Who had a fear of speaking in the Bible? This question brings to mind several notable figures from the Holy Scriptures who, despite their faith and importance in the biblical narrative, struggled with the daunting task of expressing themselves publicly. These individuals, often in high positions of leadership or witness, faced the fear of speaking due to various reasons, including the weight of their words, the influence they held, or the potential consequences of their statements. This article explores the stories of a few such individuals, highlighting their struggles and the ways in which they overcame their fears to fulfill their divine calling.
In the Old Testament, one of the most prominent figures who had a fear of speaking in the Bible was Moses. Despite being chosen by God to lead the Israelites out of Egyptian slavery, Moses repeatedly expressed his reluctance to speak. In Exodus 4:10-12, Moses argues with God, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither am I persuasive, neither have I the gift of speaking. For I am slow of speech and of tongue.” God’s response, however, was to assure Moses that He would be with him and provide the words to say. With God’s support, Moses eventually delivered the Ten Commandments to the Israelites, demonstrating his ability to overcome his fear of speaking.
Another individual who grappled with the fear of speaking was Gideon, a judge in the Book of Judges. Gideon was initially hesitant to accept his calling as a leader due to his own lack of confidence. In Judges 6:15, Gideon asks God, “If the Lord is with us, why then has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders that our fathers told us about, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up out of Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” Gideon’s fear was rooted in his own perceived inadequacy, but through a series of miraculous signs, God confirmed His presence and enabled Gideon to lead the Israelites to victory against the Midianites.
In the New Testament, Peter, a close follower of Jesus Christ, also experienced a fear of speaking. On the night of Jesus’ betrayal, Peter had vowed to stand by His Master, but when faced with the possibility of public recognition, he denied knowing Jesus three times (Matthew 26:69-75). This experience left Peter deeply ashamed and fearful of speaking in public. However, after Jesus’ resurrection, Peter found the courage to confess his faith and became a powerful witness for the Christian faith. In Acts 2:14-36, Peter delivers a powerful sermon that leads to the conversion of 3,000 souls, demonstrating his ability to overcome his fear of speaking.
These biblical figures serve as reminders that fear of speaking is not unique to modern-day individuals. In the face of immense pressure and the weight of their roles, they struggled with their fears but ultimately overcame them to fulfill their divine purposes. Their stories encourage us to trust in God’s support and guidance, enabling us to find the courage to express our faith and share the message of His love with others.
