Then I said, "Sovereign LORD, you have completely deceived the people of Jerusalem! You have said there would be peace, but a sword is at their throats."

Then I said, "Sovereign LORD, you know that the prophets are telling the people that there will be no war or starvation, because you have promised, they say, that there will be only peace in our land."

"Sovereign LORD, you made the earth and the sky by your great power and might; nothing is too difficult for you.

Then Moses answered the LORD, "But suppose the Israelites do not believe me and will not listen to what I say. What shall I do if they say that you did not appear to me?"

But Moses said, "No, LORD, don't send me. I have never been a good speaker, and I haven't become one since you began to speak to me. I am a poor speaker, slow and hesitant."

Now, go! I will help you to speak, and I will tell you what to say."

At this the LORD became angry with Moses and said, "What about your brother Aaron, the Levite? I know that he can speak well. In fact, he is now coming to meet you and will be glad to see you.

He will be your spokesman and speak to the people for you. Then you will be like God, telling him what to say.

But Moses replied, "Even the Israelites will not listen to me, so why should the king? I am such a poor speaker."

But Moses answered, "You know that I am such a poor speaker; why should the king listen to me?"

I said, "There is no hope for me! I am doomed because every word that passes my lips is sinful, and I live among a people whose every word is sinful. And yet, with my own eyes I have seen the King, the LORD Almighty."

O LORD God, you have let me succeed my father as king, even though I am very young and don't know how to rule.

So give me the wisdom I need to rule your people with justice and to know the difference between good and evil. Otherwise, how would I ever be able to rule this great people of yours?"