E4-5: When humbleness becomes a sin

But Moses said, “Pardon your servant, Lord. Please send someone else. ”Then the Lord’s anger burned against Moses and he said, “What about your brother, Aaron the Levite? I know he can speak well. He is already on his way to meet you, and he will be glad to see you.-Exodus 4:14

Rashi, that great medieval French rabbi and author of a comprehensive commentary on the Tanakh described Moses as one who had little faith in God.

He goes on to mention that Moses’s persistent reluctance to accept the mission given to him was ultimately the reason why he was barred from entering the Promised Land.

Rashi’s perspective is interesting and he does have a good point.

Although we are called to be humble, there is a point when humbleness can lead to sin.

I’m talking about the difference between a “humbleness that leads you to surrender your will to God” and a “humbleness you hide behind to avoid the will of God for your life” and Moses was demonstrating the latter.

What Moses was really telling God via his “humble” reluctance was that he didn’t trust God.

Ultimately, he was demonstrating his lack of faith. 

And the Scripture tells us the Lord’s anger burned against Moses because it.

Well, God puts a quick end to that conversation by telling him that Aaron his older brother will serve as his official mouthpiece.

And thus the official pecking order is established.

God will speak to Moses, Moses will speak to Aaron, and Aaron will speak to Pharaoh.