What did Moses mean by pointing out to God that he (Moses) was “of uncircumcised lips”? Obviously, he was using an analogy, since lips can’t literally be circumcised (nor can ears or hearts — other organs that various Scriptures describe as either “circumcised” or “uncircumcised”).
In Jewish culture, as a long-term result of God’s commandment (to Abraham) that all Jewish men be circumcised (literally), the term “uncircumcised” took on the connotation of “not the way it’s supposed to be.” Ears that are “uncircumcised” can’t hear clearly; hearts that are “uncircumcised” can’t feel emotions the way that they should. A man with “circumcised” lips would be able to speak clearly and boldly; Moses was saying, in effect, that he was too shy to do that.
Notice that God’s response to this objection was, essentially, to ignore it. In Exodus 6:13, immediately after Moses complained that he was “too shy,” the LORD “gave them a charge” — not responding to the objection, but simply repeating his commandment to them. It’s as if he said, “Never mind about that; just do what I told you to!”
God, please help us not to refuse to obey you just because we think that we’re too shy to be effective. You created our mouths in the first place (Exodus 4:11); you can speak through us no matter what our supposed limitations are.
John H. Roller
Extended Scripture: Exodus 5–6, KJV
