parts, this verse provides a good explanation of the role of a prophet. Specifically the wording "instead of God" is intriguing. In a more general sense not only the prophet but all with the priesthood, act instead of God, i.e. on behalf of him. More general still, all who do as he would do act "instead of God." See Matt 25:34-46.
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