Moshe's Difficulty Speaking

Parshat Va'Era

by Rabbi Avi Billet

Twice in Shmot Chapter 6 Moshe issues the claim that “Ani Aral S’fatayim.” I have an uncircumcised lip.

Strange language, for sure. Uncircumcised usually means there is something covering that which we want to reveal so its goodness can be utilized. That is certainly one of the subtexts of the mitzvah of Bris Milah. It is also the clear metaphorical meaning of the removal of the “foreskin of the heart” (Devarim 10:16).

This is not the first time Moshe has talked about his mouth. He made a claim of having a “kvad peh ukhvad lashon” in 4:10, which we could translate to mean “a heavy mouth and a heavy tongue.”

Of course, Chizkuni explains that deficiency as Moshe’s attempt at claiming he has forgotten how to speak Egyptian. Other commentaries try to explain exactly what Moshe’s speech impediment was. 

Suffice it to say, the fact that the Torah has very significant doses of Moshe speaking to God, to Pharaoh, and to all of Israel, it is hard to argue that he had a deformity and speech impediment.

This is why I have long been of the belief that Moshe’s speech impediment was in his mind. Ibn Ezra says he couldn’t get the words out. Does this mean a physical deficiency? Or could it be he had no confidence to speak publicly?

While Rashi suggests Moshe’s repetition of “Ani Aral S’fatayim” is in fact a repeat, the context of the verses paints a very different picture.

After having been assured by God that Aharon would be Moshe’s spokesperson to the people (4:16), it seems Moshe and Aharon carry out their duties (4:28-31). Then when they come before Pharaoh, Aharon’s role is expanded as the verse tells us “They spoke before Pharaoh.” (5:1,3) Originally only Moshe was to speak to Pharaoh! But he needed support, so the plan changed. But did it? Or HaChaim notes that only Moshe spoke in chapter 5, but the verse says “they” spoke because when the guy next to the spokesman is nodding his approval the whole time, it’s as if both of them are speaking.

Which brings us to our verses.

6:9 – Moshe tells over God’s instructions [from the beginning of chapter 6], and the people do not listen from shortness of breath and hard labor.

Next verse: “Speak to Pharaoh that he shall send Israel out of his land.” Moshe’s response: “Israel did not listen to me, how will Pharaoh listen to me? And I, uncircumcised lips.” (6:12)

Moshe’s argument, first and foremost, is that if Israel is not convinced to listen, certainly Pharaoh will not be interested. The Israelites need to want to leave! If they’re too focused on work to want to go, Pharaoh needs no convincing to let the slaves leave. They don’t want to go! And my lips situation, Or HaChaim says that’s another knock in my leadership with respect to Pharaoh. If Pharaoh sees I have a difficulty speaking (and here we can branch off and say it doesn’t matter if he has a speech impediment or a mental block in getting words out), he’ll further say “If your God is so powerful, why doesn’t He help you speak?”

God’s response to this is twofold. First, He commands both Moshe and Aharon to the Israelites and to Pharaoh. Or HaChaim suggests the word “commands” is the word used to describe how the prophet Shmuel “appointed” Shaul to be a leader over Israel. In other words, God was anointing both of them to be rulers over Pharaoh and over Egypt. It is quite clear that their clout everywhere is quickly lifted, even though it will take Pharaoh a long time to finally let Israel leave.

Second, we are told the lineage of the families of Reuven, Shimon and Levi, with Levi expanded down to Moshe and Aharon’s family. This helps us understand why Israel should be more tolerant and accepting of Moshe, understanding he is one of them. This point is emphasized in 6:26-27 when they are listed first as Aharon and Moshe, then as Moshe and Aharon – putting them on equal footing and billing – that they are the men in charge of both Israel and Pharaoh.

Again Moshe is told to speak to Pharaoh (6:29) and his response is “I am of uncircumcised lips, and how will Pharaoh hear me/ listen to me?”

In case Moshe’s appointment as king over Pharaoh hadn’t been made clear, God tells him (7:1) “See that I have placed as you as a god to Pharaoh, and Aharon your brother will be your prophet. You will say all that I command you, and Aharon your brother will speak to Pharaoh…” (7:2)

Was Moshe asking for his own status to be elevated above his brother? Wasn’t Moshe the humblest of people? Why did Moshe recall his lips situation after God said it would be addressed through the presence of Aharon?

I think it’s because Moshe knew and understood Pharaoh. Pharaoh’s initial response to Moshe indicated that he did not care about the One God. If Moshe and Aharon show up as co-kings, Pharaoh will say “I see you like the idea of multiple kings. Maybe you like the idea of multiple gods!”

Moshe’s feeling was that if God’s message – which no one else can hear - comes through me, a human intermediary, Pharaoh needs to see how such a thing can work in a manner he could relate to and understand.

If I have a speaking problem (again I think it’s a mind game, building confidence), and can’t be understood, if my prophet can speak on my behalf as I slowly build up confidence, my adversary is seeing how the system I believe in works. There’s a god, a prophet, and a recipient of the message. With a little creativity Pharaoh can put the pieces together and get the message.

But Moshe is most certainly not repeating himself. His concerns are global, in terms of what impact his inability to speak will have on the people. And that is why he expresses his concern, seemingly repeating himself, but in fact addressing the repercussions of the reality he’s facing, needing a slow build up of confidence until he’s ready to become the great leader and speaker, Moshe, our Master Teacher.