And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Moses, and he said, Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he comes forth to meet you: and when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart.
anger.
2 Samuel 6:7 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.
1 Kings 11:9 And the LORD was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the LORD God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice,
1 Chronicles 21:7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore he smote Israel.
cometh.
Exodus 4:17 And thou shalt take this rod in thine hand, wherewith thou shalt do signs.
1 Samuel 10:1-7 Then Samuel took a vial of oil, and poured it upon his head, and kissed him, and said, Is it not because the LORD hath anointed thee to be captain over his inheritance? …
Mark 14:13-15 And he sendeth forth two of his disciples, and saith unto them, Go ye into the city, and there shall meet you a man bearing a pitcher of water: follow him…
and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother?
God introduces Aaron, Moses' biological brother, emphasizing familial ties. Aaron's designation as a Levite is significant, as the Levites were later set apart for priestly duties (Numbers 3:5-10). This foreshadows Aaron's future role as the first high priest of Israel. The mention of Aaron also underscores God's provision and preparation, as He had already planned for Aaron to assist Moses.
I know that he can speak well
God acknowledges Aaron's eloquence, addressing Moses' concern about his own speaking abilities (Exodus 4:10). This demonstrates God's omniscience and His ability to equip His servants with the necessary resources. Aaron's speaking skills complement Moses' leadership, illustrating how God uses different gifts within the body of believers (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).
and he is now on his way to meet you
This phrase shows God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, as He orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. Aaron's journey to meet Moses is a divine appointment, reflecting how God prepares the way for His plans to unfold. This meeting is pivotal for the liberation of the Israelites, as it marks the beginning of their joint mission.
When he sees you, he will be glad in his heart
Aaron's joy upon seeing Moses signifies the unity and support between the two brothers. This joy is a testament to God's ability to bring encouragement and confirmation through others. It also highlights the importance of fellowship and partnership in ministry, as seen in Ecclesiastes 4:9-10. Aaron's gladness foreshadows the collaborative effort required to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.
“Then the anger of the LORD burned against Moses” (Exodus 4:14).
• Moses had just offered a fourth objection (4:13), revealing persistent reluctance even after miraculous signs and divine assurance.
• The text portrays God’s anger as righteous, not capricious; it is the same holy indignation seen in Numbers 11:1 and Psalm 106:40.
• God’s wrath underscores that repeated unbelief grieves Him (Hebrews 3:15-19), yet His anger never contradicts His compassion (Isaiah 54:8).
Despite burning anger, “He said” (4:14 b).
• The Lord’s willingness to keep speaking shows remarkable patience (Psalm 103:8; Exodus 34:6).
• Divine communication is grace in action: correction without abandonment (Proverbs 3:12; Revelation 3:19).
God answers Moses’ excuse about speaking ability by pointing to Aaron.
• Mentioning “the Levite” hints at Aaron’s future priestly role (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 3:10).
• Family ties become God’s chosen channel for partnership, prefiguring the body of Christ where members supply what others lack (1 Corinthians 12:21).
The Lord’s omniscience surfaces: “I know.”
• God affirms Aaron’s gifting, a reminder that abilities come from Him (James 1:17).
• He pairs complementary gifts—Moses’ prophetic authority with Aaron’s eloquence—similar to how He later unites Paul and Silas (Acts 15:40).
Providence is already in motion.
• Before Moses voiced his concern, God had dispatched Aaron (Isaiah 65:24).
• This assures believers that the Lord prepares solutions in advance (Genesis 22:14; Romans 8:28).
God promises relational encouragement.
• Aaron’s joy will counter Moses’ insecurity, echoing Jonathan’s support of David (1 Samuel 23:16).
• Genuine gladness in service fosters unity and courage (Philippians 2:2; 2 Timothy 1:16-17).
Exodus 4:14 reveals a God who, though rightly angered by persistent doubt, remains patient, speaks clearly, and supplies exactly what His servant lacks. He orchestrates relationships, equips with complementary gifts, and provides timely encouragement, proving that His purposes will stand even when His people hesitate.
(14) The Levite.--Aben-Ezra and Rosenmller think that this was the usual designation of the brother of Moses among the Israelites, who thus distinguished him from other Aarons. But as a distinguishing mark, the term would be superfluous here, since "thy brother" prevented the possibility of any other Aaron being thought of. Probably, the term is a title of honour, the priestly character already attaching to the tribe in God's counsels.I know that he can speak well.--Heb., I know that speaking he can speak. Facility of utterance, rather than excellence of speech, is intended.
And also, i.e., not only does his ready speech make him a suitable person to appoint, but he is coming to join thee, so that he and thou may arrange your respective parts at once.
Verse 14. - The anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses. The expression used is a strong one, but does not perhaps here mean more than that God was displeased. At least, he did not punish the offender in any severer way than by the withholding of a gift that he was ready to bestow, and the partition between two of a position and a dignity which Moses might have had all to himself. Perhaps diffidence and self-distrust, even when out of place, are not altogether abhorrent to One whose creatures are continually offending him by presumption and arrogance. Is not Aaron the Levite thy brother? I know, etc. This translation is wrong. The two clauses form one sentence, and should be rendered, "Do I not know that Aaron the Levite, thy brother, speaks well?" Aaron's designation as "the Levite" is remarkable, and seems to glance at the future consecration of his tribe to God's especial service. Behold, he cometh forth to meet thee. It has been conjectured that Aaron designed to visit Moses in Midian, in order to convey to him the intelligence that the king who had sought his life (Exodus 2:15) was dead. He did not, however, start on the journey till God gave him a special direction (ver. 27).